HR Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) based in Nairobi, Kenya, provides oversight and guidance to UNICEF’s work in 21 countries. Led by the Regional Director (RD), ESARO provides oversight, policy advice, programme and operational guidance, management and technical support to the 21 UNICEF Country Offices (COs) in the region. ESARO also coordinates UNICEF's engagement at interagency level and in representation of the organisation in the region, and guides country office humanitarian preparedness and response, partnership and resource mobilization efforts.

The International UN Volunteer will be in the Human Resources Section of UNICEF ESARO.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Human Resources Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer HR Specialist will be accountable for implementing HR services that enhance the capacity of their clients to deliver business goals and objectives. In doing so, the incumbent demonstrates the ability to anticipate HR-related needs and develop subsequent plans and solutions that align HR management with business objectives. Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Business Partnering

• Serve as the single point of contact for his/her client portfolio on advice pertaining to all aspects of the employment life cycle. • Provide accurate and timely advice to clients on HR processes and policies, ensuring the highest level of client-orientation. • Proactively advise clients on the resolution of human resources issues ensuring equitable and transparent solutions that protects both the staff and organizations interests in accordance with policies, regulations and procedures. • Promote the organizational goals and targets for gender equity and cultural diversity.

Strategic Human Resources

• Liaise with the HQ Divisions and country offices to support and contribute to corporate HR strategy formulation and global implementation. Provide feedback and make recommendations on the establishment and improvement of HR systems, policies and processes. • Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in HR management and contribute to the development of global policies, procedures and introduce innovation through sharing of best practices and knowledge learned.

Implementation of assigned Human Resources Services

• Provide support to various or one specific HR occupation (recruitment, job classification, career development, performance management, data analytics, learning & development etc.) to help their supervisors in implementing efficient client services that help either attract, retain and/or motivate staff of the highest caliber. • When assigned casework in the relevant area on either a routine or non-routine basis, analyze and synthesize issues and problems, and interpret established, formal guidelines to address and recommend solutions or further actions required. • Act as the focal point for UNV and Interns in the office, contributing to Young UNICEF agenda.

Learning and Capacity Development

• In collaboration with business owners, design and deliver learning plans for staff to enhance their knowledge and build skills in new areas. • Contributes to the mapping of competencies for all staff in assigned client portfolio, assisting in the development of a comprehensive framework in support of the development of the talent pipeline. • Recommend efficient and cost-effective learning products which strengthen staff capacity to contribute effectively to business goals. • Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders. • Provide orientation briefings to new staff. • Provide day-to-day performance and talent management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counselling, career development, career conversations, and disciplinary actions).

HR Data Analytics

• Interpret, analyze and present HR data to help inform strategic decision making on HR processes and strategies. • Develop data collection systems to optimize data quality. • Coordinate with country offices and partners to provide assistance in their HR information management.

Core Values • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Accountability

Core Competencies • Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1) • Works Collaboratively with others (1) • Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1) • Innovates and Embraces Change (1) • Thinks and Acts Strategically (1) • Drive to achieve impactful results (1) • Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

UN Volunteers are additionally expected to demonstrate genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision.

human resource management in an international organization and/or large corporation is required. The additional experience and skills required are:

• Demonstrated experience and ability to implement targeted and innovative human resources strategies to address clients’ people-related needs.

• Ability to implement innovative HR programs within a fast paced, evolving, and wide organizational setting.

• In-depth technical knowledge of the principles and concepts of human resources management.

• Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve same.

• Excellent knowledge of organizational and HR information technology systems and tools.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse organization tailoring language, tone, style and format to match audience.

• Ability to empathize with client managers, supervisors and staff while advocating for consistent and equitable applications of promulgated HR regulations and rules.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation of 581,309 km2, on the coast of East Africa, neighbouring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of about 48 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 5,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP.

The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UN Volunteer would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.