Staff Relations Consultant

Overview

Provide specialized support to the Staff Relations Branch at WFP.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in Law or Human Resources Management.
• At least 5 to 10 years of professional experience in the field of human resources management or law.
• Practical experience in advising on investigative and disciplinary matters, employment grievances and disputes is a strong asset.
• Coaching, mediation, conflict resolution training and/or experience is desirable.
• Expertise in the fields of human resources management, employment disputes, investigative and/or disciplinary matters within the UN system is required.
• A good understanding of the policy and/or legal implications of decisions in employment disputes and in matters of discipline and conduct, is expected.
• Working knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English is required.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian or Chinese) or Portuguese is desirable.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

1 March 2026-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Consultant Level II DUTY STATION: Home-based DURATION: Until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT: The Staff Relations Branch (HRMSR) reports to the Director, Human Resources Division and is responsible for providing strategic advice to senior management in connection with employee grievances and disciplinary matters. The branch's goal is to protect the integrity and efficiency of the Programme, while also ensuring that WFP's internal justice system reflects principles of fairness and due process. In addition, Staff Relations works with managers, other offices, and staff representative bodies to promote a healthy workplace environment and constructive relations between staff and management, including through consultations on policy initiatives and through informal resolution of grievances and potential workplace conflict.

We are seeking two home-based Consultants to provide specialized support to the Staff Relations Branch.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handle a wide range of disciplinary matters of varying degrees of sensitivity and complexity, including in relation to alleged harassment, abuse of authority and sexual misconduct: review and analyze fact-finding reports and underlying evidence, provide advice to HR management and draft relevant documentation, including memoranda for informed decision-making by senior management and employee notifications.
• Advise on the implementation of protective measures for employees, including non-disciplinary suspension pending investigation or disciplinary processes.
• Work on effectively addressing concerns of inappropriate and abusive behaviour: engage with employees concerned, gather relevant information, recommend possible action and support managerial interventions.
• Contribute to designing and implementing improved policies and procedures in the above areas of work.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT: Provision of sound and practical written and verbal advice and assistance in the above areas of responsibility, ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Education: Advanced university degree in Law or Human Resources Management.

Experience:

• At least 5 to 10 years of professional experience in the field of human resources management or law.
• Practical experience in advising on investigative and disciplinary matters, employment grievances and disputes is a strong asset.
• Coaching, mediation, conflict resolution training and/or experience is desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Expertise in the fields of human resources management, employment disputes, investigative and/or disciplinary matters within the UN system is required.
• A good understanding of the policy and/or legal implications of decisions in employment disputes and in matters of discipline and conduct, is expected.
• Ability to advise management in matters requiring a balancing of competing priorities and levels of risk exposure.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills, as well as ability to provide support to management.
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively. Strong analytical skills and ability to independently conduct research, process information, prepare reports, and provide advice on a range of relatively complex issues, with a solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to establish and maintain effective, respectful and harmonious working relations with all individuals, regardless of gender, nationality and cultural background.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

Languages:

• Working knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian or Chinese) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is desirable.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.
• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at [email protected] for technical support only.
• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.
• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: wfp.org