Staff Relations Officer P2 - Rome, Italy

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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.

Are you a Staff Relations Specialist interested in further developing your professional experience while contributing to ending global hunger? Are you passionate about helping those in need? Would you like to join a global organization investing in its people?

If so, an exciting & fulfilling career awaits you! Join our diverse and passionate team that works on varied and international projects directly contributing to saving & changing millions of lives around the globe.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications must be submitted by Sun****day, September 25, 2022 (11:59 PM CET)

WHO WE ARE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), a highly prestigious, reputable & world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in more than 120 countries and territories, bringing life-saving assistance in emergencies, building pathways to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change and supporting sustainable and resilient livelihoods for a world with zero hunger.

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: UN World Food Programme (WFP) and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

WHY JOIN US?

• 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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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 grievances and disciplinary matters. HRMSR's goal is to protect the integrity and efficiency of WFP, while also ensuring that WFP's internal justice system reflects principles of fairness and due process. In addition, HRMSR works with managers, other offices, and staff representative bodies to advance WFP’s approach to address abusive conduct (harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination) and promote a healthy work environment and constructive staff-management relations, including through consultations on policy initiatives and through the informal resolution of grievances and potential workplace conflict.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Within delegated authority, you will be responsible inter alia for:

STAFF-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS:

• Provide background briefings and propose positions to Chief, HRMTR or other more senior HR Officers on issues related to staff management relations;
• Provide secretariat and liaison support for relations between management and staff representatives; follow-up with relevant parties on issues arising from formal and informal consultation with the staff representative bodies.

OPERATIONS:

• Assist in the review and preparation of initial draft positions on investigation reports, performance rebuttal requests, and contract-related grievances from employees in line with the organisation’s policies – for review by a more senior HR Officer;
• Review reports of abusive conduct lodged with HR for advice and possible intervention;
• Contribute to prepare management responses, providing legally sound basis for proposed courses of management action to allegations of misconduct, complaints/grievances, management or employee requests for unsatisfactory performance-related issues;
• Review and research previous HR historical cases and tribunal jurisprudence to guide the unit’s area of work;
• Assist, review and present initial positions and recommendations on specific cases and/or general policy interpretation issues;
• Assist in the review of documentation of the contract conversion (to Continuing appointment) for the HQ General Service category;
• Participate in briefing sessions on HRMSR area of work, including in the orientation programme and technical briefings on HRMSR area of work;
• Participate in relevant ad hoc working groups internally;
• Keep abreast of legal and other related developments in areas of administration of justice.

ADVISORY SERVICES:

• Provide advice and counsel employees in respect of rights, responsibilities, code of conduct and difficulties associated with work and entitlements;
• Provide initial review and recommendations to the HRMSR Officers/Unit Chief, HR Offices worldwide on HRMSR area of work, especially on managing probationary performance, addressing abusive conduct and contract conversion exercise;
• Provide initial analysis of disciplinary and employment termination issues, evaluate impact of policies on WFP and make sound recommendations to develop related policies to meet evolving WFP needs;
• Research trends and systemic issues in ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) and United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) jurisprudence, and propose recommendations to HR management to address such issues;
• Support HR personnel in other offices;
• Provide proactive and innovative approaches to delivery of HRMSR services.

COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION:

• Participate in divisional and inter-divisional meetings and working groups on related areas of work;
• Assist in the planning and contribute to implement approved HRMSR activities;
• Deliver awareness raising on issues relating to addressing abusive conduct and other forms of misconduct.

OTHER:

• Ensure the unit’s databases properly reflect accurate statistical data on case management;
• Prepare initial reports and participate in special HR/HRMSR project(s) to ensure quality control and timely turn-around of cases;
• Contribute to developing branch’s work plan and ensure compliance with own work plan;
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial/Labour Relations or Law, or a first university degree with additional years (2 years) of related work experience.

EXPERIENCE

• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of human resources management, industrial/labour relations, and/or law practice.
• Experience with managing industrial relations, disciplinary matters, disputes, grievances, and contested employee separations is strongly desired.
• Experience in a United Nations system entity is desirable.

LANGUAGE

• Fluency (level C) in the English language.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language) is an asset.

MORE ABOUT YOU

You have:

• An understanding of the policy and legal implications of decisions in disputes and grievances with employees.
• Ability to provide advise management in matters requiring a balancing of competing priorities and levels of risk exposure.
• Good written and oral advocacy skills, as well as analytical ability, to provide support to management.
• Good theoretical knowledge of the broad range of potentially contentious issues arising in human resources practice, particularly in connection with staff-management relations and the application of human resources policies, rules and principles;
• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner, including ability to draft/prepare briefing notes, presentations, legal submissions and reports and to communicate effectively orally;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to independently conduct research, process information, prepare reports, and provide advice on a range of relatively complex and intricate employment-related 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, national and cultural background;
• Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time efficiently;
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

These are the common standards of behaviour that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Leads by Example with Integrity Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative Teamwork Applies Strategic Thinking Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships Lives the WFP values and shows humanity and integrity by role modelling care for others

Delivers on commitments and adapts readily to change

Is inclusive and collaborative, and contributes to a culture of learning and personal growth

Demonstrates commitment to gather perspectives, analyse options and risks, and propose new ways of doing things

Builds and nurtures external partnerships and collaborates with partners to deliver common objectives

Different expectations of behaviour are defined depending on your grade and role/responsibilities within WFP.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. This position is open to both internal and external candidates.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards (http://icsc.un.org) including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.

The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy to take up this assignment.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• 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.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• 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
• Please contact us at [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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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.