UNV Human Resources 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.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. The UNV will be working within the UNICEF Mali Human Resources Unit which is composed of 6 staff members (2 IP, 2 NO and 2 GS). This Unit oversees the human resources management function (recruitment of staff and individual contractors and consultants, talent identification, capacity building and training, onboarding and offboarding, succession planning, support to staff and advice to Senior Management regarding staffing and related HR management issues) within the Mali CO composed of 6 offices: the main office (Bamako) and 5 field offices (Gao, Tombouctou, Mopti, Kayes and Sikasso)

The HR Specialist (IUNV), within their area of responsibility, is accountable for implementing HR services that enhance the capacity of their clients to deliver on their 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. Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the HR Manager, and in close collaboration with all Operations Units and Programme Sections, the UN Volunteer Human Resources Specialist will undertake the following tasks: 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 for all categories of staff  Provide accurate and timely advice to clients on HR processes and policies, ensuring the highest level of client-orientation to all categories of staff  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, regional 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  Contribute to strategic work force planning and recruitment of all categories of personnel (staffs, consultants) and their orientation and induction  Contribute to the implementation of key HR initiatives and strategies, such as : the Mali CO strategy for improving gender and geographic diversity; the Mali CO strategy to attract, retain and motivate staff of the highest caliber; the analysis of factors affecting turnover  Contribute to the implementation of the global OneHR Strategy (2022-2025) and the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy  Contribute to the implementation of the Mali 2022 Global Staff Survey Action Plan and reporting; and other Duty of Care Initiatives

Results/expected outputs: As an active UNICEF personnel, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF, Specialists at this level analyse requests received from managers, supervisors and staff and make recommendations or take technical sound actions. Examples of such actions at this level include provision of a wide range of HRBP services such as : recruitment of staff and other types of personnel; orientation and induction; policy interpretation and guidance, contribution to the design and implementation of local HR initiatives and strategies. As seasoned HR professional, the Specialist’s work reflects directly on the professionalism of the incumbent and the overall reputation of the UNICEF Mali HR team for technical quality in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to client needs and customer service approach to problem resolution. The position covers a range of HR specialties and would normally have access to advice from specialists in the individual specialties (broad in scope but restricted depth of treatment of subject matter). The position will also require more in-depth analysis in order to solve case-by-case problems independently to produce the expected results in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Quality and on time recruitment of staff and other types of personnel o Quality and on time orientation and induction of new staffs and other types of personnel o Quality and timely HR solutions, policy interpretation and advice o Field missions and technical support to the field-based managers and staff o Quality contribution to the design and implementation of local strategies and initiatives o Provide a final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

 Diversity and inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible.  Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decisionmaking from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority.  Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause.  Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well structured and logical way.  Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.  Drive for results: Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

national and/or international level in Human Resources Management; experience with UNICEF an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. Familiarity with Humanitarian work / emergency preparedness and response is highly desirable  Area of expertise requirement: Strategic  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.  Technical  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.  Interpersonal and Communication  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 incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication and client orientation, and who must be willing both to work on substantive aspects and to provide operational services. The following qualifications are required: o Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity e-recruitment platform; and office technology equipment o Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; o Good listening capacity and excellent interpersonal skills

Mali in general and Bamako in particular, are exciting places to live and to work. Population is generally welcoming to foreigners. Cost of living is relatively low even if imported goods can be expensive. Supermarkets are accessible and generally well supplied. Health structures are average and only the UN Clinic and a few private health facilities offer acceptable services, not necessarily covering all specialties. Accommodation can easily be found at acceptable prices. Security in Bamako should be given due attention, it is important to follow UNDSS and the internal Security Adviser recommendations when in Bamako or on missions to the field offices. Availability of water and electricity must be considered when looking for an accommodation as shortages happen more and more frequently in some areas. The telecom infrastructure and internet access are good in town at acceptable prices. Mali is an exciting country. It provides opportunity for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than many places to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in sometimes difficult and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. The Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for Bamako is 8 weeks; and UNICEF pays the UN lump sum for the R&R travel.