United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About Office/Institute

United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system and is a UNU institute based at the university’s headquarters in Tokyo, dedicated to advancing global efforts towards a more sustainable future. UNU-IAS serves the international community through policy relevant research and capacity development focused on sustainability, integrating its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The activities of the institute are in three thematic areas: sustainable societies, natural capital and biodiversity, and global change and resilience. The work of UNU-IAS is directed towards priority issues for the UN system and Member States, contributing to high-level policymaking and debates to address problems of global concern. For more information, please visit http://ias.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNU-IAS Director, under the direct guidance and supervision of the Head of Programme and Administration of UNU-IAS, and in close coordination with the Finance and Administration Analyst, the HR Associate is accountable for HR service provision, transactions, and advice to internal clients on the full HR life cycle administration. The incumbent establishes internal procedures, interprets and applies UNU policies, procedures, and guidelines, provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex HR administrative issues, and, where necessary, monitors compliance with the UNU Personnel Policy and UN Staff Regulations and Rules as appropriate.

The HR Associate works in close collaboration with the UNU Chief of Human Resources, UNU Centre Human Resources, UNU HR Focal Points, and UNDP/GSSU in Copenhagen to resolve complex HR-related issues and information exchange. In addition, the HR Associate liaises with the local authorities.

1. Provides support to the administration and implementation of HR strategies and policies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Monitors compliance of HR activities within UNU Personnel Policy, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNU HR policies and procedures, effective implementation, and proper functioning of the HR management systems;
• Provides advice, support and recommendations to management and personnel on changes, implementation and application of HR regulations, rules, policies, procedures, and entitlements;
• Plans and implements human resources-related strategies identified in the UNU-IAS Strategic Plan, including ensuring a safe and supportive working environment and supporting the professional career development of personnel;
• Supports with developing and implementing HR communication strategies, ensuring effective communication of HR policies, initiatives, and changes to personnel; and
• Acts as the knowledge leader for all personnel areas, including but not limited to Fixed Term Appointments, Personal Service Agreements, and Consultant Contracts.

2. Provides HR administrative services in the field of recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and entitlements focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provides advice on the interpretation and application of HR policies, rules and regulations related to recruitment and staffing;
• Organizes personnel recruitment, contract extension and separation processes, facilitates recruitment processes and vacancy announcements, documents panel recommendations, prepares submission to the Rector, the Director, and to the Central Review Board or Panel;
• Monitors integrity of the processes and understands the connection between HR and financial management;
• Drives and initiates recruitment outreach activities to improve the quality of candidates and their diversity and contributes to positive candidate experience through timely and appropriate communications; and
• Fully briefs and supports personnel in the HR onboarding process.

3. Coordinates personnel performance management, employee engagement, supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing at the Institute:

• Provides personnel and management training and advice on the performance management process and monitors Institute-wide compliance;
• Lead employee engagement initiatives at the institute level;
• Develops, organizes, and provides training/briefing sessions and periodically reviews and updates the knowledge products and information materials, including workflow and user guide, on HR topics in the shared folder;
• Acts as HR leave focal point, trains personnel on absence management module, assists personnel who have questions on leave; provides attendance related reports; and
• Monitors completion of mandatory courses.

4. Provides other HR services focusing on the following:

• Develops diversity and inclusion efforts by implementing strategies to attract, retain, and promote a diverse workforce, and ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all personnel;
• Manages employee relations matters, including conducting investigations, resolving conflicts, and providing guidance on disciplinary procedures and grievance handling, promoting the UN Values and Behaviors framework;
• Supports HR data management, including maintaining accurate employee records, generating reports, and analyzing HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement;
• Coordinates HR services on various non-staff contractual modalities including Personal Service Agreement (PSA), Consultant Contract (CTC), Institutional Contractual Agreement (ICA), Intern, and United Nations Volunteer (UNV);
• Coordinates and advises on visa matters and the application process; and
• Member of various task forces.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely, complete, and accurate human resources transactions/activities/documentation
• Timely and quality delivery of recruitment strategies
• Quality and timely, and accurate advice on UNU HR policies and processes
• Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU-IAS as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors, and civil society

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behavior, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviors:

• Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyses and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in human resources management, law, business or public administration, social sciences, education, or a related field.

2) Experience

• A minimum of eight (8) years (with a bachelor’s degree) or five (5) years (with a master’s degree) of relevant work experience in human resources, preferably in an international organization;
• Demonstrated ability to cover areas of human resources, including recruitment and onboarding, performance management, training, career development, leave monitoring and separation.
• Knowledge of HR policies and their application in the employment life cycle.
• Demonstrated performance in delivering solutions-oriented client service that meets the needs of the clients.
• Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, process oriented and mastery of office software.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to take initiative, prioritize and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system would be an asset.
• UN working experience is desirable.
• Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in Japanese is desirable
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including a monthly net salary in the range of JPY 539,167 – JPY 595,667, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is the Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

30 November 2024 (UCT)

This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam Warning

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