Policy Specialist (P-4)

Application Deadline:	5 July 2011
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Human Resources (MTHR) is in the Department of Management. MTHR provides a wide range of human resource (HR) services, including HR organizational development and planning, recruitment, staff development, performance management, and administration of compensation and benefits. A comprehensive and integrated HR service that matches the IAEA's HR capacity with its core goals is critical to the quality and efficiency of its programmes. The IAEA has a multicultural workforce of approximately 2300 people from diverse scientific, technical, managerial and professional disciplines. The work environment is dynamic with emphasis on continuing HR management reform to incorporate IAEA and United Nations system-wide initiatives.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Director, the Policy Specialist develops innovative HR policies and procedures, and ensures the effectiveness of existing policies and procedures. She/he advises on the interpretation of Regulations and Rules; prepares position papers on HR policy issues, as well as assessments and documentation in the context of appeals, disciplinary cases and administrative reviews.

Role

The Policy Specialist is: (1) an expert in HR policy and the interpretation of Regulations and Rules; (2) an evaluator analyzing policies, procedures and other legal instruments, as well as assessing appeals, disciplinary and administrative review cases; (3) a specialist providing advice, identifying/ considering risks and implications of policy issues and solutions, and formulating position papers; (4) a project manager, applying a project management approach to monitoring and encouraging HR management reform, and; (5) a coordinator gathering contributions from HR Specialists and preparing responses to audits/reviews (JIU, External Auditor, Office of Oversight, etc.); and following up and resolving procedural matters.

Partnerships

The Policy Specialist establishes relationships with other HR specialists and managers and with legal officers of the Office of Legal Affairs to consult and coordinate on policies, specific cases and joint problem solving. She/he collaborates with colleagues within the Division, Departments, the Office of Legal Affairs, as well as with colleagues in other international organizations to exchange and/or compare information on a wide range of relevant issues.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Develop innovative HR policies and procedures within the framework of the Agency's programme, pertinent Board and UN General Assembly decisions and recommendations of the ICSC, HR Network and other policy coordinating organs within the UN Common system. Review existing policies and procedures; solicit feedback from subject matter experts with regard to effectiveness; suggest improvements, and obtain approval through appropriate channels; ensure and coordinate the publication of HR manuals and guidelines on policies and procedures including any revisions. Advise management and staff on the application of UN Staff Rules and Regulations and the implementation of HR policies and contracting modalities, anticipating risks and evaluating consequences to the individual and the organization. Coordinate responses to internal and UN audits/reviews. Prepare position papers on HR policy issues. Prepare background information and positions for specific cases including appeals, disciplinary cases and administrative reviews preparing case material prior to litigation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Professional Expertise: Knowledge of international HR management concepts, issues and practices in several of the following areas: organizational development, recruitment, mobility, performance management, staff development, compensation and benefits, etc. Expert knowledge in HR policy; sound knowledge of UN regulations, rules, procedures and practices desirable. Ability to ensure efficacy of the HR policy framework, creating awareness and promoting consistent application of HR policy throughout the organization. Ability to interpret regulations, analyzing precedents and to advise on the appropriate course of action. Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze issues on an organizational-wide basis and to make policy proposals and/or amendments, identifying and considering risks, as well as implications of changes. Problem Solving: Ability to conduct research on a range of complex and intricate issues and to translate findings into practical solutions. Drafting skills: Proficiency in drafting policies, procedures and position papers. Excellent organizing/coordinating skills in following up on procedural matters and approval. Teamwork / Relationships: Ability to build and lead effective teams, bringing together diverse backgrounds, skills and expertise in order to maximize innovation and goal achievement. Interpersonal skills: Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with internal and external counterparts and to work harmoniously in a multicultural/multidisciplinary environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity. Organizational awareness: Good understanding of how the organization's functions and responsibilities.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree human resource management, public or business administration. Additional certification or course work in law would be an asset. At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources management, including a minimum of 4 years at the international level. Demonstrated professional competence and success in the delivery of innovative and effective HR policies, as well as contribution to the successful resolution of cases. Knowledge of best practices in international human resource management and the UN Common System an advantage. Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of German desirable. Knowledge of another official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) desirable.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 395 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 492*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.