Italy: Chief Human Resources Policy Branch P5

Organization: World Food Programme
Country: Italy
Closing date: 08 Dec 2014

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill the position of Chief, Human Resources Policy Branch at the P5 level, based at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The successful candidate will act internally as a broker and consult widely in the development and implementation of policies in the area of People’s Management, while promoting WFP’s positions and interests on HR matters with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) counterparts, partners in the UN system, International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and in various interagency fora. The incumbent has close working relationships with FAO counterparts (HR team), the HR Network of the United Nations Chief Executive Board (CEB), and Heads of Policy (HR) departments in other UN organizations.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Deputy Director HR in charge of Talent Management & Policy, the Chief Human Resources Policy Branch will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Ensure that WFP’s HR policy framework is compatible with FAO staff rules and regulations and other policy references of the United Nations Common System;
• Provide support to the different areas/teams within the HR Division (including Talent Management) in the development and implementation of policies on all People Management issues;
• Provide authoritative and technical advice in the consultative process leading to the formulation of People Management’s policies;
• Ensure that People Management policies are disseminated, understood, rightly interpreted by the various internal stakeholders and updated in the organization’s policy repositories such as the eManual;
• Initiate/coordinate and/or facilitate the preparation of documents and technical proposals on People Management’s policies and procedures to meet WFP evolving operational and human resource needs;
• Advise on the formulation of People Management related policies;
• Recommend strategies and methodologies to ensure sound and flexible People Management's policies that will serve to attract, motivate, develop and retain talent and strengthen WFP’s organizational performance;
• Actively monitor the relevance and effectiveness of implemented People Management’s policies and procedures, to ensure consistency and that organizational objectives are met;
• Establish and maintain an open system of communication on HR policy needs, development, implementation and interpretation, by establishing a close partnership with HR Staff and other HR focal points and Business Partners across the organization;
• Carry out or facilitate a risk assessment in order to identify new areas of gaps on People Management policies or procedures;
• Represent WFP to FAO counterparts and in external HR fora, such as the UN Common system, the HR Network, ICSC and various Inter-agency bodies in order to promote WFP’s interests and positions;
• Ensure HR policy consistency and regular communication of clear and up-to-date instructions and guidelines to staff and managers;
• Lead and manage a team of professional and support staff, coordinate and supervise their work to ensure effective individual and Policy Branch performance.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Human Resources Management or related field.

Experience:

• At least 11 years (of which 3 international) of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in the development, coordination and facilitation of People Management policies, with at least 3 years in leading large scale organizations or departments;
• Experience in humanitarian or development field operations;
• Demonstrated experience with change management processes.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, initiatives and best practices on HR policies;
• Strong consultative, business partnering and facilitation skills;
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to work with ambiguity, be solution focused and build consensus across diverse and global teams;
• Knowledge of human resources issues in the UN system, of the mandate and work of its bodies (specifically CEB, HLCM and ICSC), its practices, standards, and processes is desirable.

Competencies:

• Ability to lead a team to engage confidently and work effectively with various internal clients and stakeholders at all levels of the organization, as well as with external partners;
• Ability to balance strategic thinking and flawless execution across a complex global organization;
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to create and maintain clear and transparent communication;
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to effectively interact and work with colleagues and counterparts, especially in a multinational environment.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English with an intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages).

How to apply:

Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/14-0016708
Step 1: Register and create your online CV.

Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.

NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

Deadline for applications:8 December 2014