UNAIDS is an innovative United Nations partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. UNAIDS’ Cosponsors include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. Visit the UNAIDS Web site at www.unaids.org
Vacancy No.: UNAIDS/23/FT84 Title: HR Specialist (HR Policy and Legal) Grade: P3 Contract type: Fixed-term Appointment Duration of contract: 2 years
Date: 29 August 2023 Application Deadline: 22 September 2023 Organization unit: AI UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (AI) HR Policy and Legal (HPL), Department of Management Duty station: Geneva Switzerland
About UNAIDS: Serving Communities and Countries to End Inequalities and AIDS.
We, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), lead the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. By placing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to reduction of inequalities at the heart of our work, we lead the global response to AIDS by: (i) maximizing equitable and equal access to HIV services, (ii) breaking down barriers to achieving HIV outcomes, and (iii) integrating efficient HIV responses into wider health and protection systems. We are committed to creating an equal, safe and empowering workplace culture where all people in all their diversity thrive. We live our values of Commitment to the AIDS Response, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. You can access the full UNAIDS Competency Framework at www.unaids.org
MANDATE OF THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Management promotes effective governance of the Joint Programme and provides strategic direction to overarching management functions in the areas of change management, human resources (HR), finance, budget, information technology and administration to enhance UNAIDS’ capacity to implement its mandate and vision.
The People Management Practice in the Department of Management (DPM) employs a strategic approach to the effective and efficient management of people in UNAIDS by designing human resources management policies and systems; providing efficient human resources (HR) services through a network of human resources business partners and supporting the implementation of the organizational performance management and staff development process. The Practice also hosts the corporate facilities management unit.
Located within DPM, the Policy and Legal Unit (HPL or the “Unit”) is responsible for providing legal support and advice in HR operations and implementation of legally sound human resources management across UNAIDS, ensuring adherence to Staff Regulations and Rules. HPL provides policy and legal advice on all HR issues, including in relation to compliance, conduct, and disciplinary matters. The Unit is responsible for handling the Administration’s response to requests for administrative review, appeals before the WHO Global Board of Appeal, disciplinary matters and provision of legal support and advice in other informal and formal dispute resolution processes (e.g. Global Rebuttal Panel, Classification Review Standing Committee). HPL also coordinates the development of UNAIDS’ human resource management policies reflecting organizational needs and best practice, and providing advisory services to the Organization, with a view to ensuring consistent and equitable policy application.
Main tasks and Responsibilities of the Position: Under the direct supervision of the Chief, HPL, the incumbent will perform the following tasks in support of UNAIDS: 1. Prepare, coordinate and finalize the Administration’s responses and/or submissions in the context of formal dispute resolution and litigation, including but not limited to requests for Administrative Review, submissions in the context of the appeals before the WHO Global Board of Appeal, and provide assessments, policy advice and legal support in the context of the Global Rebuttal Panel and classification review requests. 2. In close coordination with the WHO Office of the Legal Counsel, provide advice, assist, and/or coordinate, as may be required, the Administration’s response in the context of the ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT). 3. Prepare, coordinate and finalize letters, decisions, memoranda, statements, and/or briefs as well as other documentation, as may be relevant and applicable, in relation to the overall formal legal case management. 4. Promote informal resolution of employment-related disputes at the earliest stages possible with the target of settlement and finding mutual understanding. Assist the Administration with identifying, early prevention and handling informal resolution of disputes related to personnel administration. 5. Provide legal advice to colleagues in the People Management Practice and UNAIDS staff members on the interpretation and application of Staff Regulations and Staff Rules, policies and related provisions, including UNAIDS-specific policies, regarding all areas of personnel administration as well as on diverse substantive and procedural questions linked to international administrative law and human resources management. 6. Handle issues related to alleged acts of misconduct by, including but not limited to, liaising with the WHO Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) and other relevant stakeholders in WHO, by preparing relevant procedural documentation and correspondence in the context of corrective actions and disciplinary proceedings. 7. Develop, coordinate and finalize for issuance, in close coordination with other officers of the Unit, HR-related policies with special attention to UNAIDS needs, ensuring follow-up on the implementation and monitoring. 8. Perform legal research and provide the Unit and relevant stakeholders with analysis of legal precedents, lessons learned, best practices and trends from the jurisprudence of the ILOAT cases and related case law. 9. Draft notes, opinions, memoranda, correspondence on legal questions, for consideration by the Chief, HPL and/or other colleagues of the Unit. 10. Prepare or review and provide policy and legal advice in the context of HR-related agreements such as letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, agreements related to inter-agency transfers, secondments and other agreements as may be relevant and applicable. 11. Prepare initial drafts of the annual reports to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board in the context of administrative review. 12. Participate and assist colleagues in the Unit and People Management Practice in the meetings with internal and external stakeholders. 13. Handle day-to-day duties related to overall formal legal case management, knowledge management and sharing within the Unit and UNAIDS and other relevant duties, as may be required. 14. Perform other duties as may be assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: Advanced university degree at the master’s level in law. Qualification in international public law, law of international organizations or international administrative law.
Desirable: Solid knowledge of human resources management and the functioning of international civil service. Studies and/or specialization in national or international administrative and/or labour law, in litigation, meditation, arbitration, dispute resolution, ethics and/or compliance.
Competencies: UNAIDS Values: 1. Commitment to the AIDS response 2. Integrity 3. Respect for diversity
Core Competencies: 1. Working in teams 2. Communicating with impact 3. Applying expertise 4. Delivering results 5. Driving change and innovation 6. Being accountable
Managerial competencies: 1. Vision and strategic thinking 2. Leading teams 3. Managing performance and resources 4. Developing and empowering others 5. Exercising sound judgment 6. Building relationships and networks
Experience: Essential: A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in international law or international administrative law, personnel-related policy development and implementation, including at international level. Experience in the interpretation and application of corporate employment-related regulations and rules, and personnel policies, with administrative law and/or administrative tribunal(s) is required.
Desirable: Experience working in the UN system, including in human resources or other international organizations. Experience in employment law and labour law-related litigation. Experience in the field of ethics and/or compliance would be an asset.
Languages: Essential: Proficiency in English.
Desirable: Good working knowledge in French. Knowledge of additional UN official languages.
Additional Information: Positions at the international professional category within UNAIDS will be subject to the Organization’s Mobility Policy. The above-mentioned position is a rotational position and its standard duration of assignment is linked to the ICSC hardship classification of the duty station.
In addition to the salary, the post adjustment for Geneva applies.
Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 64,121 at single rate
Post Adjustment: 85.1 % of the figure(s) on the left side. This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
Applicants will be required to take a test. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
Applications from people living with HIV are particularly welcome. Applications from women and from nationals of non- and under-represented member states are particularly encouraged.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to the Staff Regulations and Rules of the World Health Organization (WHO) adjusted, as necessary, to take into account the particular operational needs of UNAIDS, and any subsequent amendments. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Note: The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer or promotion of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. The medical criterion for recruitment is fitness to work in the particular post. The United Nations HIV/AIDS Personnel Policy clearly stipulates that no staff and/or potential candidates shall be discriminated against on the basis of real or perceived HIV status. HIV infection, in itself, does not constitute lack of fitness to work. There is no obligation to disclose HIV-related personal information. UNAIDS is committed to providing a work environment that respects the inherent dignity of all persons. UNAIDS has a responsibility to take all appropriate steps to prevent and respond to discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment, including sexual harassment in the workplace or in connection with work. UNAIDS has zero tolerance towards abusive conduct.
Please visit UNAIDS’s e-Recruitment website at: https://erecruit.unaids.org to review and apply to positions. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.