UNICEF seeks to recruit a human resources officer, NOA, Banjul, Gambia #108182 (This vacancy is open to Gambian nationals only)

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

 

For every child, a fair chance

In the last two decades, The Gambia witnessed some level of development but not enough to lift 48% of Gambians from poverty. The country continues to be marked by development variations between urban and rural populations, leading to migration to the urban cities and to Europe.

The governance landscape has been stable over the years, and is known as one of the most peaceful countries in West Africa. The December 2016 presidential elections in the Gambia, saw the transition to democratic rule after 22 years of autocracy in Gambia. The new government presents opportunity for engagement to ensure the rights of children are respected, protected, promoted and fulfilled in The Gambia.

The new National Development Plan (NDP) of the government was finalized in December 2017.  Hence the UNICEF 2017-2021 country programme has been adjusted to include emerging issues of children on the move and transitional justice.

 

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager, the selected candidate will manage the human resources function in Gambia, a small size country office. As strategic business partner, the selected candidate will provide guidance and support to managers and their staff to attract and retain an agile, bilingual, diverse and motivated workforce that will contribute to the achievement of Gambia country office strategic objectives and UNICEF’s strategic goals.

The selected candidate will undertake the following key assignments :

1. Promote equity, transparency and consistency in the interpretation, determination and administration of international and local conditions of service, terms of employment, benefits and allowances in accordance with UN/UNICEF regulations and rules. Advise management and staff on correct interpretation and application of HR policies and procedures and provide counselling as required. Coordinate with relevant Government ministries and other appropriate local institutions to ensure the processing of international staff conditions of service, entitlements and privileges in country ;
2. Support the office’s administrative and technical needs for professional officers, general service and temporary staff by implementing and administering effective and speedy recruitment procedures. Ensure organizational targets (geographic distribution, gender, etc.) are met while not compromising on the recruitment and retention of national staff of the highest calibre. Team with supervisors in the recruitment process to ensure integrity and merit in all selection procedures while supporting the needs of managers and goals of diversity. Promote equity, transparency and consistency in the selection and placement of staff ;
3. Ensure appropriate and timely actions for renewals of contracts, promotions, within-grade increments, and performance evaluations. Develop and implement plans, including timetables, for contract reviews, renewals and terminations; ensures timely notice to staff ;
4. Implement and administer the fair, equitable and systematic GS classification in compliance with the established standards and procedures as well as the classification principle of equal pay for work of equal value by ensuring all job descriptions are current and duly classified. Make recommendations on the organizational structure of the office and effective utilization of human resources (HR) ;
5. Enhance staff’s job performance by supporting the identification of training needs, preparation of training proposals and arranging for implementation and evaluation of training. Provide HR training and support as required in country ;
6. Provide orientation briefing to newly arrived staff. Promote a rational and attainable career management system to meet the office’s current and future needs ;
7. Monitor potential staff – management issues; provide advice to managers/supervisors on appropriate approach to be used in sound performance management and in counselling staff. Serve as technical resource and provide administrative support to staff- management bodies such as Selection Panel (SP), Central Review Body (CRB) and Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) etc ;
8. Contribute to the budget preparation and review process through an analysis of staffing pattern and needs of the office. Participate in management meetings affecting HR planning and management.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• University degree in Human Resources; Business Administration, Management; International Relations; Psychology; Social Sciences or other relevant disciplines.  Additional professional training is an advantage ;
• One year of relevant professional work experience in Human Resources Management ;
• Emergency experience is desirable ;
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The following functional competencies will be also required :

• Analyzing [I] ;
• Applying Technical Expertise [II] ;
• Following Instructions and Procedures [II] ;
• Planning and Organizing [I] ;
• Relating & Networking (I).

N.B. Candidates are required to attach a copy of their academic degree to their online application.

UNICEF 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 to become a part of the organization.

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.