This position is in the Talent Management Unit (TMU), Staff Benefits Group (SBG), Human Resources Management Section (HRMS), Division of Administration (DoA), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Human Resources Assistant works under the direct supervision of an HRO (Team Leader) and under the overall guidance of the Chief, Talent Management Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Resources Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Administration of Staff Benefits and Entitlements

• Undertakes on-boarding of national and international staff members as soon as reference checks and medical clearance are completed; advises staff on visa matters and on on-boarding coordinates with relevant parties and selected candidates on visa matters, travel and shipment arrangements;
• Arranges inductions for newly recruited staff in client divisions on service-related entitlements, benefits, allowances; and on living conditions in the duty station;
• Advises staff members regarding eligibility, applicability and administration of staff benefits and entitlements;
• Undertakes the administration of staff benefits and entitlements from the entry-on-duty or engagement up to the time of separation / retirement, including initial appointments, extension of appointments, transfers, secondments, separations, retirements, resignations, terminations etc.;

Recruitment and placement

• Participates in the selection of candidates for secretarial, clerical and related categories positions; including evaluating and screening applications of such candidates, preparing profiles of candidates, and conducting preliminary interviews, and conducting roster searches for vacancies and identifying short-lists of candidates;
• Assists in the filling of posts for all categories, including initiating and following-up on reference checks and academic verifications, ensuring the completion of the pre-recruitment formalities, calculating salaries and related benefits, and preparing and dispatching offers of appointment and Statement of Emoluments;
• Assists in organizing and coordinating competitive recruitment examinations;
• Oversees the maintenance of vacancy announcement files and tracking status of vacancy announcements;

General

• Conducts exit interviews and entitlement clearances for separating staff and assists him/her in final arrangements;
• Maintains HR related automated systems and applications including automated databases containing HR related statistics and prepares periodic reports;
• Undertakes research on a range of HR related issues and assists in the preparation of notes/reports;
• Prepares written response to queries concerning HR related matters;
• Trains new and lower-level staff in the unit;
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human resources policies, procedures and practices and ability to interpret and apply them in an organizational setting. Demonstrates use of initiative and makes appropriate linkages in work requirements and anticipates next steps. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent. Additional education in business administration, human resources management or related field is desirable.

Work Experience

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administrative services or related area is required.
• Experience in administration of staff entitlements and benefits using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, such as Umoja, SAP or equivalent is desirable.
• Experience in the use of a talent management system such as Inspira is desirable.
• Experience in the implementation of the United Nations common system, or other similar international organization's human resources policies, procedures and practice is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.