HR Specialist (HSS)(P4)
JOB DETAIL
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
Organizational Setting
The Department of Management (MT) provides a ‘platform of services’ that serves as a foundation for the successful delivery of the IAEA’s scientific and technical programmes. Its mission statement is as follows: “MT is a partner and a business enabler that champions change and efficiency, leveraging a common purpose”. Thus, among other support activities, it assists a scientific manager in recruiting the right expert, helps a technical officer coordinate the purchase of radiation equipment, and ensures that all Board documents are translated and distributed on a timely basis to Member States.
The Division of Human Resources (MTHR), within the Department of Management, plans, acquires and manages human resources to effectively implement the IAEA programmes. It thus delivers the full spectrum of human resource services, including HR organizational development and planning, talent acquisition and development, performance management, and administration of compensation and benefits. The Division serves a multicultural workforce of approximately 2300 people from diverse scientific, technical, managerial and professional disciplines.
The HR Service Section (HSS) provides the Agency’s staff and personnel with HR services and advice in the areas of administration of benefits and entitlements, administration of contracts and contract extensions, and on-boarding/off-boarding of staff.
Main Purpose
Reporting to the Section Head, HR Services (HSS), the HR Specialist (HSS) ensures the efficient on-going administration of staff benefits and entitlements, administration of contracts and contract extensions, provides substantial technical contributions and support to the maintenance and development of the Agency’s social security schemes, such as pension, health insurance, and carries certain matters related to compensation and contract administration. Represent the Agency and/or act as secretary on various committees and bodies, including those related to pension, insurance and compensation claims, analyzing and addressing related complex issues and cases.
Role
The HR Specialist (HSS) is: (1) a specialist providing advice to the Section and relevant committees/panels on the benefit plan design and market trend, as well as performing the assigned functions on various Human Resources matters; (2) an evaluator, analysing complex cases related to the responsible areas and making related decisions and recommendations; (3) a communicator, clarifying complex issues and keeping staff informed of any change and update in these areas, and (4) a manager and coordinator, ensuring effectiveness in the work of the team through streamlined processes and a client-oriented approach.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Coordinate the activities of the assigned staff and effectively manage the resources to ensure the timely delivery of services.
- Ensures the efficient on-going administration of staff benefits and entitlements and of contracts and contract extensions for the assigned client groups.
- Evaluate and recommend actions for complex administrative matters and cases relating to those functional areas under his/her responsibility.
- Conduct ongoing research into emerging trends, issues and best practices related to benefits and entitlements matters within and outside of UN common system.
- Analyze and evaluate escalated complaints related to social security benefit claims with service providers in accordance with Agency’s administrative framework.
- Within the authority delegated to the Agency, conduct reviews of principles, policies and practices governing salaries and allowances for improved effectiveness in supporting organizational needs.
- Act as focal point for UN Pension Fund and insurance providers to address any escalated issues raised by staff members and former staff members.
- Provide secretarial and analytical support to various committees on complex issues relating to compensation and insurance claims, disability claims, related requests for review and appeals and premium payments.
- Provide support to contract extension panels, as required.
- Contribute to other HR projects, policies and operational procedures revisions, as required.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Communication | Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. |
| Achieving Results | Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. |
| Teamwork | Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions. |
| Planning and Organizing | Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Client orientation | Helps clients to analyse their needs. Seeks to understand service needs from the client’s perspective and ensure that the client’s standards are met. |
| Knowledge sharing and learning | Actively seeks learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge and information with others; shares specialized knowledge, skills and learning from experience across different situations and contexts effectively. |
| Technical/scientific credibility | Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Agency’s Statute, Rules of Procedures, Regulations, Practices and Precedents | Ability to interpret relevant staff rules, analysing precedents and advising on the appropriate course of action. |
| Human Resources | Benefits and Entitlements Administration | Expert knowledge of pension, insurance and benefits practices particularly in the UN context. |
| Human Resources | International Human Resource Management | Knowledge of international HR management issues and practices, including UN Common System regulations and rules. |
| Administrative Support | MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) | Proficiency in the use of office software products. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
– Advanced University (Master’s, equivalent or higher) degree in HR Management, business administration or a relevant field. A Bachelor’s degree with three additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
– Minimum of seven years of professional experience in human resources management including at least three years in the administration of benefits and entitlements.
– Proven experience in the design and administration of defined benefit pension plans and social security schemes which include medical insurance coverage, worker compensation and disability plan.
– Proven experience of benchmarking and other research and survey techniques.
– Proven experience in the application of the Administrative Rules of The UN Joint Staff Pension Fund and polices governing various insurances as well as the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules is highly desirable.
– Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 35802*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions
General Information
- The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
- Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
- The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
- Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
- The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Evaluation process
- The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
- Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Appointment information
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
- Staff members may be assigned to any location.
- Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
- The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.
