Staff Relations Officer(P3)

This selection exercise may be used to generate a roster of pre-approved candidates to address future staffing needs for similar functions in any of the Departments and Offices of the Organization.

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 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 2500 people from diverse scientific, technical, managerial and professional disciplines.
The HR Management Section (HMS) provides HR services to the Agency and advice to managers in the areas of workforce planning, talent acquisition, staff relations and the business partner approach.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Staff Relations Specialist, the Staff Relations Officer will support managers and staff in informal resolution of grievances, contribute to the promotion of harmonious staff relations through corresponding pre-emptive activities. She/he will undertake research and draft legal documents pertaining to relevant Staff Regulations and Rules, policies, precedents and jurisprudence and best practices in the area of staff relations, including but not limited to disciplinary cases, appeals and rebuttals, and staff grievances.

Role

The Staff Relations Officer is\: (1) a specialist, providing advice in the field of labour relations and in addressing staff relations matters (2) a mediator, advising managers and staff on the prompt resolution of workplace concerns, issues and conflicts; (3) an analyst, reviewing, analysing, drafting legal documents and providing high quality professional input on matters related to staff relations and working environment.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Liaise and mediate with disputing parties to achieve solutions to workplace concerns, including identifying options for resolution of issues on an informal basis and provide advice on conflict management and conflict prevention to managers and staff.
• Contribute to the identification of common trends and systemic issues arising from individual cases and propose feasible solutions to prevent their repeated occurrence.
• Work in close partnership with MTHR colleagues and contribute to the development and monitoring of relevant policies and sound practices to foster staff well-being and respectful relations in the workplace.
• Conduct, proactively and independently, research on policies, jurisprudence, best practices, trends, developments and practices in the area of staff relations within and outside the UN Common System.
• Ensure timely performance of the HR aspects of the grievance process, including but not limited to reviewing, fact-finding, preparing drafts and recommendations on complaints, requests for review and appeals, including preparing related legal documents, etc.
• Monitor compliance with Agency’s policies and procedures on misconduct, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and abuse of authority and, through close collaboration with relevant stakeholders and MTHR colleagues, contribute to the design of appropriate plans and interventions to ensure a high performing work environment and positive staff relations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies(Competency Framework)

Functional Competencies

Required Expertise

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

Bachelor's Degree - University degree in human resources management, law, economics or a closely related field.

Certification in workplace mediation or conflict resolution would be an asset.

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in staff relations, human resources management, ombudsperson, mediation, or ethics;
• Experience de-escalating emotionally challenging situations and guiding workplace conflict resolution;
• Experience working in a multicultural international organization is required;
• Experience in the interpretation and application of staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures;
• Experience in drafting clear, concise and accurate documents setting out facts, analysis and conclusions;
• Proven ability to deal with confidential and sensitive issues with a high degree of tact and discretion.

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 $70212 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 26119*, 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.