INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.
HR Compliance and Employee Relations Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1886
Sector: SG
Department: A&F
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 2 January 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The General Secretariat directs all the administrative and financial aspects of the Union's activities, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication matters for operational and other purposes, the provision of legal advice to the Bureaux of the Union and the departments of the General Secretariat, logistic support to the Union's activities including conferences, the coordination of the work of the Union with other international organizations, the dissemination of information to the Member States and Sector Members, press, corporate and individual users of telecommunications and the general public. The General Secretariat is also responsible for the organization of world telecommunication exhibitions and forums.
Within the General Secretariat, the Human Resources Management Department (HRMD) advises the Secretary General on human resources management. It manages ITU's resources ensuring consistency with ITU strategies, policies, regulations and rules as well as UN Common System policies. It efficiently manages the human capital of the Union; creates a stimulating and supportive work environment and encourages organizational creativity and performance measurement based on results.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays a critical role in connecting the world through information and communication technologies, supported by a robust and strategic Human Resources framework. The Human Resources Management Department (HRMD) is central to maintaining ITU's operational efficiency, fostering a fair and equitable workplace, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
This consultancy, under the direction of the Chief of HRMD, is designed to address complex and sensitive HR-related matters. The consultant will provide expert legal and regulatory advice, serve as a liaison with key stakeholders, and contribute to policy development and inter-agency coordination. With a focus on pragmatic and legally sound solutions, this consultancy is pivotal in ensuring ITU’s human resources policies and practices align with its organizational goals and the broader United Nations system.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Chief, Human Resources Management Department, the consultant will be performing the following activities:
- Advising on regulatory elements of complex HR-related matters, including on issues of:
- Benefits and entitlements;
- Employment contracts;
- Terms and conditions of employment;
- Pension and insurance;
- Recruitment and redeployment;
- Staff separations (including resignations, terminations, settlements and expirations of contract).
- Identifying pragmatic and legally sustainable solutions in the absence of regulatory provisions on HR-related issues; developing implementation plans to ensure continued risk management.
- Serving as Focal Point for HRMD with the ITU Staff Council; liaising with Staff Council on HR-related matters, including through bilateral meetings and broader policy consultation.
- Addressing staff grievances on HR-related matters.
- Working closely with the Strategic HR Policy Advisor on matters of policy interpretation and policy development.
- Focal point for ITU on the UN Executive Group to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Harassment/Co-lead on Sub-Group for Victim/Survivor Support.
- Providing support to the Chief, HRMD and ITU’s Senior Management in preparation for annual governing body meetings, Coordination Committee, Joint Advisory Committee and other consultative fora.
- Participation in Inter-agency coordination groups, as assigned.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Delivering advice.
- Drafting policies.
- Preparing emails to senior management and staff.
COMPETENCIES
- Expert knowledge of administrative, employment and/or labour law (both substantive and procedural);
- Strong analytical skills;
- Excellent drafting skills, tailored to a variety of audiences (including Legal Officers, HR Specialists, senior management, and aggrieved personnel);
- Discretion and sound judgment in addressing sensitive, complex human resource issues;
- Ability to work independently including balancing competing time-sensitive priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in law.
Experience:
At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in HR/legal matters.
Experience with the regulatory frameworks of the UN common system is desirable.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
According to the work experience of the consultant.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Selected applicants may be required to provide additional information.
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
