Human Resources Specialist (Policy), HR

UN Secretariat; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) seeks a Human Resources Specialist (Policy) to lead policy review, development, and implementation across the organization from its Montreal HQ.

You will advise on HR regulations, manage stakeholder consultations, and contribute to strategic planning and digital transformation in HR.

The role requires senior expertise in international HR policy, risk assessment, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressive experience in human resources management.
• At least five years focused on developing and implementing HR policies.
• Experience in providing authoritative policy interpretation and HR advisory services.
• Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization.
• Desirable leading digital transformation initiatives and supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Policy Review and Analysis: Assess existing HR policies, benchmark, and identify gaps.
• Policy Development: Propose and develop new or revised HR policies with stakeholders.
• Policy Implementation and Coordination: Ensure compliant application and reporting.
• Policy Advice and Interpretation: Provide guidance on policies, regulations, and rules.

Skills

HR policy knowledge

Policy analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Change management

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

First-level university degree with qualifying experience

Project Management Certification desirable

Job description

Organizational context

The Human Resources Specialist (Policy) role is within the Human Resources Branch of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), reporting to the Deputy Director, Human Resources. This position serves as the lead expert on HR policy, responsible for reviewing, developing, and ensuring compliance with HR policies and procedures. The role involves providing expert advice on complex HR matters and risk analysis related to HR policies and contractual modalities.

Job purpose

The primary purpose of the HR Specialist (Policy) role is to serve as the lead expert in human resources policy for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This involves a comprehensive review and analysis of existing HR policies to identify gaps and areas for improvement, ensuring alignment with best practices and organizational goals. The role is responsible for developing new policies, managing stakeholder consultations, and ensuring consistent and compliant implementation across the organization. Additionally, the incumbent provides expert advice and interpretation on HR policies, regulations, and rules, particularly for complex or sensitive cases, and advises management on administrative risks associated with HR policies and contractual arrangements. The role also contributes to strategic HR planning and supports digital transformation initiatives within the HR function.

Responsibilities

• Policy Review and Analysis: Assessing existing HR policies and procedures to identify best practices and critical gaps, conducting research and benchmarking, analyzing HR data trends, and liaising with other organizations to ensure ICAO remains at the forefront of HR policy development.
• Policy Development: Proposing and developing new or revised HR policies, practices, and guidance materials in collaboration with stakeholders, managing consultations, and ensuring policies align with ICAO's strategic plan and UN common system reforms.
• Policy Implementation and Coordination: Ensuring consistent and compliant application of HR policies, advising management and staff on implementation, facilitating roll-out of new policies, and developing tools for policy management and compliance reporting.
• Policy Advice and Interpretation: Providing expert advice, interpretation, and guidance on HR policies, regulations, and rules, particularly for sensitive cases, and analyzing the implications of policies and contractual modalities.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as human resources management, business administration, or law is required.
• A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted.
• A Project Management Certification is desirable.

Work experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human resources management is required, with at least five years focused on developing and implementing HR policies.
• Experience in providing authoritative policy interpretation and HR advisory services is essential.
• Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization is also required.
• Desirable experience includes leading digital transformation initiatives, managing complex policy projects, and supervising staff.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of HR policies, practices, and procedures within an international context.
• Strong policy analysis, research, presentation, and writing skills.
• Ability to negotiate persuasively and manage sensitive issues.
• Excellent communication, planning, organizing, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in change management principles and maintaining discretion and tact.

Required languages

English

Desired languages

Chinese, French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian