Human Resources Assistant - Damascus Area - Grade

UN Secretariat; Damascus (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

UNRWA is seeking a diligent HR support professional to ensure accuracy of personnel records and systems. You will process HR documents, draft routine correspondence, and assist in generating statistical reports.

You will support recruitment advertising, screening, assessments, payroll data entry, and staff onboarding, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HR policies. Fluency in Arabic, English, and French is required.

Qualifications

• Completion of full secondary education is required.
• A two-year post-secondary diploma in HR management or related field is required.
• Minimum four years of relevant HR experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Familiarity with HRM systems and payroll data.
• Knowledge of UNRWA Staff Rules and Regulations desirable.

Responsibilities

• Verify and update HR records, forms, and tables.
• Draft routine correspondence and complete Personnel Action Forms.
• Support recruitment activities: advertising, screening, and tests.
• Enter data into the HRM system and assist payroll data entry.
• Brief new staff and respond to HR-related queries.
• Contribute to performance management processes.

Skills

Databases & Spreadsheets

Confidentiality

Computer literacy

HRIS familiarity

Education

Full secondary education

Two-year post-secondary diploma in HR management or related field

Tools

HRM System

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is a UN body established in 1949 to assist and protect approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across the Middle East. Its mission is to foster human development for refugees pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA operates extensive services in education, health, social services, and more, representing the largest UN operation in the region with over 30,000 staff. This role is within the Field Human Resources Department, potentially rotating between HR Services and HR Career Management.

Job purpose: This role supports the Field Human Resources Department by ensuring the accuracy and maintenance of human resources records and systems. The incumbent will process various HR documents, draft routine correspondence, and assist in preparing statistical reports. Key functions include supporting recruitment activities such as advertising, screening, and administering assessments, as well as managing personnel contracts and data entry into the Human Resources Management (HRM) System. The position also involves handling payroll-related data, maintaining personnel files, assisting with staff onboarding and queries, and contributing to performance management processes. The role requires meticulous attention to detail in data management and administrative support to ensure efficient HR operations within UNRWA.

Responsibilities: The incumbent is responsible for verifying and updating human resources records, forms, and tables, initiating corrective actions as needed, and processing documents through the Human Resources Management (HRM) System. Duties include drafting routine correspondence, completing Personnel Action Forms, and compiling information for statistical and periodic reports. The role involves supporting recruitment processes, from advertising and screening to administering tests and preparing recruitment packages. Additionally, the incumbent will manage personnel contracts, verify requests, obtain approvals, and enter data into the HRM system, including reviewing payroll results. Responsibilities also extend to mail handling, document reproduction, scanning, and maintaining personnel files, as well as briefing new staff and responding to HR-related queries. Data entry for payroll, entitlements, and movements in the HRM system is crucial, as is assisting with performance management activities and supporting staff and supervisors in the electronic performance system.

Education: Successful completion of full secondary education is required. A two-year post-secondary diploma in human resources management, Business Administration, or a related field is also necessary. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of UNRWA’s Staff Rules and Regulations.

Work experience: A minimum of four years of relevant experience in human resources management or related administrative duties is required. Candidates must accurately disclose all current outside activities, as misrepresentation can lead to disqualification or termination.

Skills: Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency with databases and spreadsheets. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Planning and Organizing, Following Instructions and Procedures, Coping with Pressure and Setbacks, Relating and Networking.

Required languages: Arabic, English, French

Desired languages: