Senior Science Officer – Human Resource

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a government agency established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 211 as amended) with a mandate to develop and implement strategies for integration of Science and Technology into the national development process.

UNCST invites applications from suitably qualified Ugandans for the position below, based at its offices on Plot 6 Kimera Road, Ntinda, Kampala.

Position

Senior Science Officer – Human Resource

Department

Executive Secretary

Contract Duration

Two (2) Years

Job Purpose

To provide professional human resource management and administrative support for the effective implementation of HR policies, strategies and programmes.

The role facilitates workforce planning, organisational restructuring and change management to ensure UNCST has the right talent, structures and systems to deliver its mandate and foster a high-performance culture in line with UNCST objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Implement the institutional performance management system to drive accountability, performance reviews and a high-performance culture.
Execute recruitment and onboarding processes to ensure timely acquisition and effective integration of competent staff in line with approved HR policies and workforce plans.
Coordinate staff training, capacity building and career development programmes, while maintaining accurate records including costs, to build required competencies.
Manage the staff leave roster by maintaining an accurate and up-to-date leave database and monitoring leave utilisation in accordance with HR policies.
Contribute to the development, review and implementation of HR policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance and relevance.
Conduct HR audits and compliance reviews and follow up on implementation of recommendations.
Coordinate staff engagement initiatives, including general staff meetings, and ensure proper documentation and follow-up of action points.
Provide guidance to staff and supervisors on HR policies, procedures and labour-related matters.
Handle employee relations matters and administer disciplinary and grievance management processes in line with organisational policies.
Facilitate organisational restructuring and change management initiatives, including job analysis, job evaluation and realignment of structures.
Undertake workforce planning to ensure UNCST has the right talent, structures and systems to deliver its mandate.
Prepare HR work plans, budgets and performance reports.
Perform any other official duties assigned by the Executive Secretary.

Job Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

A Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Human Resource Management, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Business Administration with a Human Resource Management option, Public Administration, Social Sciences or any other related field.
A Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management or a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management.
Membership to a recognised Uganda Human Resource professional body will be an added advantage.

Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

A minimum of four (4) – five (5) years’ relevant working experience in Human Resource Management or Administration in a reputable organisation, preferably a government institution or international agency.
Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, organisational restructuring and change management.

Technical Knowledge

Applicants should possess:

In-depth knowledge of Human Resource policies, employment laws and labour regulations in Uganda.
Working knowledge of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Key Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Strong planning, organisational and coordination skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal abilities.
Proven report writing and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret HR data.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making and judgement skills.
Strong customer service orientation and people management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.