HR Specialist (RAF)

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Africa is responsible for leading FAO´s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO´s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in Africa and, in collaboration with offices and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes, and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RAF also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization´s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

Under the supervision of the Regional HR Officer, the overall technical guidance of the Human Resources Division and in close collaboration with the regional Human Resources Unit, the Human Resources Specialist performs the following functions:

Technical Focus 

The Human Resources Specialist is responsible for coordinating and executing HR-related tasks in accordance with FAO rules and regulations

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the annual recruitment planning under the guidance of the regional HR Officer
•    Monitor and analyze the percentage of filled and vacant positions in the Regional Office and in the Region’s decentralized offices, and analyze information and statistics related to posts’ occupancy, staff category and grade, funding type and gender distribution.
•    Assist the regional HR Officer with the day-to-day management of the Regional HR Unit and support delivery of HR services for efficiency and effectiveness.
•    Attend internal/external meetings as requested by the regional HR Officer.
•    Coordinate and liaise with key business units/stakeholders: Human Resources Division and Shared Service Centre on HR strategy, policies, guidelines, and implementation of corporate HR initiatives in the Region.
•    Assist the regional HR Officer for the smooth implementation of regional HR initiatives.
•    Provide advice on staff and affiliate workforce matters to hiring managers.
•    Prepare information notes on relevant HR matters for Senior Management’s visit or missions.
•    Provide support with the hiring of staff and affiliate workforce.
•    Coordinate post management actions at regional and country offices.
•    Provide support during internal and external audits on HR-related matters and follow-up with closure of agreed actions/recommendations.
•    Identify capacity gaps and training needs for the HR team and propose solutions to address the gap through capacity development or other knowledge sharing opportunities.
•    Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
•    Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in (for Consultants) / University degree (only for PSAs) in human resources, law, social sciences, business administration, international relations or related field.
•    A minimum of 5 years (level B) of relevant experience in human resources management in an organization with an international reach.
•    Working knowledge of English (Level C) and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (for consultants).

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of experience in international recruitment
•    Extent and relevance of experience in using human resources information management systems
•    Familiarity with the application of human resources policies in the UN system would be an asset
•    Demonstrated written communications skills to draft different types of outputs tailored to different audiences
•    Working knowledge of French would be considered an asset.