Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievements of the 2030 agenda through FAO strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO’s Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for developing promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing regional food, agriculture, rural development priorities. It develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions including Regional Economic Integration Organization (REIOs). It assists the FAO representations in the subregion with addressing food security, agriculture and rural development issues at country level. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).

The post is located in SAP and based in Apia, Samoa.

Main Purpose

The Human Resources Associate undertakes high-level and specialized human resources support activities. He/she coordinates the human resources support work of the unit and ensures quality, transparency and consistency of functions and processes. The job role requires in-depth knowledge and interpretation of human resources policies, procedures and practices. The incumbent provides procedural guidance to managers and staff in and outside the work unit.

Supervision Received/Exercised

The Human Resources Associate reports to the Administrative Officer. Work is performed autonomously, showing a high degree of initiative, judgment and liability. Supervision received is focused on facilitating service delivery and on meeting client requirements. The incumbent effectively organizes and supervises other human resources support staff and provides relevant guidance and training.

Working Relationships

The Human Resources Associate maintains a wide range of contacts with managers and staff within and outside the Organization. He/ she works closely with colleagues at a senior level in the human resources team in the handling of specialized processes and the provision of experienced human resources support.

Key Functions/Results

•    Provide and coordinate the delivery of comprehensive human resources support services; ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations as well as transparency and consistency of transactions and procedures.
•    Provide advice on entitlements; review, maintain and update confidential personnel information records and files in the area of responsibility.
•    Coordinate support to the recruitment process of all categories of staff and non-staff including advising managers on the preparation of vacancy announcements; coordinate interview arrangements with hiring units and applicants.
•    Provide briefing and debriefing to staff members including answering queries on benefits and entitlements and personnel-related procedures.
•    Handle non-routine and complex cases; undertake research and analysis of entitlements and employment conditions and draft correspondence for the Administrative Officer.
•    Analyse requests and distribute work to more junior colleagues.
•    Research, compile and analyse information and statistics related to onboarding or entitlement activities; prepare briefs, reports or topical papers on trends.
•    Assist in drafting of human resources policy papers and in the development and delivery of a range of staff development and training programmes.
•    Draft procedures or amend existing procedures to match HR policies and ensure that Standard Operating Procedures are up to date and in line with HR policies.
•    Takes an active lead role in corporate ERP software (i.e Taleo) testing to coordinate the testing by HR teams and document issues.
•    Supervise, train and provide guidance to other human resources support staff in the work unit.
•    Recommend improvements to human resources systems and processes.
•    Perform other duties as required.

Impact of Work

The incumbent’s work affects the efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy and timeliness of the human resources services provided by the work unit. He/she plays a lead role in the coordination and provision of the human resources support services for the successful achievement of the Centre’s mandate.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary School Education.
Experience: Five years of relevant experience in administrative and human resources support work.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.
IT Skills: Very good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment.

Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing visa/work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. “Commuting distance” means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

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

Technical Skills

•    Thorough knowledge of corporate computerized administrative systems such as Oracle, SAP, etc.
•    Thorough knowledge of communication and documentation standards.
•    Technical expertise and knowledge in one or more human resources areas, including recruitment cycle, organizational design, position management, mobility, performance management or staff development.
•    Discretion, good judgement in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

•    Thorough knowledge of the essential elements of human resources activities and transactions, including FAO’s corporate policies, rules and procedures.
•    Experience in Human Resources in the UN common system, including relevant corporate human resources policies and procedures.