Human Resources Specialist
Organizational Context
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) spearheads FAO's efforts in transforming agrifood systems across the region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies regional priorities for food security, agriculture, and rural development, ensuring the effective planning and implementation of FAO's strategic response through a multidisciplinary approach. RNE also facilitates regional policy dialogues, fosters partnerships, and supports knowledge exchange, capacity development, and resource mobilization for sustainable food systems.
Job Purpose
The Human Resources Specialist will provide essential technical HR advice and support to the RNE Region. This includes expertise in recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, and HR operations, ensuring strict adherence to FAO policies and procedures. The role also involves contributing to HR reporting, driving process improvements within the HR function, and coordinating the resolution of complex HR-related matters to enhance operational efficiency and compliance across the region.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will manage HR queries, advising hiring managers on corporate policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Responsibilities include assisting in preparing Terms of Reference for affiliate workforce, overseeing recruitment processes for all staff categories, and guiding hiring managers through vacancy announcements, application screening, and interview coordination. The role involves drafting selection reports, preparing contracts for national affiliate workforce, and liaising with the Human Resources Division on staff recruitment. Monitoring HR actions, including salary payments, leave, and social security, is crucial. The specialist will train and support HR staff, develop training materials, and draft HR reports and statistics. Maintaining confidential personnel information, supporting audits, and identifying process improvements are key. The role also involves advising on affiliate workforce planning, liaising with the HR Division and Shared Service Centre, and participating in inter-agency HR meetings and project teams. Acting as a focal point for talent management, overseeing performance management, and providing specialist HR advice on complex cases are also required.
Work Experience
A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in Human Resources and Administration is required. This experience should encompass areas such as recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, and HR operations.
Skills
Key competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement. A second FAO language (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is considered an asset.