Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country office, which is headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist the government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Iraq is implementing and planning a number of projects aimed at strengthening the resilience and socio-economic cohesion amongst the vulnerable host communities in rural areas through support to agricultural livelihoods and access to employment in the agri-food sector.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative and/or Deputy Representative, he incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the HR Specialist and in close collaboration with the Finance Specialist in Iraq.

Technical Focus 

HR & travel support

The HR Assistant provides day-to-day administrative support for HR operations, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks in accordance with FAO’s rules, procedures, and practices. This position supports the HR and Travel Specialist and works under their close supervision to assist in implementing FAO programs in Iraq.

Tasks and responsibilities

HR-related Responsibilities
•    Support the implementation of the hiring plan for national and international affiliate workforce.
•    Assist in developing and/or reviewing Terms of Reference for the affiliate workforce, ensuring compliance with current standards and regulations.
•    Help in managing the publication of vacancy announcements to attract qualified candidates.
•    Assist in organizing and facilitating the selection process, including scheduling interviews and preparing reports on evaluated candidates.
•    Support the management of contracts in the Global Resource Management System (GRMS), ensuring all required documentation is collected and verified.
•    Monitor the validity of contracts and assist in coordinating with supervisors for renewals or terminations as necessary.
•    Provide administrative support for recording worked hours and processing payments for international consultants.
•    Collaborate in implementing actions to promote a respectful and harmonious work environment, aligned with the organization’s values.
•    Support the performance evaluation process of national and international consultants, providing logistical and administrative assistance.

Travel-Related Responsibilities
•    Assist in processing travel expense claims, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and policies.
•    Help in identifying and claiming refunds of travel costs and following up as necessary.
•    Provide travel assistance to staff, ensuring arrangements and entitlements are in line with organizational rules.
•    Support the management of travel arrangements in the organization’s corporate travel system.
•    Assist in processing Purchase Orders (PO) for international travel tickets.
•    Support the coordination of logistics for incoming and outgoing missions.
•    Perform other related administrative duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or any related subject.
•    At least one year of relevant experience in administrative and/or human resources work, UN experience is an asset.
•    Working knowledge of English and working knowledge of Arabic.
•    Iraqi National.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Experience with HR management software like GRMS or similar.
•    Understanding of HR procedures, especially in international settings.
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
•    Capable of handling HR issues and finding practical solutions.
•    Accuracy in documentation and maintaining records.
•    Clear communication in English and Arabic.
•    Ability to build good working relationships with colleagues.

Selection Criteria 

•    Ability to work within a team of professional staff from diverse technical and cultural backgrounds.
•    Ability to plan and meet deadlines.
•    Teamwork spirit, ability to work under minimum supervision, flexibility.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION