Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) 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 FAO in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RNE 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 RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs)

Reporting Lines

The Human Resources Specialist is directly reporting to the Regional Human Resources Officer.

Technical Focus 

The Consultant/PSA will provide support in human resources matters to RNE regional, subregional and country offices.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Respond to queries concerning HR related matters and inform hiring managers about corporate policies and procedures related to HR matters and ensure compliance with them.
•    Assist with the preparation of Terms of Reference for affiliate workforce.
•    Provide oversight for the selection and recruitment process of all categories of staff and affiliate workforce, including guiding hiring managers on the preparation of vacancy announcements, screening of applications, coordinate interview arrangements, draft the selection reports, prepare the contracts for national affiliate workforce and, when applicable, their extension/termination.
•    Liaise with the Human Resources Division regarding recruitment of staff.
•    Draft reports and statistics related to human resources matters, as appropriate.
•    Assist and advise on workforce planning of affiliate workforce taking into consideration budget allocation.
•    Liaise with the Human Resources Division and the Share Service Centre on specific matters that require their attention/consultation.
•    Liaise with other UN Agencies on matters related to local salary scales for affiliate workforce.
•    Participate on project teams meetings and work groups, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating HR activities.
•    Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
•    Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Consultants should hold an advanced degree in Human Resources Management, Business or Public Administration, or related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. A first level degree with 2 years of additional experience may be considered as equivalent.
•    PSA Subscribers must have the relevant educational background including specific academic or technical qualifications within the required field of expertise in Human Resources Management, Business or Public Administration, or related field.
•    Working experience of minimum 1  year for category C, 5 years for category B and 10 years for category A in Human Resources and administration is required.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English is required. Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Strong organizational and planning skills and commitment to discretion and confidentiality
•    Familiarity with UN personnel administrative procedures and systems
•    Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.