Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall technical guidance of the Human Resources Division, the HR Specialist reports to a Senior Officer, a Head of Stream, a Director, an Assistant Director-General or a FAO Representative.

Technical Focus 

A comprehensive range of human resources management tasks with focus on talent acquisition to secure the required technical expertise and top-tier skills, uphold high-performance standards, manage risks, and cultivate a positive and productive work environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Liaise with key business units and stakeholders, such as the Human Resources Division, Shared Services Centre, or the regional HR team, as needed, to align on HR strategies, policies, guidelines, and the implementation of corporate HR initiatives within the assigned stream.
•    Identify recruitment needs and priorities and implement recruitment strategies in coordination with the HR Division/Regional HR Officer, including overseeing and coordinating assignment personnel.
•    Provide expert advice to hiring managers on matters related to the recruitment and selection of staff and the hiring and management of affiliate workforce.
•    Monitor the vacancy rate within the assigned stream to ensure the timely and effective filling of posts in accordance with established policies and procedures.
•    Conduct pre-screening of candidates based on the minimum requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement.
•    Coordinate the selection and hiring processes for Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) core posts, including organizing interview panels, coordinating written assessments as necessary, and communicating with panel members and candidates.
•    Represent the HR Division on interview panels for staff, serve as rapporteur, draft and/or review selection reports, and ensure the final submission to the relevant appointing authority through the HR Division.
•    Manage and facilitate operational activities in emergency contexts and coordinate response teams for declared emergencies, including support missions.
•    Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
•    Facilitate HR initiatives that drive organizational culture change, foster good people management practices, support development conversations, and promote diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
•    Perform other duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced University degree in human resources management, social sciences, economics, business, public administration, organizational development, industrial psychology, law or a related field.
•    Ten years of relevant experience in covering various disciplines of human resources management, with a focus on organizational design, talent acquisition and management.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish. Based on the location of the assignment, working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Spanish or French is required.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Leading, Engaging and Empowering
•    Communication
•    Partnering and Advocating
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
•    Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•    Extent and relevance of experience in HR management and strategies, specifically talent acquisition and management.
•    Good knowledge of and experience in human resources management in the United Nations common system is considered a strong asset.
•    Extent and relevance of experience with computerized HR systems and their application.
•    Experience in designing, implementing and advocating for organizational change initiatives and innovation in HR management.
•    A track record of tackling and resolving complex HR problems, while maintaining a client-focused approach to work.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements