HR Specialist

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.

The Shared Services Centre (SSC) recommends and administers process management and procedures that need to be executed effectively; ensures the management of quality assurance activities associated with the transactional processes and implementation of service delivery; continuously improves the satisfaction of its customers, internal or external, while pursuing a continuous improvement agenda that will drive up service excellence while driving down the costs of service delivery through process standardization, process automation and self-service capabilities.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall responsibility of the Director SSC, the HR Specialist will work under the technical guidance of the Human Resources Officer and report directly to the Human Resources Associate.

Technical Focus

This role is within the Shared Services Centre’s Entitlements and Benefits Team, where the incumbent will operate as key member of a team, responsible for administering entitlement and benefits for all staff members of the FAO. The supervision received will center on the quality of work, the observation of service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Analyze complex cases, research and provide solutions in line with existing policies; 
•     Initiate and complete staff-related actions in the corporate systems within the established SLA, ensuring accuracy of HR records; 
•     Prepare form letters on standard staff actions and draft correspondence on a variety of staff-related matters, including waivers and clearances; 
•     Work as part of a team regarding various staff benefits and contract extensions; 
•     Ensure the accurate and timely processing of education grants. 
•     Prepare and review staff entitlement travel-related authorizations and travel expense claims; 
•     Support the processing of payment requests liaising with other business Units in the SSC; 
•     Investigate and resolve payment inquiries in collaboration with finance staff; 
•     Review and digitally archive personnel files on a regular basis; 
•     Keep knowledge of applicable rules and regulations up to date, to ensure consistency and quality of work; 
•     Train newcomers and share knowledge of processes to ensure high standard of service delivery; 
•     Report to the supervisor any irregularities and inconsistencies from existing regulations or standard system performance. 
•     Draft routine communication on HR-related matters for internal review and further submission of the Human Resources Division
•     Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Human Resources or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     PSA Subscribers must have the relevant educational background, university degree is therefore not automatically required.
•     1 year of relevant experience in the field of human resources management, administrative services or related area is required.
•     Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English is required.
•     Limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Knowledge of the MS Office applications, internet and office technology equipment. 
•     Proficiency in corporate electronic databases and systems would be an asset.