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.

FAO is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) oversees 47 Sub-Saharan countries guided by Regional Initiatives that serve as a mechanism to ensure effective delivery and to demonstrate impact of FAO’s work on the key priorities of the region. In its programme delivery, RAF contributes to the achievements of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, guided by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (No hunger), and SDG 10 (Reducing inequalities) as well as to supporting achievement of the broader SDG agenda, which is crucial for attaining FAO’s overall vision.

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) 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 Organization in the region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RAF 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. RAF develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the African Union and Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The post is located in RAF, Accra, Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Young Professional Officer (Human Resources) reports to regional Human Resources Officer, RAF.

Technical Focus

Assists in the overall management of human resources in the region of staff and affiliate workforce (NSHR). S/he will work closely with colleagues in the Human Resources (HR) team and with managers and staff in client offices, as well as provide HR services support and guidance for the relevant HR matters in the Decentralized Offices (DOs).

Key Results

Effective and efficient provision of human resources support to the regional HR unit in the Regional Office.

Key Functions

• Delivers or supports delivery of services in the area of human resources management;
• Researches and analyses human resource policy and best practices, maintains operational information and statistics, and drafts related reports as required;
• Carries out routine and standard HR processes;
• Contributes to the development training materials and/or arranges training sessions for management and employees;
• Provides HR information and advice to management and employees on routine matters;
• Participates on project teams and work groups.

Specific Functions

• Supports the recruitment of staff and affiliate workforce (non-staff): prepares and disseminates Vacancy Announcements (VAs), validates screening results, prepares interviews schedules, contacts candidates/panel members and coordinates logistics;
• Prepares relevant documents for newly-recruited employees, follows up with onboarding process and orientation arrangements;
• Supports the organization of training, workshops and webinars for staff development and learning, and explores internal/external training opportunities;
• Coordinates with HR team for timely response to HR related queries; reviews individual cases and makes recommendations for actions to the HR Officer;
• Drafts routine correspondence for HR related matters and assists in the preparation of administrative reports, notes for file, etc.;
• Contributes to the maintenance of database of affiliate workforce (NSHR) for local recruitment, ensures a readily available roster for selection;
• Assists the HR Officer in preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), internal guidelines, and best practices for the HR unit;
• Performs any other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in a field related to human resources, business management and/or public administration, social science, political science, psychology or other relevant field;
• One year of relevant experience in human resources and/or public administration in a national or international organization, non-profit organization, or private sector;
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions;
• Extent and relevance of experience in the area of management and administration, HR support, HR policy, recruitment, talent outreach, staff development, retention and/or HR operations;
• Familiarity with HR management systems, including HR data systems, is an asset.

NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.