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.
Organizational Settings
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 centres/divisions/offices 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 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 the Administrative Support Unit of RAF in Accra, Ghana.
Reporting Lines
- The National Professional Officer (Human Resources) reports to the Human Resources Officer, RAF.
Technical Focus
- Programme administration and human resources (HR) administration.
Key Results
- Effective and efficient provision of human resources support.
Key Functions
- Contribute towards the development of country/region specific plans and processes, and deliver HR operational activities or projects, following standard processes and ensuring alignment with wider FAO policies.
- Provide advice to managers and employees, understanding their needs and ensuring policies, procedures, processes, systems, and tools are available and correctly applied to support them.
- Contribute to staff capability building, working with managers to understand individual skills and business requirements, and organizing/delivering development solutions which equip people with the skills and knowledge required to meet current and future challenges.
- Oversee the maintenance of personnel data into the HR system and collate and analyses data for the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on both posts and staff.
- Support organizational design activities that enable senior management to define and organize structures and jobs and allocate people to the right places to improve efficiency.
- Guide and supervise junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with analysis and queries.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by implementing new/updated HR, procedures and systems and recommending improvements to ways of working.
- Participate on project teams and work groups and keeps abreast of developments in various areas of HR.
Specific Functions
- Deliver high-quality HR services, research and analyse HR policy, procedures and service delivery issues, maintain operational statistics and prepare related reports.
- Coordinate all actions required for the completion of selection and recruitment processes with the Client Service such as identifying upcoming vacancies, preparing vacancy announcements, reviewing applications, providing a shortlist to the Service’s hiring managers, and reviewing recommendations on the selection of the candidate by hiring managers for the Service.
- Process and provide support with regard to all HR administrative actions, including maintenance of staffing tables, and recruitment such as representing HR in interviews and selection review panels, ensuring consistency in the application of FAO rules and procedures.
- Assist the Human Resources Officer, RAF in implementing Corporate HR programmes, monitoring the progress and preparing evaluation reports.
- Act as a focal point for specific HR areas or designated client offices.
- Plan, organize and coordinate information and training sessions for capacity building of HR personnel in the region.
- Provide technical backstopping to country and subregional offices when required including field missions.
- Supervise the maintenance of the electronic HR filing system for the RAF/HR.
- Participate on project teams and work groups.
- Perform other functions when required.
Minimum Requirements
- National of Ghana.
- Advanced university degree in a field related to business or public administration.
- Two years of relevant experience at the international professional level in human resources management, general administration or related fields.
- Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.
- Working knowledge of the local language.
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 field of human resources management or development including supervisory experience.
- Extent of knowledge of UN standard operational rules and procedures and in the area of HR is desirable.
- Extent of knowledge of corporate systems and data base, or knowledge of other human resources applications (Oracle, SAP).
- Demonstrated analytical and judgment skills and ability to apply rules and regulations in the subject field.
- Experience in multicultural and a fast-paced working environment.
- Ability to do things very carefully, with great attention to detail and take proactive follow-up actions to achieve team objectives.
- Limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.