National Professional Officer (Human Resources) - FAO

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 the achievement of the broader SDG agenda, which is crucial for attaining FAO’s overall vision.

The Regional Office for Africa 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 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 National Professional Officer (Human Resources) reports to the regional Human Resources Officer.

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

• Ensure the appropriate application of the established recruitment rules and guidelines are followed.
• Establish and manage a database of personnel for local recruitment, ensuring a readily available roster for selection.
• Support the recruitment process for all locally recruited staff through the preparation and dissemination of vacancy announcements, the evaluation and screening of candidate applications and the organization and conduct of interviews and the preparation of selection reports.
• Supervise the appointment and preparation of contracts for newly recruited staff following final approval by relevant delegated authority and supervises the work of staff undertaking these processes.
• Support the maintenance of personnel data into the HR system and the preparation of reports from the system on both posts and staff.
• Coordinate the training and development of staff based on identified needs and provide advice to staff and supervisors on training opportunities.
• Respond to queries, review individual cases and make recommendations for action to the regional Human Resources Officer.
• Assist in the recruitment of experts and national consultants.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Specific Functions

• Support the recruitment of staff and affiliate workforce (non-staff): prepare and disseminate Vacancy Announcements (VAs), the evaluation and screening of candidate applications and the organization, prepare interviews schedules, contact candidates/panel members and coordinate logistics.
• Represent the Human Resources Unit in selection panels, ensuring consistency in the application of FAO rules and procedures and reviewing selection reports to ensure compliance, quality and timely submission
• Prepare relevant documents for newly recruited employees, and follow up with the onboarding process and orientation arrangements.
• Assist the Human Resources Officer in implementing corporate HR programmes, monitoring the progress, and preparing reports, presentations and written outputs.
• Support the organization of training, workshops and webinars for staff development and learning, and explore internal/external training opportunities.
• Research, analyse and provide accurate information to the Human Resources Officers and senior managers on human resources staffing issues.
• Draft correspondence for HR-related matters and assist the regional Human Resources Officer in the preparation of administrative reports, notes for file, etc.
• Assist the HR Officer in preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), internal guidelines and best practices for the HR unit.
• Provide induction orientation and briefing to new staff members.
• Review internal and external training requests and submit for approval for staff development;
• Assist with the preparation of the Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) about staffing.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Ghana.
• Advanced university degree in a field related to human resources, business management and/or public administration and one year of relevant experience in human resources and/or public administration.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) 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 human resources, business management and/or administration.
• Ability to interpret staff rules and regulations and to provide advice and assistance to supervisors and staff.
• Ability to organize, coordinate and supervise the work of others.
• Limited knowledge (intermediate–level B) of another official FAO official language is desirable.