Human Resources Assistant

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 Agri food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The Office employs diverse team of experts locally but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the headquarters. FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is a part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger. The post is in the FAO Representation in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall oversight of the FAO Representative (FAOR) and the direct supervision of the Human Resources Specialist.

The incumbent will maintain close coordination with operations, administration and programme teams.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the implementation of human resources operations and administrative support functions, ensuring:
• Effective coordination of recruitment, staffing, and onboarding processes.
• Accurate maintenance and verification of HR records, documentation, and database information.
• Timely support to employee contract administration, policy implementation, and HR compliance matters.
• Efficient organization of interviews, candidate communications, and credential verification processes.
• Proper follow-up and response to HR-related requests, inquiries, and claims.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following specific functions:
•Support the overall hiring plan for hiring of national and international affiliate workforce.
• Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.
• Coordinate and manage the publication of calls to attract candidates for vacancies related to national and international affiliate workforce, ensuring proper dissemination to attract qualified talent.
• Organize and facilitate the selection process, including coordinating interviews with the selection panel and preparing reports on evaluated candidates.
• Manage the complete cycle of contracts for national and international affiliate workforce in the Global Resource Management System (GRMS), ensuring the collection and verification of required documentation.
• Supervise the validity of contracts for national and international affiliate workforce in and take appropriate measures in coordination with supervisors for renewal or termination as necessary.
• Provide administrative support, including recording worked hours for the payment of fees to national and international consultants and other related tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Perform other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business administration, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management or administration, preferably within the UN system, international organizations, or large public institutions.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
• National of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge and experience in full-cycle human resources management functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, contract administration, and staff relations.
• Experience in supporting HR operations within international organizations, public sector institutions, or development agencies.
• Familiarity with HR policies, procedures, employment regulations, and administrative processes.
• Experience in the use of HR information systems and databases for personnel administration and reporting.
• Demonstrated high standards of ethics, professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity in handling sensitive HR matters and employee information.
• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple HR processes simultaneously.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in full-cycle HR management functions, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, contract administration, employee relations, performance management, and HR operations.
• Knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and employment regulations with ability to apply them consistently.
• Experience using HR systems, managing personnel data, and preparing HR reports and documentation.
• Strong coordination, communication, and organizational skills in supporting recruitment and HR processes.
• High standards of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality in handling sensitive HR information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT