Director, Human Resources Division

Organizational Setting

FAO’s Human Resources Division (CSH) provides Human Resources (HR) strategies, policies, guidance and oversight to FAO Offices worldwide to ensure that the Organization attracts, develops and retains a diverse, skilled and highly motivated workforce, delivering on the mandate of the Organization. The HR function has recently undergone a transformation towards a proactive strategic business partner, which aims to mobilize and align the capacity of its workforce with the corporate strategy whilst pursuing a people-centered approach, to position FAO effectively to address the increasingly complex challenges faced in promoting sustainable food security and achieve its mandate.

The Human Resources Division is composed of two main clusters, namely (i) the Integrated Talent Acquisition and Management cluster, providing advice on inter alia recruitment, mobility, staff development and training as well as performance management; and (ii) the Strategic HR cluster, comprising inter alia the Strategy and Policy, HR Business Intelligence and Analytics, Organizational Design, Administrative Law and the Social Security and Wellbeing functions. 

The position is located in the Human Resources Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. 

Reporting Lines

The Director, Human Resources Division reports to the Office of the Director-General. 

Summary of Duties and Functions

Under the overall guidance of the Director-General, the Director, Human Resources Division is responsible for directing and managing the HR function, including the development and implementation of the overall corporate Human Resources strategy, and ensuring its alignment with the vision and goals of the Organization. In particular, s/he will:

• Plan, develop and direct FAO’s HR function and performance through the effective implementation of the corporate HR strategy and policy;
• Enhance, develop and integrate innovative HR practices, policies and systems to address the Organization’s changing needs, to promote the HR function as a strategic business partner and to improve the overall strategic effectiveness and operational efficiency of the Organization;
• Actively participate in FAO’s programmes to assess the impact on employees, and advise the Director-General on organizational development initiatives;
• Manage HR-related communications and organizational culture initiatives in order to enhance FAO’s capabilities;
• Manage corporate capacity building, training and staff development-related activities in line with strategic requirements;
• Provide human resource strategic analysis and direction and generate new thinking and opportunities to design and implement an Organization-wide framework to acquire, develop and grow talent through career paths;
• Develop strategies to enhance employee engagement and promote a dynamic high performance culture based on FAO values and competencies;
• Plan and direct the Integrated Talent Acquisition and Management cluster and the Strategic HR cluster ensuring compliance with policies and maintaining coherence at corporate level;
• Exercise overall management responsibility including planning for the Human Resources Division’s programme of work, within the framework of the FAO Strategic Framework and the Medium-Term Plan, as per results-based management principles;

• Maintain knowledge of the latest insights on key HR practices at the national and international levels as well as within the United Nations common system and advocate the Organization’s HR strategies and policies within the UN inter-agency networks.

  Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree in Human Resources Management, Social Sciences, Business, Public Administration or related field.
  • At least 15 years of relevant experience in the field of Human Resources and/or administrative management, including HR strategy and policy.
  • Relevant experience in international and/or intergovernmental organizations, including in the United Nations common system and specialized agencies, is considered an asset.
  • Proven analytical abilities and excellent writing skills as demonstrated in past work products.
  • Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills of a high order with maturity and the ability to apply judgment in the exercise of professional independence and to manage complex and/or sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality.
  • Ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team of people of different national and cultural backgrounds in an international setting.
  • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).