HR Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The HR Specialist position is situated within the Shared Services Centre’s Entitlements and Benefits Team at FAO. This role is crucial for administering entitlements and benefits for all staff members of the organization. The HR Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all HR-related actions are executed accurately and within the established service level agreements (SLAs). The position requires a strong focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement in service delivery, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction while managing costs effectively. The HR Specialist will work closely with the Human Resources Officer and report directly to the Human Resources Associate, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks including analyzing complex HR cases, initiating staff-related actions in corporate systems, preparing standard form letters and correspondence on staff matters, and collaborating with team members on staff benefits and contract extensions. The role also involves ensuring timely processing of education grants, reviewing travel-related authorizations and expense claims, and supporting payment request processing in coordination with other business units. The HR Specialist will be responsible for investigating payment inquiries, maintaining personnel files, training new staff, and ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Additionally, the incumbent will draft routine communications on HR matters and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Human Resources or a related discipline. For those with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are required. PSA Subscribers must have the relevant educational background, and a university degree is not automatically required. A minimum of one year of relevant experience in human resources management or administrative services is essential. Proficiency in MS Office applications and corporate electronic databases is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Human Resources or a related field from a recognized institution. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications are crucial as they ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of human resources practices and policies.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in human resources management, administrative services, or a related area. This experience is essential to ensure that the candidate is familiar with the complexities of HR functions and can effectively manage the responsibilities associated with the role. Experience in a similar organizational setting, particularly within international organizations, would be advantageous.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a proficient level (C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have a limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at an intermediate level (B), which is desirable but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Budapest, Hungary. The FAO offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and growth. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, ensuring that employees are rewarded fairly for their contributions.