HR Officer P4 (Payroll, Time & Audit Operations Lead)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The HR Officer P4 (Payroll, Time & Audit Operations Lead) is a senior-level position within the HR Technology and Analytics Branch (HRMOI) at WFP headquarters in Rome. This role is pivotal in overseeing payroll-critical HR systems and services, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and continuous improvement of payroll, time, benefits, and audit-sensitive HR processes across the organization. The incumbent will report to the Chief of HRMOI and will be responsible for leading the Payroll, Time & Audit Operations workstream, ensuring that HR policies and statutory requirements are effectively translated into robust business processes and system configurations. The position requires balancing operational excellence with system enhancement and risk management, providing expert advisory support to HR and Finance counterparts, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver payroll-critical services in a global, highly regulated environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this role include leading the governance, design, and continuous improvement of payroll, time, benefits, and audit-sensitive HR systems to ensure operational resilience and compliance. The HR Officer will oversee the integrity of payroll-related master data across various systems, establish strong payroll controls, and lead responses to audits and inspections. Additionally, the role involves ensuring reliable delivery of payroll-critical HR systems services, managing complex payroll issues, and translating new HR policies into system requirements. The incumbent will also engage with stakeholders across HR, Finance, and external entities, represent WFP in inter-agency forums, and lead a multidisciplinary team of HR systems professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Human Resources Management, Information Technology, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. A first-level university degree with additional relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The role requires at least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in HR information systems, payroll, and time management systems, or related areas within a large, complex organization. Experience in a global, decentralized organization and exposure to UN or international public-sector environments is essential. Mandatory experience includes leadership for payroll-critical HR systems, translation of HR policies into system configurations, and management of multidisciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Human Resources Management, Information Technology, Business Administration, or Engineering. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional relevant professional experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of HR systems and the regulatory frameworks that govern payroll and time management processes.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in HR information systems, payroll, and time management systems, or related areas. Candidates should have experience working in large, complex organizations, particularly in global, decentralized environments. Familiarity with UN or international public-sector environments is highly desirable. The role demands a proven track record in managing payroll-critical HR systems and services, translating HR policies into system configurations, and leading teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the diverse and multicultural environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role and is open to candidates of all nationalities. Mobility is a core contractual requirement, although this position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning incumbents will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidates will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, and various allowances. Candidates will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.