Senior HR Specialist (Talent Management Unit)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency established to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. IFAD focuses on investing in rural people, financing programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes. It advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. The organization operates globally, with a mission to enable rural people to overcome poverty through various initiatives. IFAD's Corporate Services Department (CSD) provides essential human resources, administrative services, safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, information technology resources, and medical support services to achieve its objectives. CSD is led by an Associate Vice-President and comprises three divisions: People and Culture Division (PCD), Information and Communications Technology Division (ICT), and Management Services Division (MSD), along with the Health & Wellness Unit (HWU). The PCD is dedicated to providing high-quality HR expertise and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, supporting corporate initiatives aimed at implementing key HR processes and developing a shared workplace culture based on IFAD's core values.

Job Overview:
The Senior HR Specialist is tasked with delivering a comprehensive range of HR services, leveraging their senior-level professionalism to provide technical leadership and expert advisory services in HR specialties. The incumbent operates with a high degree of independence, managing complex HR tasks, including the analysis and approval of intricate cases to ensure consistent application of regulations and rules. This role is pivotal in overseeing Performance Management within IFAD's Integrated Talent Management Framework (ITMF), ensuring that performance management is integrated into the broader talent management architecture. The Senior HR Specialist is responsible for linking performance outcomes to career development, learning, and mobility opportunities, utilizing performance data for succession planning and workforce decisions. The role requires strong diplomatic skills to influence and build trust with senior leaders while maintaining objectivity and accountability. The Senior HR Specialist also advocates for a culture of continuous learning and development, leading corporate learning programs and ensuring alignment with IFAD's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a human resources advocate, promoting PCD's reputation as a reliable service provider and advocating for new or revised HR policies and initiatives.
• Act as an agent of change, applying change management principles and promoting acceptance of new methods and technologies.
• Manage HR functions, including supervising HR specialized units, overseeing recruitment, performance management, and resource management.
• Design and implement talent development initiatives aligned with IFAD's strategic objectives, focusing on staff development and transformational change.
• Lead the design and implementation of performance management processes, providing authoritative advice on performance management policies and practices.
• Manage staff surveys and support management actions on staff engagement and workplace culture.
• Promote program quality through data-driven insights and evidence, defining objectives and metrics for corporate initiatives.
• Build partnerships with senior leaders and external stakeholders to understand talent needs and ensure integration with core talent programs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Management, or a related field from an accredited institution. Candidates must possess at least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources management, with a preference for experience in the United Nations or international financial institutions. Strong analytical skills, project coordination abilities, stakeholder management expertise, and knowledge of compensation methodologies are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate expertise in diversity and inclusion dynamics, HR systems, learning and development methodologies, and performance management strategies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Management, or a related field from an accredited institution. The degree must be recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). For internal candidates, educational requirements will be assessed in accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Implementing Procedures.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant and progressively responsible professional experience in human resources management, particularly in talent management. Experience within the United Nations, international financial institutions, or multicultural organizations is highly desirable, with at least three years of experience in such environments preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required, with a level of 4 (Excellent). Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic at a level of 3 (Good) is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term assignment with an initial duration of six months, expected to commence shortly after selection. External candidates will be offered a short-term professional contract, while internal candidates may be assigned as a Temporary Assignment. Applicants must secure their supervisors' support for release if selected. IFAD staff members are international civil servants and may be reassigned to different locations as per organizational needs. The recruitment process may include written tests, presentations, and interviews. IFAD is committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on various factors. Candidates are advised to complete the Personal History Form (PHF) fully, as incomplete forms may lead to disqualification.