HR Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that 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. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and has a mission to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly through its Strategic Framework that focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO employs thousands of staff worldwide, dedicated to various aspects of food and agriculture, and operates through a network of regional and country offices.

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 FAO staff members. 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 adherence to key performance indicators (KPIs). The HR Specialist will work closely with the Human Resources Officer and report directly to the Human Resources Associate, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of HR services within the organization. The role involves analyzing complex HR cases, preparing documentation, and ensuring compliance with existing policies while maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: analyzing complex HR cases and providing solutions in line with existing policies; initiating and completing staff-related actions in corporate systems while ensuring the accuracy of HR records; preparing standard form letters and drafting correspondence on various staff-related matters; collaborating with team members on staff benefits and contract extensions; processing education grants accurately and timely; preparing and reviewing travel-related authorizations and expense claims; supporting payment request processing in coordination with other business units; investigating and resolving payment inquiries in collaboration with finance staff; regularly reviewing and digitally archiving personnel files; staying updated on applicable rules and regulations to ensure consistency and quality of work; training newcomers and sharing knowledge of processes; reporting any irregularities to the supervisor; drafting routine communications on HR matters; maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma and have at least one year of relevant experience in administrative and human resources support work. A working knowledge of English at full proficiency (level C) is mandatory. Candidates must be nationals of Hungary or residents with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate FAO core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement. Technical and functional skills such as knowledge of MS Office applications, internet, and office technology equipment are essential, and proficiency in corporate electronic databases and systems would be an asset.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma. While further education in human resources, business administration, or a related field may be beneficial, it is not explicitly required for this role. The emphasis is placed on relevant experience and proficiency in the necessary skills rather than advanced educational qualifications.

Experience:
The HR Specialist position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience in administrative and human resources support work. This experience should ideally include tasks related to HR administration, benefits management, and familiarity with corporate HR systems. Candidates with a background in international organizations or similar environments will be viewed favorably, as they may bring valuable insights and understanding of the specific challenges and requirements of working in a global context.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at full proficiency (level C) is mandatory for this position. While not explicitly stated, knowledge of Hungarian is likely beneficial given the location of the job in Budapest, Hungary. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to FAO's international operations and partnerships.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify a deadline for applications, nor does it mention the contract duration or seniority level. However, it is implied that the position is full-time and may involve working within an international context, given FAO's global operations. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect competitive remuneration in line with UN standards.