Director, Human Resources Division

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality • FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production , better nutrition , a better environment, and a better life , leaving no one behind.
* 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'sprogramme 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). * Leadership Competencies Results focus : Takes accountability for the delivery of agreed results in service of FAO's strategic framework - Leading, engaging and empowering others : Coordinates, directs, facilitates and recognizes team efforts; creates an enabling environment and assists others to realize and develop their potential - Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication - Partnering and Advocating: Promotes ideas and develops partnerships to advance the Organization's work - Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement: Continually seeks to improve the knowledge, skills and work processes of oneself and others - Strategic thinking: Makes informed and coherent decisions aligned with broader goals and strategies. Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for all and Integrity and Transparency. GENERAL INFORMATION • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment. •Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include: - Dependency allowances - Rental subsidy - Education grant for children - Home leave travel - 30 working days of annual leave per year - Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund - International health insurance; optional life insurance - Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes: - elements of family-friendly policies - flexible working arrangements - standards of conduct. * HOW TO APPLY •To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
•Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
•Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
•Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at
•Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
•Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
•Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
•Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. Selection for this position will follow a transparent and very competitive process which may entail different steps, including submission of written test/essay, different stages of interviews (with managers and high level panel), and a presentation on a given topic relevant to the role. If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance:


FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT