Human Resources Assistant

Overview

The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) of FAO plays a pivotal role in steering the organization's initiatives on food security, agricultural development, and rural advancement in the region. Based in Accra, Ghana, RAF undertakes multi-disciplinary programs, strategizes regional actions, and collaborates with headquarters to align regional priorities within the broader organizational framework. This position supports regional policy dialogue, regional partnerships, capacity building, and resource mobilization in the domain of food security and agriculture.

Role Purpose

The Human Resources Assistant will coordinate and deliver comprehensive HR support services, ensuring data integrity, transparency, and process consistency. The role contributes essentially to the smooth execution of HR operations within the regional office.

Supervision and Relationships

Reporting directly to the Regional Human Resources Officer, the incumbent operates autonomously, prioritizes work effectively, and innovates solutions to unprecedented cases after discussions with their supervisor. The role involves guiding junior HR support staff and collaborating closely with colleagues and management across the regional office to provide quality HR assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond promptly and effectively to complex HR inquiries from staff and non-staff, offering informed guidance based on relevant policies and procedures.
• Manage HR support tasks related to employment and servicing, including initiating appointments, contract extensions, and transfers.
• Perform initial evaluations of staffing actions to classify posts according to established standards.
• Facilitate the briefing and debriefing processes for staff, explaining entitlements and contract terms clearly.
• Oversee the full recruitment cycle for staff and non-staff roles, including drafting job profiles, advertising vacancies, communicating with applicants, and preparing employment offers.
• Gather and research background data, maintain organizational charts and staffing records, and prepare related correspondence and reports.
• Maintain confidential personnel files with accuracy and ensure timely action follow-up.
• Collaborate with finance to resolve payment queries and assist in payment processing.
• Provide training and mentorship to other HR support personnel.
• Execute additional duties as assigned.

Impact

The incumbent’s work critically supports the efficient functioning and output quality of the HR unit, directly affecting the organization’s ability to meet its goals.

Candidate Requirements

• Educational Qualification: Completion of Secondary School.
• Experience: Minimum of four years in administrative or HR support roles.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent English (Level C proficiency).
• IT Skills: Proficient use of Microsoft Office, internet, and office technology tools.
• Residency: Local recruitment requiring either national status, valid work permit, or visa, and residing within commuting distance to Accra.

Competencies and Technical Knowledge

• Strong focus on achieving results with attention to deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Comprehensive understanding of HR policies, corporate procedures, and administrative systems, including strong documentation and communication standards.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Intermediate proficiency in French (Level B).
• Familiarity with UN Staff Rules and HR policies.
• Experience in HR data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of ERP HR systems such as Oracle or SAP.
• Professional certification in Human Resources viewed as an advantage.

Additional Information

This listing is no longer active as of 26 February 2026. Applicants are cautioned against fraudulent recruitment requests involving payments. Only apply through official channels.