Deputy Director, Human Resources

Overview

Deputy Director, Human Resources )

Job Posting

Job Posting: 30/Sep/2025

Closure Date: 28/Oct/2025, 10:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: Human Resources Division (CSH)

Job Type: Staff position

Type of Requisition: Senior-level

Primary Location: Italy-Rome

Duration: Fixed term: two years with possibility of extension

Post Number:

CCOG Code: 1A06

Organizational Setting

FAO's Human Resources Division (CSH) provides HR strategies, policies, tools, 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. Over the next years, CSH will focus on developing and implementing a people centered strategy, and positioning HR as a strategic partner contributing to the achievement of the mandate of FAO. The position is located in the Human Resources Division (CSH) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Deputy Director reports to the Director, Human Resources Division (CSH).

Summary of Duties and Functions

Under the overall guidance of the Director, the Deputy Director will coordinate the daily management and operations of HR and will play a key role in the continuing development of a robust HR change management system. The Deputy Director will also oversee and ensure the strategic positioning of CSH in its interactions with HR’s stakeholders. She/he will assist the Director in providing direction to the CSH teams in the following areas:

• Organizational design, strategic workforce planning, position management and job classification
• Talent acquisition and management, mobility and outreach
• Global learning and career development, performance management
• Social security and medical insurance
• Strategic reporting, data analysis and management

In particular she/he will:

• Establishment of partnership and delivery of HR strategic services globally: Build and maintain strategic relations with managers at headquarters, Regional Offices and Country Offices; oversee the work of HR teams; guide Regions in aligning HR policies and procedures; propose inputs to HR policy and strategy to contribute to CSH’s Strategy at corporate level.
• Organizational design, strategic workforce planning and change management: Oversee position management, organizational design and strategic workforce planning; coordinate organizational studies and post management; lead HR aspects of FAO Programme of Work and Budget.
• Talent acquisition and management, mobility and outreach: Oversee talent strategies and programs; develop pro-active recruitment policies; develop mobility and rotation programs; build a diverse technical capacity network.
• Global Learning, Staff development and Performance management: Promote learning culture; identify organization-wide development needs; develop methodologies to support career development and performance management; oversee training and coaching activities.
• Social security and medical insurance: Coordinate strategic plan for social security; manage FAO’s social security bodies; develop strategies for benefits; oversee medical insurance contract.
• HR Reporting and data management: Lead regular reporting and data analysis; improve HR processes; develop and implement HR systems including ERP.

Qualifications and experience: Advanced university degree in Human Resources Management, Social Sciences, Economics, Business, Public Administration or related field; minimum twelve (12) years of relevant managerial/postgraduate experience in HR or administrative management; experience leading organizational change in international settings; UN common system experience desirable; strong communication/negotiation; ability to manage resources and deliver outputs in a fast-changing environment; leadership and managerial skills; ability to work with diverse teams; HR professional certification desirable; working knowledge of English and proficiency in another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Leadership competencies include: Results focus, Leading and empowering others, Communication, Partnering and Advocating, Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, Strategic thinking. 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 subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances. Benefits include: dependency allowances, education grant for children, home leave travel, 30 working days annual leave, UN Joint Staff Pension Fund entitlements, international health insurance, optional life insurance, and disability protection. FAO promotes a positive workplace culture with inclusivity and diversity, and supports family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Attach a letter of motivation. Submit your application. FAO requires that higher educational qualifications come from WHED-recognized institutions. Applications may be requested to provide performance assessments and background checks. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Personal information may be shared with FAO and partner entities for employment support services with your consent. Only applications through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. It is recommended to submit applications well before the deadline.

If you need help, please contact FAO support: