ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of extreme weather shocks.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
WHY JOIN WFP?
- WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
- WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
- WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
- A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
- We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
JOB TITLE: Human Resources Officer – NOB
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed Term
UNIT/DIVISION: Human Resources
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Kigali, Rwanda
DURATION: 1 Year (renewable)
REPORTS TO: Head of Human Resources
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The Rwanda Country Office operates in a demanding humanitarian and operational environment that requires consistent, high-quality human resources service delivery alongside the implementation of key organizational priorities and transformation initiatives.
In this context, the Human Resources function must sustain strong operational performance while advancing critical priorities, including the implementation of the Staffing Framework within corporate timelines. At the same time, there is a need to continue strengthening systems, processes and workforce capabilities to ensure long-term sustainability.
The purpose of this role is to strengthen the delivery of professional, client focused HR services by partnering with managers to implement effective HR solutions in line with WFP corporate priorities. Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, the HR Officer will support operational continuity, accelerating the execution of key HR priorities, and contribute to the timely delivery of critical outcomes.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Deputy Leadership and HR Operations Management
- Act as Deputy Head of HR supporting the head of human resources in maintaining operational continuity.
- Lead the HR Operations team, including management of contracts, payroll coordination, entitlements and separation processes.
- Ensure compliance with WFP HR policies, frameworks and SOPs, and oversee the quality, accuracy and consistency of HR transactions and outputs
- Foster a collaborative, accountable and service-oriented environment within the HR Operations team
- Provide day-to-day guidance and support to HR Operations team members.
- Maintain a strong partnership with other units to deliver staff services efficiently
- In collaboration with the Head of HR, enhance coordination and clarity of roles and responsibilities within the HR Operations team
- Promote sustainable HR operations through strengthened knowledge sharing, clear processes, and progressive ownership within the team.
2 . Process Improvement and Digital Transformation
- Contribute to strengthening HR systems, processes and controls by reviewing and improving SOPs, workflows, documentation and knowledge-management arrangements, including effective use of Workday, SharePoint and other corporate HR systems.
3. Strategic HR Projects and Change Management
- Support and drive completion of key HR transformation priorities, including implementation of the Staffing Framework within corporate timelines.
- Coordinate cross-functional HR actions linked to organizational change
- Monitor progress, identify risks, and propose mitigation measures
- Contribute to the design and implementation of staff wellbeing and engagement initiatives, in coordination with broader HR priorities and organizational needs
- Provide structured updates and recommendations to the Head of HR and senior management
4. Emergency Response Support
- Provide HR operational support for emergency preparedness and response
- Ensure rapid deployment of appropriate HR solutions during scale-up
- Adapt HR processes to meet urgent operational needs while maintaining compliance
5. HR Advisory and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with managers and employees
- Provide proactive HR advice aligned with business needs
- Support workforce planning, staffing decisions and organizational effectiveness
- Ensure a client-focused and innovative HR service approach
6. Other as required.
FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES FOR HR SERVICES:
Employee orientation:
Shows expert knowledge of Country Office / Division challenges and applies this to provide tailored HR guidance, advice and support to drive employee engagement. Proactively seeks information on the local employee context evolution. Manages and applies employee engagement tactics to influence employee perceptions and to achieve the best outcome for employees and WFP.
HR Expertise & Policy Knowledge:
Is able to contextualize and apply deep knowledge of WFP policies and programmes, as well as internal regulations, to provide insights and advice to key organizational stakeholders. Contributes to policy development and improvement.
Business Knowledge & Partnership:
Applies expert skill in building strong partnerships with senior stakeholders to get and in-depth understanding of WFP's organizational objectives and related operational challenges and therefore ensure the ongoing alignment of the HR operating model. Applies this understanding to design people initiatives that support the achievement of WFP's strategic goals.
Enabling Talent Management Solutions:
Demonstrates deep knowledge of all WFP HR solutions. Creates plans for their successful implementation and execution, to contribute to strategic HR and organizational outcomes.
HR Operations Management:
Applies in-depth understanding of WFP HR Operations to ensure their full alignment with WFP's HR strategy. Drives continuous HR operations improvement and oversees implementation of changes, by maintaining robust review processes.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
Advanced University degree in Human Resources Management, Public or Business Administration, Industrial Psychology or related field, or First University Degree with 3 additional years of relevant experience in the role.
Experience:
At least three years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in Human Resources in a similar role
- Proven experience in:
- HR operations management (contracts, entitlements, payroll)
- Team leadership and staff supervision
- HR advisory to managers
- Process improvement and systems (e.g. Workday)
- Experience in organizational change/restructuring/staffing exercises highly desirable
- Knowledge in Talent Acquisition policies and processes is desirable
- Experience in humanitarian or UN contexts is an asset
Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong knowledge and experience of HR policies, procedures and contractual frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage HR operations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent proactivity, anticipatory and adaptability skills
- Ability to drive process improvement and digitalization initiatives
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
- Ability to work in a diverse team and multicultural environment
Languages:
Fluency (level C) in English
This position is opened to Rwandan nationals only.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org
NO FEE DISCLAIMER
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org . Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application – unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply .
At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
global.inclusion@wfp.org?subject=Reasonable%20Accommodation%20request