Senior HR Specialist

Organizational Setting

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

The Corporate Services Department (CSD) provides IFAD with the human resources, administrative services, safety and security, information technology resources, and medical support services required to allow IFAD to meet its objectives of enabling rural people overcome poverty. CSD is led by an Associate Vice-President, CSD, is comprised of three (3) divisions: People and Culture Division (PCD), Information and Communications Technology Division (ICT), Management Services Division (MSD) and one unit: the Health & Wellness Unit (HWU).

The People and Culture Division (PCD) provides high quality HR expertise, nurturing a culture of excellence and contributing towards an inclusive and diverse workplace where People come first. It is a strategic, business-oriented and trusted partner for IFAD managers and staff across the globe. It supports corporate initiatives aimed at implementing key HR processes at the organizational level and developing a shared Workplace Culture based on IFAD's core values. PCD is led by a Divisional Director, and is comprised of three (3) units: the Strategic Partnering and Talent Acquisition Unit (SPTA), the Talent Management Unit (TMU), and the People Operations and Policy (POP) unit.

Job Role

The Senior HR Specialist is responsible for the delivery of the full range of HR services. The level of senior professionalism allows the incumbent to provide technical leadership in HR specialty and commensurate expert advisory services. Within their areas of responsibility, the Senior HR Specialist exercises a high degree of independence in providing reliable HR programme delivery. The incumbent performs the entire range of complex HR tasks independently, including the analysis and approval of complex and/or precedent setting cases with the aim of ensuring consistency in the interpretation and application of regulations and rules. The level of senior professionalism allows the incumbent to provide technical leadership to all of the mentioned HR initiatives and commensurate expert advisory services on programme design and implementation.

The Senior HR Specialist (TM) provides technical leadership in Performance Management within IFAD's Integrated Talent Management Framework (ITMF), overseeing the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of related programmes, processes, and systems. The role ensures that performance management is fully embedded within the broader talent management architecture, linking performance outcomes to career development, learning, and mobility opportunities. Performance data are systematically used to inform succession planning, leadership pipeline development, and workforce decisions, while recognition and accountability mechanisms are aligned with IFAD's organizational values and strategic workforce priorities. In doing so, the Senior HR Specialist fosters transparency, fairness, and merit-based advancement across the organization. Given the cross-cutting and often high-profile nature of performance discussions, the role requires strong diplomatic skills and the capacity to influence and build trust with senior leaders while maintaining objectivity and accountability.

Minimum requirements:

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in human resources industry, with increasing responsibilities (performance management, probation, monitoring and tracking, programmes and partnerships, learning management system etc.)
• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent from an accredited institution ), Areas of focus - Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Management or other job-related field
• Experience in human resources management (HRM) of which three (3) years preferably in an international financial institution or the United Nations or an international financial institution, or another multi-cultural organization or institution or a national organization providing support on a global scope, is highly desirable
• English (4 – Excellent), desirable to have French, Spanish, and/or Arabic (3 – good)

Job functions and skill requirements

Strategic HR leadership and organizational development

• Advocate for strategic role of HR in organizational governance, structure and culture; promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being
• Act as an agent of change and role model for transformation, fostering collaboration, adaptability and a continuous learning culture
• Provides consultations and advice to senior leaders and staff, with a focus on policy implementation and best-practices

Talent, performance and career management

• Design and implement performance assessment tools and processes that align with individual and organizational goals – support in learning development plans
• Know-how in organizational development and design, strategic workforce planning, mobility and career development plan

Learning and development

• Proficient in developing and managing learning strategies, methodologies and digital learning platforms to support capability growth
• Ensures content relevance and continuous improvement in learning and training initiatives

Analytical, data-driven and project management skills

• Strong analytical ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, to extract data and make strategic and informed decisions
• Experience in coordinating multiple complex projects; setting priorities, resources, delegating tasks and delivering by deadlines
• Utilize and enhance data and technology practices to optimize HR processes, specifically improving reporting and client services

Stakeholder and relationship management

• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with leaders, staff and external stakeholders to enhance communication and collaboration
• Strong ability to manage stakeholder expectations, alignment, consultation and collaboration in initiatives (inter and intra divisional)

Communication and leadership

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, other languages desirable
• Recognized leader and mentor, offering guidance, support and capacity building within teams
• Overall view and grasp of organizational context, interlinking initiatives and finding the gaps

Please see the Careers pages for the full Job Profile and click 'Apply' to submit your application before
20 November :59 CET, Rome)
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Please note, the corresponding job title on the careers page is 'Senior HR Specialist (Talent Management Unit)
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