Human Resources Associate, UNV

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

18 August 2026-23:59-GMT-05:00 Eastern Standard Time (Panama)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

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 climate change.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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).

This volunteering opportunity sits within the HR Division supporting the Latin America and the Caribbean region, partnering with 13 Country Offices to deliver strategic guidance and people‑centered HR and Talent Management services, ultimately aimed at strengthening programme performance across the region. The role focuses on stabilizing essential HR operational capacity by supporting end‑to‑end staffing activities, from contract management to case handling, with a primary, though not exclusive, emphasis on recruitment, appointment, extension, and separation processes, HR systems administration, and data analytics. Key stakeholders include the Regional Office, Country Offices, and GHQ teams in Rome and Panama. Success will be measured by timely and high‑quality HR service delivery, sustained operational continuity, and the effective and efficient fulfillment of Country Office needs.This volunteering opportunity sits within the HR Division supporting the Latin America and the Caribbean region, partnering with 13 Country Offices to deliver strategic guidance and people‑centered HR and Talent Management services, ultimately aimed at strengthening programme performance across the region. The role focuses on stabilizing essential HR operational capacity by supporting end‑to‑end staffing activities, from contract management to case handling, with a primary, though not exclusive, emphasis on recruitment, appointment, extension, and separation processes, HR systems administration, and data analytics. Key stakeholders include the Regional Office, Country Offices, and GHQ teams in Rome and Panama. Success will be measured by timely and high‑quality HR service delivery, sustained operational continuity, and the effective and efficient fulfillment of Country Office needs.

Functions and Responsibilities

1. Consultant Recruitment Management

• Support the recruitment process of international consultants, in coordination with the regional team and country offices, from the request stage through contract closure, in accordance with current procedures.

• Support administrative review of requests, documentation, and eligibility.

• Maintain updated records and support the monitoring of key contract dates.

• Support responses to technical inquiries related to consultants and the preparation of basic reports, under supervision.

2. Personnel Management Support

• Support recruitment and selection processes, including application screening, preparation of longlists, coordination of interview panels, maintenance of monitoring tools, and follow-up of cases.

• Provide support in hiring processes, extensions, contract changes, and separations.

• Support the proper application of payroll and benefits, in accordance with current regulations.

3. HR Operations and Case Management

• Support the management of HR cases received from country offices in the region, ensuring timely and consistent responses.

• Maintain updated records and monitor processes in corporate HR systems.

4. Use of HR Systems and Data

• Support the use and maintenance of corporate HR systems.

• Prepare basic workforce reports and analyses.

• Support data-quality and data-cleaning initiatives.

5. Support to Policies, Procedures, and Guidance for Offices

• Support the dissemination and interpretation of HR policies, guidelines, and SOPs.

• Prepare notes, practical guides, and FAQs for country offices.

• Provide initial guidance to HR focal points in the region, under supervision.

6. Coordination and Process Improvement

• Support coordination between GHQ (Rome and Panama) and country offices on HR operational matters.

• Contribute to process improvement, standardization, and digitalization initiatives.

• Support regional HR projects according to team priorities.

7. Other Duties

• Perform other tasks related to HR Operations as required.

Expected Results (Deliverables)

• HR processes supported in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.

• HR cases with proper follow-up and complete documentation.

• Basic HR reports and analyses available for decision-making.

• Effective contribution to the functioning of the HR Operations team in HRM LACRO.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

•  Relevant prior experience (internships, volunteer work, or practicums) is desirable but not required.

• Basic knowledge of HR.

• Ability to work with data, reports, and digital systems.

• Ability to understand HR technical and legal texts and apply them under supervision.

• Interest in Human Resources and the humanitarian/development sector.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, under supervision.

• Attention to detail and quality orientation.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Good interpersonal skills to interact constructively with peers, counterparts, staff, and managers.

• Positive attitude, gratitude, and emotional intelligence.

• Ability to work in multicultural environments.

• Interest in learning and professional development, with openness to feedback. 

  

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Administration, Psychology, Law, Labor Relations, Social Sciences, Organizational Engineering, or related fields.

 

LANGUAGES:

Excellent command of Spanish and English.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Number of openings: 1

Based in: Panama City, Panama

Type of Contract: UNV

Level: Associate

Duration: Until December 31, 2026. Any further extension will depend on the availability of 2027 funds.

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.