Senior HR Specialist (Performance Management) [JOB DUTY STATION: ROME, P-4]

Organizational SettingThe 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 RoleThe 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 whed.com), Areas of focus - Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Business Management or other job-related fieldExperience 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 desirableEnglish (4 – Excellent), desirable to have French, Spanish, and/or Arabic (3 – good)Job functions and skill requirementsStrategic HR leadership and organizational developmentAdvocate for strategic role of HR in organizational governance, structure and culture; promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and well-beingAct as an agent of change and role model for transformation, fostering collaboration, adaptability and a continuous learning cultureProvides consultations and advice to senior leaders and staff, with a focus on policy implementation and best-practicesTalent, 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 planLearning and developmentProficient in developing and managing learning strategies, methodologies and digital learning platforms to support capability growthEnsures content relevance and continuous improvement in learning and training initiativesAnalytical, data-driven and project management skills Strong analytical ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, to extract data and make strategic and informed decisionsExperience in coordinating multiple complex projects; setting priorities, resources, delegating tasks and delivering by deadlinesUtilize and enhance data and technology practices to optimize HR processes, specifically improving reporting and client servicesStakeholder and relationship managementBuilds and maintains strategic partnerships with leaders, staff and external stakeholders to enhance communication and collaborationStrong 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 desirableRecognized leader and mentor, offering guidance, support and capacity building within teamsOverall view and grasp of organizational context, interlinking initiatives and finding the gapsPlease see the Careers pages for the full Job Profile and click ‘Apply’ to submit your application before 20 November 2025 (23:59 CET, Rome). Please note, the corresponding job title on the careers page is ‘Senior HR Specialist (Talent Management Unit) Ref: 31803