Mission and objectives

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetime. Every day, WFP works worldwide, in over 120 countries and territories, combining emergency assistance with long-term development while adapting the Programme’s activities to the context and challenges of each location and its people, to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need. For its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. WFP’s greatest strength is its 20,000+ dedicated people working tirelessly around the world to reduce hunger, often under difficult conditions where security threats and risks to personal safety are considerable.

Context

This volunteering opportunity sits within the Human Resource (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 Global Headquarters (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.

Task Description

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 corporate 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 Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO).

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Analytical thinking • Sound judgement and decision making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self management • Ability to work autonomously • Attention to detail and meticulousness • Creativity and problem solving • Motivation and initiative • Collaborative approach • Empathy and emotional intelligence • Positive and solution oriented mindset • Cultural awareness and sensitivity • Openness and receptiveness to feedback

Living conditions and remarks

Panama City offers generally comfortable living conditions with modern infrastructure, reliable utilities, and good access to medical, banking, and communication services. The climate is tropical and humid year‑round, with a pronounced rainy season. Accommodation options are varied, including short‑term housing near the City of Knowledge and modern apartments across the city. While the city is safe overall, certain neighborhoods require increased caution, and petty crime can occur. Food and services are widely available, and the U.S. dollarized economy simplifies daily transactions. As a multicultural city, dress is informal, and cultural norms are welcoming, though awareness and respect for local customs are important. Panama is a dynamic and diverse duty station that provides a comfortable environment but still requires adaptability, cultural awareness, and flexibility. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”