Human Resources Assistant (GS5)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

20 January 2026-23:59-GMT+05:30 India Standard Time (Colombo)

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).

HR Assistant is expected to take responsibility for the completion of a full range of HR activities requiring some interpretation of standard guidelines and practices. The HR Assistant is able to recommend a course of action within their area of expertise and may provide guidance to other staff. To perform a range of HR tasks to support accurate implementation of WFP policies and procedures and facilitate the effective functioning of a client- focused and strategy-oriented HR services.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

This position is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the HR Assistant shall report to the Human Resources Officer. At this level, the HR Assistant is expected to take responsibility for the completion of a full range of HR activities requiring some interpretation of standard guidelines and practices. The HR Assistant is able to recommend a course of action within their area of expertise and may provide guidance to other staff.

To perform a range of HR tasks to support accurate implementation of WFP policies and procedures and facilitate the effective functioning of a client- focused and strategy-oriented HR services.

     
THE ROLE

To perform a range of HR tasks to support accurate implementation of WFP policies and procedures and facilitate the effective functioning of a client focused and strategy-oriented HR services.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):

• Timely and accurately update and maintain both online and offline HR Systems (e.g., WINGS, Workday, Payroll) by entering and updating HR data, monitoring key deadlines (e.g., contract expirations, PACE), and ensuring data integrity and compliance with established standards.
• Timely and accurately process payroll and documents for all contract types (Consultants, Fixed-Term staff, Service Contract holders, and Special Service Agreement), in line with applicable policies and procedures.
• Efficiently and effectively execute the full recruitment cycle, from processing recruitment requisition requests to onboarding, adhering to relevant SOPs and WFP HR policies.
• Execute talent development initiatives as directed, supporting capacity-building and staff development activities within the office.
• Provide assistance on general HR queries and follow-up actions, to ensure consistent and high-quality HR services are delivered to clients.
• Execute employee engagement and inclusive initiatives.
• Extract and compile HR information to support analysis and reporting needs.
• Maintain confidential personnel records, HR databases and archives, to ensure data and files are accurately stored and updated in compliance with the established standards.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with HR KPI and meeting established deadlines.
• Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor to support the effective delivery of HR services and organizational objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area (Human Recourses) is desirable.

Experience: Minimum Five (05 Years) of related job experience is needed.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Has managed and implemented HR policy and procedures in line with WFPs operating standards
• Has conducted specific HR Services activities such as payroll administration, recruitment and interviews administration
• Has provided ad-hoc guidance to less experienced staff members
• Has provided briefing to new recruits as part of the onboarding process
• Has gained experience working across a range of WFP contexts and with varying strategic priorities

Language: Fluent (Level C) in English, and Sinhala/ Tamil
 

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 recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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.