Salary band 4 – Professional 4A – Human Resource Specialist (X2)
Reports to: Head of Finance & Administration
Department: Human Resources
Duty Station: Country Office, Freetown
About GIZ
As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and
international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. We
work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction
between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity. In Sierra Leone, the GIZ has
been working since 1963 in the following areas: Employment promotion and agriculture, strengthening
the health care system, resource governance and sustainable energy access.
GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace
diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success and are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.
– Women’s perspectives are vital to our success.
– Enjoy flexible hours and part-time work opportunities to help balance professional and
personal commitments.
– Benefit from family-friendly policies
Country Office
A GIZ Country Office is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring administrative activities to ensure the proper functioning of GIZ’s programs and projects within the framework of GIZ’s Processes and Rules (P+R). It provides a range of services including financial management, processing payments, managing receivables and payables, conducting internal controls, and supporting external audits. Additionally, the office handles various logistical processes such as vehicle registration, customs clearance, and travel arrangements. It aims to streamline operations and improve operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines and standards .
We are advertising the position of “Human Resource Specialist”
A. Responsibilities
The HR professional
▪ is the central contact for management and staff for all HR questions, specifically recruitment
and selection, contract issues and professional development measures
▪ is responsible for implementing HR procedures as required, specifically operational and
administrative tasks
▪ implements national personnel policies in line with local conditions and maintains contact with
the National Personnel Team at Head Office. Acts independently and integrates others who
have been assigned HR tasks
▪ advises the Director of Administration and Country Director on basic HR policy issues
▪ assumes conceptual and coordination tasks in HR management on behalf of the Country
Director
1The HR Officer performs the following tasks:
B. Tasks
1. Personnel recruitment
Organises and directs the recruitment and hiring process in accordance with GIZ standards.
▪ advises managers on drawing up requirement profiles and formulates appropriate job
descriptions in consultation with them
▪ grades positions together with the manager based on the profiles developed and sets
benchmark values for appropriate remuneration levels in individual cases
▪ searches for suitable staff in accordance with the requirements for the positions (identifies
existing GIZ HR resources in the country and/or region, writes job advertisements and
ensures publication in appropriate print and/or online media)
▪ evaluates applications received and shortlists candidates on the basis of the requirements or
hiring criteria, obtains references, and conducts preliminary discussions
▪ organises personnel selection (e.g. applicant interviews) and advises, if necessary, on
selection
▪ notifies unsuccessful applicants, documents the selection process, archives the
documentation and enters the data in existing HRM systems.
2. Conditions of employment and HR support
Ensures contract processing and assists staff on all HR matters.
▪ determines the appropriate contract based on national labour law and the material and formal
conditions (limited/unlimited employment contract, distinction from appraiser contract,
internship etc.)
▪ draws up the employment contract on the basis of the standard GIZ contract, local hiring
conditions and the contents of the advertisement
▪ deals with all other organisational and administrative stages in processing, e.g. monthly
update of entries in SAP-HR for national personnel
▪ maintains information on hiring conditions for national personnel (remuneration system, salary
groups, model job descriptions, labour law etc.), updates this and informs managers
▪ ensures that payroll functions smoothly.
3. HR instruments and procedures
In consultation with the Head of Finance & Administration, the HR Officer coordinates the key HR
processes, including HR and competence development, staff evaluation and human resources management (HRM). He/she identifies current issues and problems and formulates appropriate proposals for HR instruments and procedures in accordance with the national personnel policy.
The HR Specialist
▪ is responsible for implementing and complying with GIZ’s national personnel policies and puts
in place the corresponding HR instruments and procedures
▪ implements HRM for national personnel (e.g. enters competences, plans availability for
assignment, considers staff for vacancies, advises, organises and implements professional
development measures)
▪ develops information material for new staff
▪ writes and updates the employment manual with relevant documents on current hiring
conditions. In this context, he/she consults a lawyer specialising in labour law.
▪ develops human resources instruments and procedures (e.g. staff assessment and
development talks, bonus systems, development plans) in consultation with the country
director and assists in their implementation.
2▪ organises the evaluation process (information on schedule for staff assessment and
development talks, filing forms, monitoring documentation on qualification requirements and
professional development etc.)
▪ plans and organises training measures, including induction event for new staff, and advises
managers on further training measures
▪ checks the names of national personnel against the sanction list
▪ networks with the national personnel help desk at Head Office and the other HR specialists in
the region to share experience on good practices.
4. Other duties/additional tasks
• performs other duties and tasks at the request of management.
C. Required qualifications, competences and experience
Qualifications
▪ BA/BSC in Business Administration, Economics, or other related Field (with a focus on HR
management) or similar area.
▪ Master’s degree in human resources is an added advantage
Professional experience
▪ At least 5 years professional experience in a similar position.
Other knowledge, additional competences
▪ good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the
internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)
▪ excellent oral and written communication abilities
▪ good knowledge of national labour and social law
▪ familiar with HR procedures and experience in advising on HR issues
▪ awareness of how to handle HR issues appropriately (confidentiality, data protection)
▪ experience working with international organizations/institutions
▪ willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are
agreed with management.
Mode of Application:
Please send ONLY a cover letter, CV and copies of education certificates to
recruitmentsl@giz.de by 15.08 2025. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.
Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged, your
application e-mail subject, please write: “HR Specialist ‘’
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
