Raya Al-Attar
@rayaalattar
Experienced HR professional with over 30 years in management.
What I'm looking for
I am a seasoned HR professional with over 30 years of diverse experience, including more than two decades in Human Resources, Administration, and Management. My career has been significantly shaped by 16 years of dedicated service with the United Nations, where I honed my skills in crisis management and organizational resilience. I have a proven track record of success in managing Level 3 emergencies across the Middle East, demonstrating outstanding leadership in staff welfare and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Throughout my career, I have led various HR strategies and initiatives, including recruitment, policy development, and compliance. My recent role as HR Director at El Zay has allowed me to build an HR unit from the ground up, overseeing recruitment and staff relations for a workforce of 1500 employees. I am passionate about driving staff well-being and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that HR practices align with organizational goals and promote a positive work environment.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
HR Director
El Zay
Nov 2024 - Present (8 months)
Led HR strategy, policy development, and implementation, building the HR unit and internal regulations. Oversaw recruitment, staff relations, investigations, and developed AFAC policies, while managing the company badge system for 1500 employees. Drove staff well-being, training, and compliance initiatives, including creating contingency and strategic workforce plans.
Risk Management & HR Officer
United Nations-World Food Programme (UN-WFP)
Feb 2024 - Oct 2024 (8 months)
Supported effective management of consultants' portfolios, integrating new Workday processes for contracting and onboarding. Served as the Anti-Fraud & Anti-Corruption (AFAC) Focal Point, designing a monitoring system and supporting case management for fraud and corruption issues. Coordinated incident reporting and provided monthly reports on high-risk items.
HR Director
Stars Orbit
Feb 2023 - Sep 2023 (7 months)
Supervised and managed national and international recruitment processes for 9 UN agencies in Iraq and KSA, demonstrating strong talent acquisition management. Provided daily HR consultation and guidance to managers, ensuring smooth operations. Developed and implemented the HR Unit structure to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of HR services.
Head of HR Team
United Nations-High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Aug 2022 - Feb 2023 (6 months)
Implemented office organization alignment to streamline fund issuance processes and managed recruitment and assignments per UNHCR rules. Facilitated staff-management dialogue on HR issues, addressing workforce health and welfare concerns, and ensuring comprehensive onboarding and offboarding. Enforced UNHCR HR policies, collaborated with inter-agency HR staff, and established a medical evacuation
HR Officer
UNWFP
Jun 2019 - Aug 2022 (3 years 2 months)
Streamlined recruitment, onboarding, and exit processes, while shaping country-specific HR strategies aligned with WFP policies. Advised senior management on HR policies, managed employee relations, and implemented tools to improve staff skills and performance. Acted as Officer in Charge for the Ibb office, ensuring operational continuity and compliance with HR policies and legal standards.
HR Officer
UNWFP
Jun 2018 - May 2019 (11 months)
Streamlined recruitment, onboarding, and exit processes to enhance employee integration and develop high-performing teams. Conducted staffing reviews and implemented organizational alignment changes, while shaping country-specific HR strategies. Advised senior management on HR policies, managed employee relations, and ensured compliance with HR policies and legal standards.
HR Associate
UNWFP
May 2014 - Jun 2018 (4 years 1 month)
Managed job postings, screened candidates, coordinated interviews, and handled offers, contracts, and onboarding processes. Supported performance evaluations, maintained accurate HR records in HRIS, and administered benefits including payroll and time management. Ensured compliance with HR policies and contributed to policy development.
HR Associate
UNWFP
Dec 2016 - Jun 2018 (1 year 6 months)
Managed the national recruitment process from start to finish, including planning, coordinating, and executing both standard and large-scale recruitment efforts. Aligned recruitment strategies with organizational goals and local needs. Launched daily motivational communications to foster engagement.
HR Assistant
UNWFP
Feb 2011 - May 2014 (3 years 3 months)
Assisted with job postings, candidate screening, and interview coordination, supporting the full recruitment lifecycle. Prepared and managed staff contracts, and maintained accurate HR records and reports. Administered benefits such as payroll and time management, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
Logistics Assistant
UNWFP
Mar 2003 - Feb 2011 (7 years 11 months)
Supported logistics operations for efficient food assistance delivery, ensuring timely ordering and delivery of supplies. Managed transport contracts and commodity pipelines, processed logistics documentation, and resolved issues. Collected data and produced accurate reports, including supporting logistics business during a Level 3 Emergency.
HR, Admin Manager & Designer
M.K. Associates
Feb 1994 - Mar 2003 (9 years 1 month)
Managed projects and provided interior design expertise, while also handling staff recruitment, separation, attendance, and payroll. Monitored and maintained office equipment, prepared expense reports, and managed office budgets. Organized special functions and social events for the company.
Lecturer
Jordan University
Sep 1996 - Jun 1997 (9 months)
Taught Freehand Drawing to first-year students, providing foundational artistic instruction. Instructed Graduation Project to fifth-year students, guiding them through their capstone architectural designs.
HR & Office Manager
Al Iman Establishment
Sep 1993 - Jan 1994 (4 months)
Managed office administration and supplies, ensuring efficient daily operations. Maintained comprehensive employee records, supporting HR functions within the establishment.
Teacher, HR & Admin Staff
Mama Aysar School
Sep 1992 - Aug 1993 (11 months)
Taught English, Science, and Mathematics to KG1, KG2, and Fifth Grade students, demonstrating diverse teaching capabilities. Served as the School Executive Secretary, handling administrative duties and supporting school operations.
Tracing Agency Member
ICRC & IRCS
May 1991 - Aug 1992 (1 year 3 months)
Responsible for search affairs of missing civilians, demonstrating critical humanitarian work. Managed other office branches in Iraq Governorates and served as Vice President of the Iraqi Red Crescent Youth Office. Was also a member of the Arab Bureau of the Red Crescent & Red Cross Youth.
HR & Admin Assistant
Al-Janub for Trade
Aug 1990 - Jan 1991 (5 months)
Managed office administration and supplies, ensuring efficient daily operations. Maintained comprehensive employee records, supporting HR functions within the establishment.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Baghdad
Bachelor of Interior Design, Interior Design
Completed a comprehensive curriculum focused on interior design principles and practices. Gained expertise in space planning, aesthetics, and functional design solutions.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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