Allocate Checklist to Users before an Action Completes

Summary:

How can we allocate checklist based on "Resignation" action to a user who has resigned but the Resignation action is yet to be approved

Content (required):

Our current Resignation process is as follows: 1. ESS submits Resignation > 2. FYA to MSS > 3. FYA to HRSS > 4. HRSS manually assigns Exit Survey (questionnaire) to the ESS > 5. ESS completes the Exit Survey > 6. HRSS receives FYI that Exist Survey is completed > 7. HRSS approves Resignation

We want the step #4 to be done as a Checklist as opposed to being a manual task by HRSS. I am aware that we can allocate Checklist based on Action but i n that case the Action has to be either completed or effective. Is it possible to create a Questionnaire Checklist while the Action is still ongoing?