Regional Human Resources Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Operational Context/Role

The Regional Human Resources Officer (RHRO), under the supervision of the Regional Director (RD) and in close collaboration with the International Human Resources Department, will ensure consistency and uniformity in the implementation of human resources policies and guidelines, by sharing best practices and ultimately by promoting the welfare of JRS staff in the Regional Office as well as in the 4 countries where JRS has operations. The RHRO will also lead the recruitment for JRS staff in the Region in collaboration with the Country HR Officers and Country Directors. With this aim, the RHRO will actively contribute to the development and implementation of Human Resources policies; reinforce HR processes, and offer guidance and HR services to employees in both the Regional Office and the Country Offices. The Eastern Africa Regional Office (EAR) supports 4 countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. In each of these countries, JRS hosts programs for refugees and asylum seekers.

Key Responsibilities and Deliveries

Under the supervision of the Regional Director, the Regional HR Officer’s main responsibility will be to lead the Human Resources Department with effective delivery of HR services. More specifically:

• Lead all HR related matters for the Regional Office including the national office. Actively provide support to staff, Country Directors and HR Officers on HR related matters.
• Plan and monitor HR operational and budget needs in order to efficiently manage the required HR needs and capabilities of the Regional Office.
  Lead all activities related to the recruitment processes, ensuring a coherent management of administrative and legal procedures all across the region (recruitment, end of contract, payment of national and local taxes, proper upkeep of personnel files, management of overtime, etc).
• Develop a training needs assessment, in accordance to operational requirements, in evaluating people performance and in implementing the associated action plans in order to improve people’s capabilities and their end results contribution to JRS mission and values.
• Define and coordinate the implementation of local regulations, reviewing salaries and taxes, in order to ensure internal equity, adequate competitiveness and legal compliance.
• Coordinate staff on-boarding activities including liaising with departments and following up on activities.
• Train staff on Code of Conduct and relevant organizational policies.
• Assist the Regional Director and Country Directors in dealing with grievances and in the implementation of disciplinary procedures.
• Assist with monthly payroll related activities and liaise with local labour agency when necessary. Assist with personnel administration by assembling and preparing necessary documentation, including the preparation of contracts for temporary staff and internships.
• Keep up to date all HR staff figures and produce human resources-related statistics.
• Lead the performance management process across the region including initiating, tracking and monitoring of the various stages of the process.
• Coordinate the implementation of all administrative local protocols and procedures, organise regular information meetings with all the staff and systematically participate in all briefings where HR expertise is requested (Finance, Programmes, and Administration).
• Act as a focal point for the regions including responding to queries, follow up on information related to contracts, recruitment, security and safety and HR matters.

In close collaboration with the International HR Director:

• Develop and implement JRS HR core policies and international guidelines and protocols in line with international humanitarian standards (PSEA, Child Protection Policy, Anti-fraud Policy, etc).
• Assist in the implementation of the JRS Global Staff Care Programme (MHPSS, Security and Safety, Policies, Working conditions and Environment).
• Design and implement the organizational structure for JRS EAR, designing charts and jobs, as well as the different levels of responsibility and delegation, in order to efficiently support JRS activities in the region.
• Provide up to date analysis of new trends in the area of Human Resources Management in the Region and suggest review and or update of best practices.
  Run specific surveys on the JRS staff well-being in the Region.
• Perform any other duties commensurate with the post as requested by your supervisor.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• University degree in Human Resources or related field (organizational development; business administration, etc.) or a specific training, qualification or certification in human resources management
• IHRM Membership

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in a not-for-profit and/or international organization;
• Excellent knowledge and thorough experience in employment law, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, security and safety, staff training and development;
• Previous experience with a faith-based NGO is a significant asset;
• Good understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international development;
• High degree of discretion, confidentiality and tact in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills;
• Good computer skills, including competence in Excel and familiarity with other databases;
• Good organizational skills and ability to perform multifaceted tasks in addition to day-to-day activities;
• Good analytical skills and sound judgement;
• Successful experience in multicultural and challenging environments.

Language

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required; a second professional working knowledge of Kiswahili and/or French.

Leadership Behaviours

• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills;
• Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences;
• A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability;
• An energetic team player who can effectively collaborate, and who can stand alone when necessary;
• Ability to work in international settings and with various departments to implement successful approaches in Human Resources;
• Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.

Core values and ethics

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS;
• Very good pastoral sense, listening abilities and communication/inter-personal skills;
• Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment with good multicultural sensitivities and in a flexible environment;
• Willingness and ability to travel to the regional country offices, when appropriate, for project monitoring visits and live a simple lifestyle.

Travel

The job will require travels to JRS locations around the region. Special attention will be given to Kakuma refugee camp and locations where the Country HR Officer position is vacant.

Terms and conditions

This is a locally recruited position. Contract is for one year, renewable with an initial probationary period of six months.

JRS remuneration policy is in keeping with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served.