Project HR Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Operational Context/Role

The Project Human Resources Officer, who reports to the Project Director, is responsible for implementing human resources activities and policies of JRS in the area of assignment while promoting the welfare of JRS staff in the Project. This position participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of effective human resources policies of JRS. The Project Human Resources Officer is based in Kakuma and promotes policies and practices, which ensure that JRS personnel may effectively respond to the needs of refugees.

Key Responsibilities

• General
  • To assist the Project Director in developing and implementing a coherent human resources policy and procedures for the Project which are consistent with JRS Regional policy and guidelines as well as the Country labour law.
  • To assist the Project Director in ensuring compliance with local labour laws and practices in relation to staff documentation.
  • To keep staff documentation and record accurate, up to date and secure, and responding to requests from the Country and Regional Office for information and statistics in human resource matters
  • To review all security, health insurance, grievance, disciplinary and other policies and procedures for staff consistent with the policy of the organization in consultation with the Project and Country Directors.
  • To ensure that appropriate and adequate performance appraisal and professional development plans are in place and implemented according to the policy
  • To support the Project Director and the management in providing orientation, induction and training as well as managing administrative staff to ensure that they are performing their roles to high standard.
  • To take the lead in the recruitment of personnel in the Project after consultation with the Project Director e.g. advertisement, short listing of candidates, etc
  • To advise the Project Director on major personnel issues, e.g. performance management (mid & annual appraisals) or where disciplinary action is required
  • To ensure that government regulations on social security schemes such as pension as well as JRS policies are observed.
  • Be the focal person in the implementation of all insurances including medical insurance of the staff.
• Care for Personnel
  • To hold regular meeting with the Project Director and teams in the field, to listen and give support to each JRS team member. In case of problems to draw these to the attention of the Project or Country Director
  • To give special care to the staff, making sure they receive necessary breaks and holidays.
  • To decide on security measures in situation of crisis within the Project, after consultation with the Regional, Country and Project Directors, and in accordance with the JRS Security Guidelines.
• Staffing
  • To manage the recruitment process for all the vacant positions in Kenya in consultation with the Project / Country Directors and the Regional Human Resources Officer
  • Carry out an audit of the incentive staff and advice the Project and Country Directors on the actual personnel needs for the Projects. This includes reorganization, restructuring and redundancy of the existing staff.
• Administration & Documentation
  • To review all the staff files including contract, job descriptions, medical insurance, etc to ensure that they comply with the law of the Project and are up to date.
  • To develop and manage a database for staff leave (R&R, annual leave, sick leave, compassionate leave etc.) and report the same to the Project Director on a regular basis
  • To support the regular updating of the HR information system (Pedro Arrupe System) by providing an up to date staff list to the Project Director and Regional HR Officer on a monthly basis
  • To support the Finance Office in preparing the payroll by providing the list and details of new staff as well as the information on staff who have left the organization.
  • To review all the HR Policy documents to comply with the Project law and JRS values and also to develop new policies that are inexistent.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

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

Experience

• At least 2-3 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. Knowledge of French and Kiswahili added advantage.

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;

Terms and Conditions

This is a locally recruited position. Contract is for one year, renewable with an initial probationary period of 3 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.