Employee Relations Specialist at Amref Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Employee Relations Specialist will be responsible for maintaining positive employee relationships and ensuring compliance with local employment laws. S/he will facilitate training and provide guidance on HR policies and procedures to all levels of management and employees. The job incumbent will implement the disciplinary and grievance handling policies and procedures, while considering the application of the law and Amref’s policies, and procedures. This role is crucial in maintaining a productive work environment and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Develop and implement Employee Relations best practices and initiatives
•  Handle employee complaints and facilitate counselling to employees as needed
•  Provide guidance to management and employees on grievance-related matters and ensure consistent implementation of disciplinary procedures in the organization
•  Liaise with Internal Audit and respective HRBPs to investigate employee cases; Respond to all queries raised on employee discipline matters in a fair and timely manner
•  Manage the staff disciplinary process (end to end), including providing support for panel hearings, organizing forstaff disciplinary meetings, preparing and being the custodian of the relevant documentation, among other critical elements of the disciplinary process
•  Working closely with Internal Audit and the Legal department, participate in litigation cases for ex-staff as needed and provide critical information to support in such litigation cases
•  In liaison with the legal department, advise management on the legal implications of disciplinary actions as they relate to the Labour Laws
•  Monitor regularly changes in Labour laws and ensure that the HR policies and procedures are aligned to the existing labour laws
•  Facilitate, collate and analyse employee feedback to inform management on crucial employee issues and advise management on appropriate action
•  Conduct exit interviews, summarizes findings, and discusses trends and concerns with management
•  Conduct bi-monthly training session for HR Leads and line managers

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Professional Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, Social Sciences or related field from a recognized university
•  Relevant training and/or certifications in Employee Relations

Required Qualifications and Experience

•  Minimum of five (5) years of experience with three (3) years administering discipline and grievance procedures within the HR department in a high-volume organization
•  Proven experience as Employee Relations Specialist or similar role
•  Experience in design of employee experience journeys and employee-centred engagement initiatives

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

•  Knowledge of local Employment laws and its practical application
•  Knowledge of current trends and best practices of employee relations
•  Thorough understanding of dispute resolution
•  Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations
•  Strong negotiation and persuasion skills
•  Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills
•  Strong conflict management skills, with a history of successfully coaching and mentoring employees through complex, challenging, and emotional issues.
•  Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain self-control in potentially emotional grievance handling and disciplinary situations.
•  High integrity
•  Exceptional written and verbal communication
•  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail