By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Country Human Resources Officer

Nairobi

  • Organization: JRS - Jesuit Refugee Service
  • Location: Nairobi
  • Grade: Mid level - Mid
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Human Resources
  • Closing Date: Closed

Position Title: Country Human Resources Officer

Reports to: Country Director

Deadline: 15 June 2019

Starting date: September 2019

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

 

Organisational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs.

The main services provided are in the field of education, emergency assistance, and psychosocial support and livelihood activities. Currently, more than 724,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

 

Operational Context/Role

The Country Human Resources Officer (CHRO), under the supervision of the Country Director (CD) and in close collaboration with the International Human Resources Director, 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 Country Office. The CHRO will also lead the recruitment for JRS staff in the Country in collaboration with the Country Director. With this aim, the CHRO will actively contribute to the development and implementation of Human Resources policies, reinforce HR processes, and offer guidance and HR services to employees in the Country Office. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Country 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 Country Office.

• Actively provide support to the Country Director, Country staff, Project staff, including the Project HR Officer 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 Country Office.

• Lead all activities related to the recruitment processes at Country level, ensuring a coherent management of administrative and legal procedures (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 employees’ 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.

• Assist the 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 country including responding to queries, follow up on information related to contracts, recruitment, security and safety and HR matters.

 

Project-related activities:

• Work in close collaboration with the Project Director and Project HR Staff to ensure correct application and consistency.

• Frequently travel to the projects to carry out trainings for the project staff and project HR Officer, if present.

• Assist the Project Directors and Project HR Staff in dealing with grievances and in the implementation of disciplinary procedures.

• Act as focal point for the Project HR Staff if and when requested.

• Act as link between the International Office HR Department and the Project level.

• Together with the Project HR Staff, to advise the Project Director on major personnel issues, e.g. performance management (mid & annual appraisals) or where disciplinary action is required.

• Frequently travel to the projects to carry out HR assessments and evaluations.

• Frequently travel to the projects to carry out investigations and support the Project HR staff, if present.

• Support the Project Director and/or the Project HR Officer to take decisions regarding security measures in situation of crisis within the Project, after consultation with the Country Director .

• Together with the Project Director and/or the Project HR Officer, if present, review all the HR policies and ensure compliance and consistency with the International policies and local labour requirements.

 

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 the relevant JRS country office, 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 Country and suggest review and or update of best practices.

• Run specific surveys on the JRS staff well-being in the Country.

• Perform any other duties commensurate with the post as requested by the supervisor.

 

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 registered professional in Kenya.

 

Experience

• At least four (4) years of professional experience in an NGO and/or international organization.

• Excellent knowledge and 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.

 

Languages

• Excellent proficiency in written and verbal English; a professional working knowledge of a language spoken in the country is desirable.

 

Required Skills and Competencies 

• Very good pastoral sense and listening abilities and communication/inter-personal skills.

• Good understanding of and commitment to humanitarian relief work and international development.

• High degree of discretion, tact and confidentiality in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work in international settings and with various departments to implement successful approaches in Human Resources.

• 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.

• 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.

• Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.

• 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.

• Willingness to work and travel to refugee settings in challenging environments. 

 

Required Core values

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS.

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity. 

• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information.

• Neutrality and sensitivity in dealing with HR matters.

• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion.

 

Travel 

The position requires regular travel to JRS locations.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contract is for 1 year, renewable with an initial probationary period of 3 months. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. Benefits and compensation package will be discussed with short-listed candidates.

 

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents: 

1) Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including three (3) professional references with contact information, phone and email address. 

2) A cover letter describing the candidate’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position.

 

The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. Consideration of candidates and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining JRS.

 

 

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: