Human Resources Manager

Position description

The Human Resources Manager will have primary responsibility for assisting in development, coordination, and implementation of personnel policies and procedures for Church World Service Africa programs.  This includes recruitment, compliance, employee relations, benefits administration and training and development. This position works closely with staff in CWS Corporate Center.  This position also serves on the CWS Africa leadership team.

Supervision
This position supervises the Human Resources staff.

This position reports directly to the Regional Deputy Director for Administration and works closely with the RSC Africa Director and Regional Representative.

Essential Duties

1. Policy and Management

• Plans, coordinates and directs day to day Human Resources activities and personnel administration for CWS Africa.
• In coordination with the CWS Global HR, ensures that HR policies and practices are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations for the locations where CWS Africa operates in.
• Works with CWS Corporate Center and CWS Africa supervisors to develop best practices in human resource management and to ensure implementation in a fair, consistent and transparent manner.
• Reviews and updates the local SOPs and all other human resource policies as appropriate.
• Conduct training and review of the new policies to all CWS Africa staff.
• Provides supervision, support and guidance to the CWS Africa human resources staff.
• Develops a recruitment strategy for staff; coordinates interviews and hiring processes; and ensures that newly hired staff members complete all necessary HR paperwork.
• Manages time and attendance monitoring and oversees the use of HR software.
• Conducts research and provides recommendations to CWS Africa senior management on HR policy practices and developing staffing needs.
• Oversees the management of the employee benefits program.

1. Staff Performance Evaluation and Training

• Develops and implements the CWS Africa staff performance evaluation process, including developing the capacity of supervisory staff to implement effective performance monitoring.
• Assesses CWS Africa staff training needs, develops annual training plans and conducts staff training activities.
• Develops training materials and makes these accessible to CWS Africa staff members, including through use of information technology.
• In coordination with the CWS Africa Staff Security Coordinator and supervisors, ensures that CWS Africa staff members receive relevant safety and security training.

1. Staff Care

• Oversees new staff member welcome and orientation.
• Ensures that staff members understand and have access to benefits under their health insurance plans.
• Provide counsel, guidance and advice to staff as may be required.
• Identifies smart practices on staff care within the international NGO community, and integrates into CWS Africa’s approach.
• Ensures that the HR unit is accessible and responsive to staff enquiries.
• Ensures a harassment-free work environment, including through the fair and transparent application of CWS Africa sexual harassment policies.
• Assists in the administration of employee recognition programs and help plan staff events.

Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree or four (4) years of paid work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience:
Eight years equivalent work experience.
Four years human resources experience required.
Three years Supervisory experience required.
Demonstrated experience with staff training and development required.
Previous work experience with an overseas NGO preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Thorough knowledge and comprehensive understanding of U.S. and Kenya Labor Law and retirement benefits rules and regulations preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge of performance management systems and performance evaluation.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills; and
• Computer literacy, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

Abilities:
The Human Resources Manager must have the ability to:

• communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally;
• manage confidential information;
• work as part of team in a multi-cultural environment;
• supervise staff to ensure policies and procedures are implemented and executed in accordance with guidelines and standard operating procedures;
• exercise good judgement and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems;
• travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and often under sometimes difficult conditions to meet demands of a dynamic program;
• follow instructions with a positive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of CWS Africa;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of CWS Africa;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects within the specified timeframe;
• maintain strict confidentiality with CWS Africa administrative and operational information;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage CWS Africa’s resources; and
• actively participate in the successful implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Working Conditions
Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying medium loads.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position may be exposed to excessive noise, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious disease, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.  This position is primarily in an office environment and may travel based on operational needs.

The US Embassy rates Kenya as both HIGH in crime and HIGH in terrorism.  Incumbents should fully understand the insecurities present within Kenya and the region.

Special Requirements: 
A background check which includes references and criminal check is required before the start of employment. Must be legally eligible to work in Kenya.  Employee may be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification: Professional human resources certifications preferred.

Competencies

Communication 
Ensure effective exchanges of information with others.  Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships
Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge
Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations.  Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork
Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team.  Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving  
Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job.  Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Operational Leadership
Successfully lead a group to achieve operational goals.  Examples of skills and behaviors include priority setting; timely decision making; planning and organizing; delegation; and managing and measuring work.

Building and Leading Effective Teams
Earn the respect of team members, create strong morale and spirit on the team and utilize the unique skills of all team members. Examples of skills and behaviors include managing diverse relationships; flexibility; being open and receptive; running effective team meetings; and exhibiting integrity and trustworthiness.

Strategic Leadership
Accurately anticipate future consequences and trends and translate them into the fulfillment of workable strategies and plans.  Examples of skills and behaviors include problem solving; dealing with ambiguity, creativity; innovation management and business acumen.

Application instructions

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