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Job Title:   Country Human Resources Officer   

Organisation: Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

About US:

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international nongovernmental 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 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 fields of Education and Livelihoods, Reconciliation, MHPSS and Advocacy.

Job Summary:  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 Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Country HR Officer’s main responsibility will be to lead the Human Resource 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;
• Plan and monitor HR operations and budget to efficiently manage the Country Office HR needs;
• Lead all activities related to the recruitment processes at Country level, ensuring a coherent management of administrative and legal procedures;
• Develop a training needs assessment, in accordance with 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, organize regular information meetings with all the staff and systematically participate in all briefings where HR expertise is requested (Finance, Programmes, and Administration);
• Act as HR focal point for the country and, if requested, project staff.
• Project-related activities:
• Work in close collaboration with the Project Directors to ensure correct application and consistency;
• Travel to the project locations to carry out HR assessments, evaluations, trainings for the project staff;
• Travel to the project locations to carry out investigations and support the Project HR staff, if present;
• Assist the Project Directors 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;
• Advise the Project Director on major personnel issues, e.g. performance management (mid & annual appraisals) or where disciplinary action is required;
• Support the Project Director 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 Country Director and International HR Department:
• 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;
• 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;
• 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, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant must hold a University degree in Human Resources or related field (organizational development; business administration, etc.) or a specific training, qualification or certification in human resources management;
• A minimum of four years of professional experience in an NGO and/or international organization;
• Good knowledge and experience in employment law, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, security and safety, staff training and development;
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office 365 (Sharepoint, OneDrive, Teams);
• Previous experience with a faith-based NGO is a significant asset.
• Very good pastoral sense, listening abilities and 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;
• Willingness and ability to travel to the projects and other JRS locations, when appropriate;
• 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.
• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS;
• Neutrality, confidentiality and sensitivity in dealing with HR matters;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to travel regularly to JRS locations.
• Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required;

How to Apply:

All candidates should send their written application explaining why you are interested in the above position and how you meet the qualities and qualification criteria. Please attach a CV with maximum 2 pages. The CV should contain information about your qualifications, relevant trainings, work experience, names and contact details of two (2) relevant referees. Applications should be sent online to Jesuit Refugee Service Uganda at uga.hr@jrs.net

Deadline: 20^th May 2022

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