Deputy Director – Global HR Operations

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence – We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people.

Freedom – We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive.

Respect – We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people.

Teamwork – We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration.

Transparency – We believe in open communication and clear decision-making.

Accountability – We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The Deputy Director/Operations implements and assists in the development of IRI’s people strategy with a focus on delivering high quality service through IRI’s HR Business Partners. In this role, we are seeking a high functioning HR professional to serve in the role as trusted partner that will defined by high performing operational execution with a keen ability to think strategically and implement and deliver on leading Human Resources and People related functions. The Deputy oversees a high performing team and partners to deliver HR services across the Institute This individual will be innovative, able to build relationships with staff at all levels.

This role will serve IRI’s global staff to support and lead HR activities related to IRI’s mission and business objectives to enhance democracy throughout the globe. In this role, the incumbent will implement, monitors, and continuously refines policies and operations that contribute to IRI’s culture (such as staff engagement, orientation/onboarding, and performance evaluation) align with IRI business priorities and values to facilitate connection to IRI’s mission and purpose.

This position is eligible for a flexible/hybrid work arrangement with a preference for an individual based in the Washington, DC metro area.

Position Requirements

• A minimum of eight years of progressive HR experience in a mid-sized international organization.
• An informed perspective on people and human resources service delivery in a (post) Pandemic environment and workforce.
• A successful track record as an HR business partner with an international development organization with a network of field offices
• Cross-cultural competencies as evidenced by well-developed and highly effectively listening and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Federal government contracting rules and regulations as they pertain to human resources.
• An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Comfortable with using mixed methods (Teams, Face to Face, Email) to deliver and engage a global staff audience.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and organizational skills
• Demonstrated presentation skills with the ability to receive, process and present information diverse audiences while maintaining effective collaborative relationships
• Ability to manage deadlines, work independently, prioritize workload and multi-task in fast-paced environment
• Proven experience managing and leading staff along with the ability to manage and interact with staff at all levels in a professional and team focused environment.
• Demonstrated record of integrity, discretion and ethical behavior in all work situations
• Experience and competency in HRIS a must, preferred experience in UKG; proficient in MS Office Suite.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

HR Operations & Strategy

• Assists the Senior Director of Human Resources in managing IRI’s people and talent strategies. Responsible for the execution and delivery of HR operations for DC/HQ, Expatriate and Local National staff.
• Oversees IRI’s processes related to onboarding, employee relations and performance, employee engagement and international HR outreach.
• Develop and recommend process improvement initiatives to enhance internal staff support and maximize the effectiveness of IRI’s internal HR operations.
• Develops and proposes improvement to policies, programs and procedures to improve the effectiveness of HR and operations.

Global Human Resources & HR Business Partner

• Proactively engage and provide consultative guidance to staff at all levels while serving as subject matter expert on best practices and issues related to Expatriate and local national staff.
• Partner with host country staff to improve HR service delivery and applicable HR practices to address country-specific HR concerns and challenges.
  • May include oversight of field office handbooks, compensation and other related business concerns to ensure compliance with local labor laws and IRI business operations.
• Provides innovative and strategic solutions focused on enhancing the International (Expat & Local) HR experience at IRI.
• Will lead in the rollout global HR initiatives to field offices.
• Will make policy recommendations to improve employee experience of Expatriate and local national staff.

Employee Culture & Engagement

• Serves as cultural steward in an effort to promote best in class workplace practices focused on furthering IRI’s mission and values-based culture.
• Works collaboratively with Senior Director, Benefits Manager and Employee Engagement Specialist to continually develop and facilitate an environment focused on staff care and well-being.
  • Will liaise with relevant staff to provide staff care support through identified mechanisms and vendors
• Identifies areas and opportunities to enhance IRI culture by engaging stakeholders on a variety of issues aimed at enhancing employee workplace satisfaction and overall employee experience.

Employee Relations & Policy

• Exercises a high degree of discernment to support Managers and staff at all levels in employee relations issues and performance management.
• Serves as partner and supports all facets of employee relations at IRI. Provides recommendations and solutions to ensure effective staff management to include disciplinary action, conflict resolution, performance management and other related ER issues.
• Manages and works to resolve complex issues by conducting and managing effective workplace investigations.
• Reviews and edits disciplinary notices as well as performance improvement plans and provides timely and solution focused counsel to management.

Employee Performance & Development

• Provides strategic guidance on areas of improvement related to employee performance and development.
• Leads the communication, implementation and effective engagement of staff in areas of professional development.
• Works to assess needs in the realm of professional development and make recommendations for training and development activities for staff at all levels.
  • Will lead and deliver training and facilitation based on identified needs.

Employee Onboarding & Orientation

• Provides oversight and guidance of IRI onboarding process, providing key recommendations for improvement in an effort to continually enhance onboarding experience.

Other

• Will provide supervisory and consultative oversight of HR Business Partners and related staff including Employee Engagement team.
• Supports compensation processes and participates in salary surveys.
• Serves as an integral business partner with IRI’s Payroll team.