Head of HR Operations

Established in 1977, GOAL is an international humanitarian agency with a team of over 3,000 personnel dedicated to alleviating the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Currently operating in 14 of the world’s most vulnerable countries, GOAL delivers a wide range of humanitarian and development programmes, ranging from humanitarian relief in disaster situations, to focusing on nutrition, food security, and building greater resilience and sustainable livelihoods. GOAL values the power of partnership and works with local and international partners to achieve its mission.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Director of People and Organisation Development, the Head of HR Operations will assist the Director of People in the development and implementation of a HR service recognised for its excellence and organisational impact. The post will support and drive a number of strategic and operational HR initiatives and will work closely with other members of the HR Management Team in achieving departmental objectives.

The Head of HR Operations will lead the HR Operations team who are responsible for a high quality, accurate and consistent service to Head Office Ireland, and to regional teams in Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. They will develop strong relationships across the global HR function and with organisational stakeholders in HQ and overseas, acting as a trusted partner in HR delivery.

Duties and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Working closely with Director of People and the HR management team to ensure the alignment of the HR service to GOAL’s strategy and requirements
• Managing a team of four HR Business Partners (Ireland, Africa, Middle East) who have regional responsibility for overseeing HR service delivery and for working with country HR teams and management to develop HR operations and ensure alignment with Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability.
• As directed by the Director of People, act as HR Focal Point in critical incident management and lead on emergency staff support, including but not limited to the management of medical evacuations from overseas locations
• Building effective HR Business Partner relationships across GOAL, becoming a trusted advisor to stakeholders, influencing and guiding on relevant people priorities and initiatives, and effectively delivering an excellent HR service.
• Providing leadership to a team of HR professionals and developing a seamless, ‘end to end’ service culture within the team, including identifying and implementing process initiatives to improve efficiency and effectiveness of HR delivery.
• Collaborating with the HR Management Team, lead the development, implementation and maintenance of best practice HR Polices
• Evaluating existing HR processes and procedures, and provide recommendations for changes and improvements, and manage their implementation
• Accountable for HR system reporting and data integrity
• Manage internal communication projects (e.g. employee surveys)
• Responsibility for other HR initiatives including the implementation of GOAL’s performance management and development systems ‘Grow with GOAL
• Supporting the ongoing professional development of your team through coaching, feedback, stretch assignments and other development methodologies.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience gained within a HR department of an established International NGO with global operations
• Strong leadership capabilities with an ability to role model resilience and perseverance in a complex operating environment
• Ability and willingness to work flexibly.
• Experience supporting managers with a range of complex HR matters
• Experience in designing, implementing, and managing HR systems, policies, and procedures
• Project management experience
• Proven ability to motivate and develop direct reports to high levels of performance.
• Well-developed influencing skills, proven ability to relate well to other people in a wide range of contexts and levels; as well as working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the capability to manage multiple priorities with competing priorities/deadlines.
• Excellent analytical skills including attention to detail combined with the skill to communicate concisely with senior colleagues and figures, both within and outside the organisation
• Good understanding and up-to-date knowledge of current and proposed employment law and its application through policies and procedures
• Excellent IT skills using HRIS and MS Office applications, including Excel
• A commitment to personal learning and the ability to engage others similarly.

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree in Business Management or Human Resources Management; MA / MSc is a plus
• CIPD qualified
• French; Spanish; Arabic an advantage