Senior Human Resources Officer

Reports To: HR Manager – Kenya/Somalia

Length of Contract: 2 years

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners, people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

CRS has worked in Kenya since 1965. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct relief and food distributions to a comprehensive development program that works with partners and enhances local capacity. CRS Kenya programs now support children affected by HIV, and community-based efforts to increase household incomes, improve family health and sanitation, and enhance agriculture livelihoods.

Job Summary:

The Senior HR Officer will support the HR Manager in the coordination and execution of the Kenya/Somalia Country Program HR strategy and operational plans in support of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. S/he will provide responsive high-quality service to address HR programs, services and operational needs in all or some of the areas of performance management, compensation, employee relations and management of staff benefits and wellness programs. S/he will contribute to risk management by advising managers on the interpretation/application of HR policies and procedures and ensuring Country Program employment and human resource management practices meet agency and donor standards and are compliant with local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Complement the HR Manager in providing strategic guidance and coaching to guide senior management, HR Managers in sub-offices and supervisors to mitigate risk on complex HR issues, in identifying, understanding and implementing county-program policies and practices related to workforce planning, REDI, safeguarding, performance, discipline, positive employee relations and related topics.
• Provide oversight on recruitment processes and ensure that that all phases of staff recruitment processes are conducted in an efficient manner and in accordance with CRS policies and procedures. Support CPs’ Senior Management Teams and hiring managers in Job Description development and job alignment to the band, ensure JDs and selection processes are aligned with Respect, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (REDI) requirements and develop and maintain REDI recruitment data management procedures.
• In consultation with the HR Manager, support in salary administration including making salary offers, reviews and alignment as per the compensation guidelines and salary structure
• Review of onboarding and offboarding data analysis reports to determine the successes and areas for improvement
• Lead in the management of the Staff Provident Fund scheme including oversight on day-to-day administration, liaison with service providers to ensure efficiency and compliance with legal requirements and CRS policies
• Serve as the primary gender focal point for HR, participate and take lead in gender action planning and implementation.
• Establish an effective approach to understanding, reducing, and resolving employee relations matters. This will include supporting supervisors improve team management skills, deal firmly and promptly with performance issues, and manage staff related conflicts effectively; advising management on confidential and complex human resources and employee relations issues and liaising with local legal counsel as needed
• Advise managers on the interpretation/application of HR policies and procedures. Support in review and alignment of HR policies with global, local laws and best practices
• Conduct periodic analysis and surveys to monitor the culture to ensure staff actions reflect CRS guiding principles where respect, equity, diversity and inclusion are valued.
• Support the HR Manager to develop staff succession and retention strategy in consultation with Senior Management
• Review and assess effectiveness of HR support in field offices and develop action plans to address gaps/challenges.
• Identity initiatives, activities, and opportunities for innovation and improvement of the HR function services for improved service delivery
• Represent the HR Manager in internal and external meetings and serve as the primary back up

Personal Skills and abilities:

• Ability to develop relationships and HR networks
• Ability to understand and interpret legislative and policy issues
• Good analytical skills with ability to make sound judgment and decisions
• Ability to deliver high levels of customer service and support
• Good negotiation and persuasion skills
• Good planning, organization, coordination and facilitation skills
• Ability to maintain confidential information and commitment to professional integrity
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desired Foreign Language: None

Travel Required: up to 20% of time to field locations

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: HR Officer (s)

Internal: CR, SMT, Supervisors, All staff, EARO HR Staff, Global People Resources

External: FKE, HR Networks, Training Institutions, Service Providers, GOK and other legal institutions

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or related field
• Certification in HR Management would be a plus
• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience preferably with an International or local NGO and good knowledge or HR best practices and standards.
• Good understanding, experience and knowledge of employment laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts and practices.
• Experience using MS Windows AND MS Office Packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing
• Supervisory experience required
• Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.
• Membership with IHRM or relevant professional body preferred

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Builds Relationships

• Develops Talent

• Strategic Mindset

• Accountability & Stewardship

  Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

  What we offer:

  CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

  Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

  CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities. CRS Kenya strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

  CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

  By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploi tation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.