JOB OFFER – IRC International Rescue Committee CAMEROON, NGO: Protection Case Management Assistant, Bamenda

Requisition ID: req43502

Job Title: Human Resources Coordinator

Sector: Human Resources

Employment Category: Fixed Term

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Yaounde, Cameroon

Job Description

Duration: 12 months with likely extension
Salary Band: 6A
Start date : 1 October 2023
Open Cameroonian nationals only
 

Background
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 US cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Country Program Overview:

The IRC started operations in Cameroon in 2016 to respond to the increasing concerns for people affected by violence linked to Boko Haram, in the Far North region of the country. Assistance to displaced populations extends across the Far North, mostly in Mayo Sava, Mayo Tsanaga and Logone & Chari, delivering lifesaving programming to increase access to water and improving hygiene practices in vulnerable displaced and host communities, cash programming to enable families to meet basic needs and improve food security, and protection programming, including prevention and response to gender-based violence. The IRC has field bases in Maroua and Kousseri.

Following the escalation of the crisis in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon: Northwest and Southwest, the IRC started its operations in 2018 by opening an office and presence in Buea (SW) and then in 2019 in Bamenda (NW). Today, IRC’s work in these regions includes basic needs programming (water, food, livelihoods) as well as protection services to internally displaced populations and vulnerable host communities.

As HR Coordinator, you will be the Head of Human Resources, and a member of IRC/Cameroon’s Senior Management Team (SMT) based in IRC’s coordination office in Yaounde. You will report directly to the Country Director but have direct links with each of these field offices and the staff and associated programs. Travel to these locations will be frequent and engagement with them daily. You will work to ensure implementation of our Strategic Action Plan which aims to provide the best possible impact for some of the most vulnerable boys, girls, women, and men affected by these two separate humanitarian crises in Cameroon. In all that we do, we strive to deliver through IRC’s core values ​​of Integrity, Accountability, Service and Equality.

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Introduction
Founded in 1933 on the initiative of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the most important humanitarian organizations in the world. The IRC provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. Present in over 40 countries, the IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity and self-reliance. The IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and take control of their future.

Country Program Overview:
IRC started its activities in Cameroon in 2016 to respond to the growing concerns of people affected by the crisis linked to Boko Haram, in the Far North of the country. Assistance to displaced populations extends throughout the Far North, including Mayo Sava, Mayo Tsanaga and Logone & Chari, implementing programs to increase access to water and improve hygiene practices in vulnerable displaced and host communities, cash-based programs enabling poor families to meet their basic needs and improving food security and protection programs, particularly in response to and prevention of gender-based violence. The IRC has field offices in Maroua and Kousseri.

Following the growth of the crisis in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon: North West and South West, the IRC began its operations in 2018 by opening an office and a presence in Buea (SW), then in 2019 in Bamenda ( NW). Today, IRC’s work in these areas includes programming basic needs (water, food, livelihoods) as well as protection services to internally displaced populations and vulnerable host communities.

As HR Coordinator, you will be the Head of Human Resources and a member of the IRC/Cameroon management team, based at the IRC Coordination Office in Yaoundé . You will report directly to the Country Director but will have direct links to each of the field offices, staff and associated programs. Travel to these sites will be frequent and exchanges with them daily. You will ensure the implementation of our strategic action plan which aims to provide the best possible impact for the most vulnerable boys, girls, women and men affected by these two distinct humanitarian crises in Cameroon. In everything we do, we strive to uphold the IRC’s core values ​​of integrity,

Job Summary
As Human Resources Coordinator, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for the HR function for over 250+ staff across the Cameroon Country Program. You will lead the HR team to ensure efficient, and high-quality staff recruitment, contracts management, orientation, learning and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, policy and labor law compliance, employee engagement, and staff care.

You will implement, and – as needed – adapt Global HR initiatives and practices and serve as an advisor to optimize staffing resources and performance, promote a positive organizational culture, minimize risk, and ensure the economy and efficiency of HR processes and procedures in the service of supporting IRC programs. In your role, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team.

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Job Summary
As a Human Resources Coordinator, you will be responsible for providing strategic direction to the HR function for over 250 people across the Cameroon national program. You will lead the HR team to ensure the efficiency and quality of staff recruitment, contract management, orientation, learning and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, compliance with employment policies and laws, employee engagement and staff empowerment.
You will implement and, where necessary, adapt global HR initiatives and practices and play an advisory role to optimize staff resources and performance, promote a positive organizational culture, minimize risks and to ensure the economy and efficiency of human resource processes and procedures in support of IRC’s programs. In your role, you will be a key member of the management team.

Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership and Management

Devise and deliver a planned HR approach to workforce planning, attracting, developing, inspiring, and retaining the right people, with the right skills to achieve high-quality programmatic outcomes aligned with IRC/Cameroon’s Strategic Action Plan.
Actively participate in proposal design and grants opening and review meetings (PCMs) specifically advising on organizational structure, position scoping, demographic/staffing analysis, and other inputs critical to ensuring a strong HR foundation to support program quality.
Lead a collaborative approach to employee engagement, gender equality, and staff care strategy, and supporting initiatives, drawing on country, regional and HQ inputs, and resources.
Conduct monthly and quarterly strategic HR metrics and analysis to advise SMT and Regional HR decision-making, lead on country program inputs to global HR Scorecards and action plans.
Continually assess and refine recruitment tactics; develop candidate rosters, actively network, and employ innovative, creative recruiting methods to attract and hire the best talent. Proactively position IRC as an Employer Brand of Choice in the country.
Review and approve job position requests, and job descriptions and make recommendations, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Deliver international HR management, including policy, process, and employee relations management, with support from Regional HR Director as needed.
Oversee HR-related administrative duties and support compliance with existing legal and governmental reporting requirements. Ensure all legal obligations are fulfilled as per relevant Cameroonian laws and norms
Compensation and Benefits

Oversee the payroll function and ensure all obligations are met to national staff payments in-country as well as timely management of benefits.
Participate in budget preparation and provide strategic compensation analysis to attract high-quality talent. Define and review salary structure, coordinate annual compensation review process and compensation adjustments, collaborating with HQ compensation team to align with standard methodologies.
Manage national benefit plans, communicate updates, and conduct information campaigns for national and international staff. Collaborate with HQ benefits team to align with IRC standard methodologies.

Employee Relations and Duty of Care

In collaboration with Regional Duty of Care Advisor, motto staff care action plans that elevate morale and support the well-being of staff (working closely with Field Coordinators and other colleagues) and oversee emergency staff care interventions. Oversee HR administration and ensure 100% compliance with current labor laws; collaborate and partner with local counsel as needed.
Lead all employee relations with professional grace with the aim of empowering employees and supervisors with the tools and resources vital to resolve conflicts with mutual respect. Act as an impartial mediator when necessary. Bring up code of conduct issues, lead or co-lead employee relations investigations, and ensure issues are brought to resolution with appropriate follow-up carried out. Partner with and seek counsel from Regional ER Advisor and Ethics and Compliance Unit (ECU) as needed.
Guide supervisors in determining appropriate, consistent, and judicious disciplinary measures in line with local labor law and global policy.
Lead exit management to ensure a seamless and positive transition for all departing employees.

Staff Performance Management and Development

Serve as a model of supervisory excellence; supervise and mentor direct-report HR staff and the larger team, including communicating clear expectations, setting/refining performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and leading documented semi-annual performance reviews.
Provide constructive feedback and counsel on career paths and professional development for the HR team and IRC staff, and champion a culture of continuous learning opportunities.
Support senior staff to continue to pursue the nationalization and promotion of female staff into senior and management positions.
Communications

Communicate and encourage active practice of the principles of the “IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct” throughout the country program.
Maintain a healthy and empowering office environment that encourages open, honest, and productive communication among IRC staff by delivering employee engagement and communication action plans.
Provide direct support and advise the CD and SMT on staff communications to ensure clear, consistent, timely, and transparent communication on matters impacting staff.
Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) and Safeguarding

Integrate GEDI strategies for building a diverse workforce through recruitment, development, leadership assessment and succession, and total rewards, working with IRC/Cameroon GEDI Focal Points.
Ensure management and leadership create and empower a diverse organizational environment. One that is respectful and inclusive and grants each employee an equal opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the IRC.
Ensure a safe workplace is established where every staff member is welcomed, treated equally and respected regardless of their individual characteristics.
Support in the development of all necessary strategies and procedures to ensure safeguarding is integrated at all stages and points in our organizational culture and programs.
Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and promote IRC values ​​and adherence to IRC policies.
Work with SMT and other colleagues to ensure adherence to Safeguarding minimum standards.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Country Director with dotted line & technical support from Regional HR Director

Supervision: The HR Coordinator directly supervises 2 positions (HR Manager + HR Officer) and has indirect supervision of 4 more HR Officers based in field offices.
Key Internal Stakeholders:

Country: Operations Coordinator; Deputy Director Programs; Deputy Director Finance; Field Coordinators, Compliance Coordinator, and GEDI Focal Points.
Regional/HQ: Regional GEDI Director; Regional Supply Chain Director; Compensation & Benefits Team; talent management; ECU; Employee Relations, Duty of Care Advisor, Regional HR Coordinator, Regional Safeguarding Advisor.
Key External Stakeholders: Local legal counsel, CHINGO HR group (INGO forum); Work inspection; CNPS; HR Leads of partner organizations.

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Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic HR Management
Design and implement a planned HR approach to workforce planning, attracting, developing, inspiring and retaining the right people, with the right skills to achieve high quality programmatic results aligned with IRC/Cameroon’s strategic action plan.
Actively participate in proposal design and grant opening and review meetings (PCMs), including advising on organizational structure, job definition, demographic/staff analysis and other elements essential to ensure a strong human resource base to support program quality.
Lead a collaborative approach to employee engagement, gender equality, staff support strategy and support initiatives, leveraging country inputs and resources, of the region and headquarters.
Perform monthly and quarterly HR strategic metrics and analysis to advise the management team and regional HR decision-makers; lead national program inputs to global HR dashboards and action plans.
Continuously evaluate and refine recruitment tactics; Develop candidate slates, actively network and employ innovative and creative recruitment methods to attract and hire top talent. Proactively position IRC as the employer brand of choice in the country.
Review and approve requisitions and job descriptions and make recommendations, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Provide international HR management, including management of policies, processes and employee relations, with support from the Regional HR Manager as required.
Oversee human resources administrative tasks and ensure compliance with legal and governmental reporting requirements. Ensure that all legal obligations are fulfilled in accordance with applicable Cameroonian laws and standards.

Compensation and Benefits
Oversee the monthly payroll function and ensure that all obligations are met with respect to in-country national staff payments, as well as the timely administration of benefits.
Participate in budget preparation and provide strategic compensation analysis to attract quality talent. Define and review the salary structure, coordinate the annual compensation review process and compensation adjustments, working with the HQ compensation team to align with standard methodologies.
Manage national benefits plans, communicate updates and conduct information campaigns for national and international staff. Collaborate with HQ Benefits team to align with IRC standard methodologies.

Staff relations and duty of care
In conjunction with the Regional Duty of Care Advisor, develop staff care action plans that improve morale and support staff well-being (in close collaboration with Field Coordinators and co-workers) and supervising emergency response to staff care. Supervise the administration of human resources and ensure that the labor legislation in force is 100% respected; collaborate and partner with the local council if necessary.
Conduct all employee relations professionally, with the goal of giving employees and supervisors the tools and resources to resolve conflicts with mutual respect. Act as an impartial mediator if necessary. Raise code of conduct issues, lead or co-lead employee relations (ER) investigations and ensure issues are resolved and appropriately followed up. Work in partnership with the Regional CR Advisor and the Ethics and Compliance Unit (ECU) and seek their advice as appropriate.
Guide supervisors in determining appropriate, consistent, and judicious disciplinary action in accordance with local labor law and global policy.
Lead the management of staff departures to ensure a smooth and positive transition for all employees leaving IRC.

Managing and developing staff performance
Serve as a model of excellence in supervision; Supervise and mentor directly reporting HR staff and the entire team, including communicating clear expectations, setting/refining performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and conducting documented semi-annual performance reviews.
Provide constructive feedback and guidance on career paths and professional development to the HR team and IRC staff, and promote a culture of continuous learning opportunities.
Support management/senior staff to pursue the nationalization and promotion of female staff to leadership and management positions.

Communications
Communicate and encourage the active practice of the principles of the internal code of conduct “the IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct” throughout the national program.
Maintain a healthy and nurturing work environment that encourages open, honest and productive communication among IRC staff by implementing employee engagement and communication action plans.
Provide direct support and advice to the CD and management team on communications with staff to ensure clear, consistent, timely and transparent communication on matters impacting staff.

Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) and Safeguarding
Integrate GEDI strategies to build a diverse workforce through recruitment, leadership development, evaluation and succession, and total compensation,
Ensure management and leadership create and reinforce a diverse organizational environment. A respectful and inclusive environment that gives every employee an equal opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the IRC.
Ensure a safe workplace is in place where every member of staff is welcomed, treated equally and respected, regardless of their individual characteristics.
Support the development of all necessary strategies and procedures to ensure protection is integrated into all stages and at all points of our organizational culture and programs.
Foster continuous learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen protection and promote IRC values ​​and adherence to its policies.
Work with the leadership team and other colleagues to ensure minimum safeguard standards are met.

Key working relationships:
The position is placed under the authority of: National Director (CD) with the technical support of the regional director of human resources
Supervision: The HR coordinator directly supervises 2 positions (HR Officer + HR Manager) and indirectly 4 other HR Officers based in field offices.
Main internal stakeholders:
Country: Operations Coordinator, Deputy Director of Programs, Deputy Director of Finance, Field Coordinators, Compliance Coordinator, and GEDI Focal Points.
Region/Headquarters: Regional Director GEDI; Regional Supply Chain Manager; compensation and benefits team; talent management; ECU; Employee Relations, Due Diligence Advisor, Regional Human Resources Coordinator, Regional Safeguards Advisor.
Key External Stakeholders: Local Legal Advisor, CHINGO HR Group (INGO Forum); Work inspection ; CNPS; HR managers of partner organizations.

Educational Qualifications

:
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s university degree in HR management, International Relations or Development, MBA, Law, or related field is preferred.

Work Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as an HR generalist, including recruitment, performance management, complex employee relations, compensation, training and development, and HR Administration.
Minimum 5 years of successful staff management experience.
At least 2 years of experience with an international organization or international experience.
Strategic leadership experience managing an HR function for large budget programs in the INGO sector is strongly preferred.
Remote management experience is strongly preferred.
Having prior experience with change management, GEDI and safeguarding is highly desirable.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
A commitment to IRC’s mission and humanitarian principles.
Receptive to building and maintaining positive relationships with people from all backgrounds, genders, cultures, and viewpoints.
Resourceful in figuring out how to get things done, seeking opportunities to learn and grow, contributing creative and innovative ideas and serving as a change champion.
Resilient and able to thrive in a fast-paced, vibrant environment with a sense of urgency and an ability to deliver results under pressure.
Success-focused approach to planning and prioritizing HR activities.
Demonstrated commitment to pursuing work/life balance for self and others.
Proven track-record of professional discretion, integrity, and ability to manage complex HR situations diplomatically and to effective resolution.
Highly collaborative and consultative approach.
Top-tier written, presentation and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively and solid experience providing training and staff development in English.
Excellent management, interpersonal, consultative and negotiation skills and has demonstrated ability to promote harmonious teamwork, in a cross-cultural context.
Strong proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required.
Analytical ability in creating effective HR solutions while adhering to labor laws; Working knowledge of Cameroon’s labor law is required.
Language/Travel:
English and French are required.
Travel: 25% of time spent visiting project sites in country locations. International travel for regional conferences, and workshops on a need-to-basis.

Standard of Professional Conduct:
IRC and IRC employees are required to abide by the values ​​and principles outlined in the IRC Way Code of Conduct which are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and implements policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and several others.

Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality
IRC acknowledges and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. IRC is also committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform crucial job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Returning National Candidates:
IRC strives to attract, motivate, and retain qualified national staff in our programs. We strongly encourage returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a Cameroonian currently working abroad or have been in the past; and possess over two years of relevant international work experience, the IRC has introduced an attractive remuneration package which includes competitive compensation and a relocation allowance amongst other benefits. Certain restrictions may apply.

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Education:
Bachelor’s degree required. A master’s degree in human resources management, international relations or development, an MBA, law or a related field is preferred.
Professional experience:
At least five years of progressive experience as a human resources generalist, including recruitment, performance management, complex employee relations, compensation, training and development, and human resource administration.
At least 5 years of successful experience in personnel management.
At least two years of experience in an international organization or international experience.
Strategic leadership experience in managing an HR function for large budget programs in the INGO sector is strongly desired.
Experience in remote management is strongly desired.
Previous experience with change management, GEDI and backup is highly desirable.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
Commitment to IRC’s mission and humanitarian principles.
Receptive to establishing and maintaining positive relationships with people of all backgrounds, genders, cultures and points of view.
Be resourceful in figuring out how to get things done, seek out opportunities to learn and grow, contribute creative and innovative ideas, and champion change.
Resilient and able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with a sense of urgency and an ability to deliver results under pressure.
Success-oriented approach to planning and prioritizing HR activities.
Demonstrated commitment to finding a balance between work and private life, for oneself and for others.
Demonstrated professional discretion, integrity and ability to handle complex HR situations diplomatically and resolve them effectively.
Highly collaborative and consultative approach.
Excellent written, oral and presentation communication skills; ability to effectively convey information and strong experience in training and developing staff in English.
Excellent management, interpersonal, consultative and negotiation skills, and proven ability to promote harmonious teamwork in a cross-cultural context.
Strong skills in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint are required.
Analytical capacity to create effective human resources solutions while respecting labor law; working knowledge of Cameroonian labor law is required.

Languages/travels:
English and French are compulsory.
Travel: 25% of the time is devoted to visiting project sites in the countries. International travel for regional conferences and workshops as needed.

Standards of Professional Conduct:
The IRC and its employees are bound by the values ​​and principles set out in the IRC Way code of conduct, namely integrity, service and responsibility. In accordance with these values, the IRC applies and implements policies relating to the protection of beneficiaries against exploitation and abuse, the protection of children, the absence of harassment in the workplace, the tax integrity, anti-retaliation, anti-human trafficking and more.

Diversity, inclusion and gender equality
IRC recognizes and honors the fundamental worth and dignity of all individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and we review all applicants on merit, without regard to race, gender, color, national origin, religion , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. The IRC is also committed to reducing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that create an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce, including parental leave, gender-sensitive safety protocols, and other benefits.
We will ensure that people with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other employment benefits and privileges. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

Returning National Candidates:
The IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in its programs. We strongly encourage returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a Cameroonian currently working abroad or have done so in the past, and you have more than two years of relevant international professional experience, the IRC has put in place an attractive compensation package which includes competitive compensation and a relocation allowance, among other benefits. Some restrictions may apply.

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Deadline for applying: August 15, 2023

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Deadline for receipt of applications: August 15, 2023

Female applications are strongly encouraged.

All applications must be submitted ONLINE at:

https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=rescue&country=cm