Regional Human Resources Manager - Africa

Helen Keller International
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Regional Human Resources Manager, Africa
Dakar, SENEGAL

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. HKI is known for sustainability, reliability, efficiency and the highest level of technical expertise in fighting and treating blindness and malnutrition. To accomplish its work, HKI builds the capacity of local governmental, civil society and private sector systems and infrastructure and promotes the development of sustained, large-scale programs that deliver effective preventative and curative services for nutrition, neglected tropical disease control and eye health. The hallmark of the organization’s work is its proven effectiveness in developing, testing and scaling-up health interventions, and integrating them within government and community structures.

The Africa Regional Office of HKI, based in Dakar Senegal, is looking to fill the newly recreated position of Regional Human Resources Manager, Africa (Regional HRM). Since the creation of the Regional Office for Africa in 1997, HKI has expanded programs greatly, from an initial 4 country offices and approximately $500,000 in annual budget to 13 country programs with an annual budget of approximately $38 million (excluding Gifts-in-Kind) and 340 staff.

The Regional HRM will help develop and articulate global policy as a member of the of the agency’s HR Policy working group, and will play a lead role in communicating and implementing those policies in collaboration with the Africa Regional leadership and the Country Offices. The position will act as a technical resource, consultant, guide and leader for Country Directors and and their national leadership teams across the full range of HR functions. Travel will be required to HKI's Country Offices throughout Africa.

The Regional HRM will report to the Africa Regional Director of Operations and have a strong functional relationship with the Senior Director, Human Resources based in HKI's Headquarters in New York.

Key Responsibilities:Participate in Human Resources Policy working group to shape global HR policies and tools for use throughout our Regional and Country Offices.

Participate in Regional Management Team to identify HR priorities within the region and to contribute HR knowledge to planning and management for the region.

Work alongside Country Office Management teams and local Human Resources personnel to systematically grow and develop functioning human resources systems for HKI's national staff in each of the country offices, ensuring compliance with national labor laws, HKI's internal policies and procedures and industry best practice. For each Country Office:

• Ensure organizational understanding and compliance with host country labor and tax laws.
• Review all HR Manuals and ensure compliance with local labor laws, HKI's values and consistency across our Country Offices. Recommend changes as needed.
• Guide development of comprehensive grade and pay scales.
• Ensure Performance Management systems are set up, including up-to-date job descriptions, timely performance evaluations and on-going staff development plans.
• Support recruitment of key national staff positions and orientation of new staff.
• Provide training and capacity building to all staff involved in aspects of HR management.
• Ensure appropriate filing systems and payroll documentation are in place.
• Counsel managers on difficult employee relations matters.
• Assist in identifying and retaining local labor counsel, as needed. Partner with Country Director on resolving any legal cases, and ensure Regional Office and HQ are kept appraised of status. 

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree, plus 8-10 years HR generalist experience in a multinational/multi-cultural organization servicing multiple countries, or equivalent combination education and experience.
• Broad knowledge of full range of functional human resource areas.
• Working knowledge of labor laws in a range of contexts and a demonstrated understanding of the influence of culture and history on approaches to HR management in Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
• Knowledge and experience of recruiting local staff in the developing world.
• Excellent judgment and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work through complex personnel issues and provide timely advice to country offices.
• Fluency in written and oral English and French required with proficiency in Portuguese an advantage.
• Ability to communicate effectively across cultures including
  • asking for information in a way that is very clear and specific
  • conducting trainings for field office staff and in-country partners that will be well received
  • interacting with internal and external colleagues
• Highly motivated self-starter who demonstrates the ability to initiate and prioritize work activities.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple responsibilities across country programs and work as a part of a team.
• Fluency in standard MS Office software.
• Ability to undertake field travel to countries of operation.
• Prior experience living and working in the developing world.
• Knowledge of the INGO sector strongly preferred.
• GPHR certification a strong plus

The initial contract is for two years with possibility of renewal.

To Apply:Interested and qualified candidates should submit: a cover letter; current résumé (CV) in English; and short writing samples (2-3 pages each) in English and French to Human Resources at hkihr@hki.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.