Human Resources Officer , Mbeya

Locally known as the Walter Reed Southern Highlands AIDS Program, the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) is an international non-governmental organization working in several countries conducting research studies and providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS.  HJFMRI is funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief PEPFAR.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHSW), HJFMRI has been leading a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004 with support from the President’s Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The program is based within the Mbeya Referral Hospital and has since extended to more than 100 health facilities in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma regions, which collectively represent a catchment area of about 6 million people.  Mbeya region is one of high prevalence regions in Tanzania and expansion of HIV care and treatment programs is critical.

Walter Reed Program is seeking qualified candidate to fill the positions below.  Cover letters and resumes should be sent to the Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 6396, Mbeya or e-mailed to;  recruitment@wrp-t.org   NOTE:  to be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. Deadline for submission of the application is October 20th, 2014. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Human Resources Officer
Reports to: Human Resources Manager
Location: Mbeya


PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Human Resource Officer is responsible for providing support in the various human resource functions, which include recruitment, staffing, training and development, performance monitoring and employee counseling.

SCOPE

The Human Resource Officer provides advice and assistance to supervisors and staff. This may include information on training needs and opportunities, job descriptions, performance reviews and personnel policies of the Council.

The position coordinates the staff recruitment process .The Human Resource Officer provides advice and support to supervisors and staff selection committees and ensures that they have accurate and timely information in order to make effective decisions. Failure to provide adequate advice or assistance may result in lost opportunities for staff development, poor staff morale, financial loss to staffs for residents and a loss of credibility

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide support to supervisors and staff to develop the skills and capabilities of staff.
Main Activities:
• Ensure that accurate job descriptions are in place
• Provide advice and assistance with writing job descriptions
• Provide advice and assistance when conducting staff performance evaluations
• Identify training and development opportunities
• Organize staff training sessions, workshops and activities
• Process employee requests for outside training while complying with policies and procedures
• Provide basic counseling to staff who have performance related obstacles
• Provide advice and assistance in developing human resource plans
• Provide staff orientations
• Access funding for training and write proposals

Monitor staff performance and attendance activities.
Main Activities:
• Monitor daily attendance.
• Investigate and understand causes for staff absences.
• Recommend solutions to resolve chronic attendance difficulties.
• Provide basic counseling to staff that have performance related obstacles.
• Provide advice and recommendations on disciplinary actions.
• Monitor scheduled absences such as holidays or travel and coordinate actions to ensure the staff absence has been adequately covered off to ensure continuity of services.
• Inform affected staff or residents of unexpected absences from work and coordinate actions ensuring the continuity of services such as cancellation of events and locating keys.

Coordinate staff recruitment and selection process in order to ensure a timely organized and comprehensive procedure is used to hire staff.
Main Activities:
• Provide advice and assistance to supervisors on staff recruitment
• Prepare notices and advertisements for vacant staff positions.
• Schedule and organize interviews
• Participate in applicant interviews
• Conduct reference checks on possible candidates
• Prepare, develop and implement procedures and policies on staff recruitment
• Inform unsuccessful applicants
• Conduct exit interviews

Provide information and assistance to staff, supervisors on human resource and work related issues. Main Activities:
• Develop and implement a human resources plan and personnel management policies and procedures
• Promote workplace safety.
• Provide advice and assistance to staff and management on pay and benefits systems
• Research and monitor human resource systems in other organizations within the community.
• Explain and provisions of the personnel policy.
• Explain employment standards and legislation such as workers compensation, labour standards and Fair Practice Act.
• Organize the transitional provisions of employee compensation, pay and benefits when positions are transferred or new positions are funded through contribution agreements and other special funding arrangements.
• Arrange for the repairs of computers and other office equipment and assist with organizing staff to carry out work due periods of equipment shutdowns.
• Attend Council meetings to provide information, when necessary.
 Perform other related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(The knowledge, skills and attitudes required for satisfactory job performance)

Qualifications:

• At least a Bachelor degree in Business, Public Administration, Communication, Psychology, or other similar degree.
• At least three (4) years previous work experience as an HR/Administrative Officer
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel administration; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with peers and employees; ability to present information and make recommendations effectively in oral and written form. Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of the Internet.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and make deadlines.
• Demonstrates good judgment; approachable and professional; solid problem solving skills; ability to handle multiple tasks; self-motivated; well organized.
Knowledge
The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:
• Human resources management
• Job descriptions
• Performance review methods and techniques
• Staff training, development and
• Recognition
• Delegation
• Mentoring and coaching
• An understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures
• An understanding of the northern cultural and political environment
• An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of First Nations Councils
An understanding of land claims and self-government

Skills
The incumbent must demonstrate the following skills:
• Supervisory skills
• Team building skills
• Problem solving skills
• Basic counseling skills
• Negotiations skills
• Effective verbal and listening communications skills
• Computer skills including the ability to operate spreadsheets and word-processing programs at a highly proficient level
• Effective written communications skills including the ability to prepare reports, proposals’ policies and procedures
• Effective public relations and public speaking skills
• Research and program development skills
• Stress management skills
• Interviewing skills
• Time management skills

Personal Attributes
The incumbent must maintain confidentiality, use sound judgment and perform independently while performing the duties of the human resource officer. The incumbent must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:
• Maintain standards of conduct
• Be respectful
• Possess cultural and political awareness and sensitivity
• Be flexible
• Demonstrate sound work ethics
• Be consistent and fair