Country Human Resources Officer

General Purpose of the Position

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Country Human Resources Officer for JRS Lebanon is responsible for leading the Human Resources Department with effective delivery of HR services. S/he participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and coherent local human resources policies, procedures, and practices which ensure that JRS personnel may effectively respond to the needs of refugees and those impacted by forced displacement. This position also assists the Country Director in all human resources matters and fulfills the role of a Country Safeguarding Officer.
Works directly with: Country Director, HR Personnel, Country Office Core Team, Project Directors, and Regional HR Department.
The Country Human Resources Officer is based in the Country Office and supervises the HR team in the Country Office.

1. General

• Contributes to the safeguarding of the vision, identity, and mission of JRS at the country level.
• Ensures proper follow up on all HR related matters for JRS Lebanon.
• Acts as Country Safeguarding Officer and conducts safeguarding trainings in the country.
• Carries out, leads investigations, and processes appeals for staff grievances at country level and implements disciplinary procedures.
• Plans and monitors HR operational and budget needs in order to efficiently manage the required HR needs and capabilities of the Country Office.

2. Implementation and Supervision of HR Activities

• Implements HR projects (including withdrawal from projects) addressed to the field and prepares strategic communications accordingly.
• With the support of the Regional Office HR Department, develops, implements, and evaluates coherent human resources policies and procedures for the country consistent with local laws, JRS regional policies, guidelines, and current international humanitarian sector standards.
• Assists the Country Director in ensuring compliance with local labour laws and practices.
• Follows up on JRS Lebanon staff registration in Social Security and on any updates or changes in the law.
• Defines and coordinates the implementation of local regulations, reviewing salaries and taxes, in order to ensure internal equity, adequate competitiveness and legal compliance.
• Follows up on any official or legal procedures/processes that is HR-related.
• Supports the Regional HR department in the development and implementation of a salary scale for the country that is fair and that reflects the organizational structure and positions.

3. Staff Care

• Supports staff through regular field visits with proper reporting to the Country Director after the visits.
• Shows individual care for staff and conveys any issues and concerns to the Country Director for resolution.
• Maintains excellent working relationships with JRS Lebanon personnel.
• Advocates for JRS’s staff care programme.
• Provides staff with support and advice, and ensures follow-up.

4. Recruitment and Performance Management

• Reviews and updates existing job descriptions in JRS Lebanon and develops needed job descriptions in communication and coordination with the relevant coordinators/supervisors and with the support of the Regional Office HR department.
• Reviews technical tests for the different positions in JRS Lebanon in collaboration with the Regional HR department and the relevant coordinators/supervisors.
• Supports the Country Director and Project Directors in recruitment of personnel.
• Develops a training needs assessment, in accordance with operational requirements, in evaluating people performance and in implementing the associated action plans in order to improve people’s capabilities and their end results contribution to JRS mission and values.
• Coordinates and arranges staff on-boarding activities including liaising with departments and following up on activities.
• Ensures that appropriate and substantive performance appraisals and professional development plans are in place and implemented.
• Leads exit interviews with relevant feedback conveyed to the Country Director and ensures that a proper handover process is in place.

5. Training, Capacity Building, and Supervision

• Prepares HR training material as required.
• Trains staff on relevant human resources policies and procedures, including safeguarding.
• Supports, coaches, accompanies, and provides capacity building for HR personnel.
• Supervises the HR team at the Country Office.

6. HR Administration

• Actively participates in the implementation and launching of an HRM system for JRS Lebanon.
• Ensures that staff files for all projects in Lebanon are accurate and up-to-date.
• Designs and updates organizational charts for the Country and provides the necessary organizational and staff structure information needed for proposals, reports and applications for fund calls.
• Maintains countrywide payroll and approves monthly salary payments.
• Follows up on the attendance of staff by ensuring that staff respect JRS working hours, properly fill their attendance sheets, and plan their leaves.
• In coordination with the finance officer, ensures the use of donor’s templates for time sheets and salary payrolls.
• Maintains a calendar of public holidays and communicates these to staff following JRS holidays and leaves policy.
• Follows up on JRS signatures lists with the Country Finance Officer.
• Handles NSSF requests (enrolments, registrations, and withdrawals).
• Drafts and issues staff contracts and agreements.
• Responds to requests from the Regional Office for information and statistics in human resource matters.

7. Collaboration with Country/Regional Team

• Works closely with other staff in the Country Office to fulfil key functions and to ensure successful operations.
• Attends regular team meetings, planning meetings, PSEA and LHIF HR group monthly meetings, and workshops as required.
• Maintains frequent contact with the Regional HR department for support and sharing of any updates or major developments.
• Systematically participates in all briefings where HR expertise is requested.

Undertakes any other duties that are within the ambit of the position as assigned by the Country Director.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• University Degree in Human Resources management, Business Administration, or any other related field.
• At least seven years of practical work experience in the area of Human Resources.
• Experience in leading HR departments and managing people.
• Fluency in verbal and written Arabic and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in leading and facilitating investigations as needed.
• Working experience with faith-based organizations is an asset.
• Demonstrable experience of, and capacity for, working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in limited resources settings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that build trust and instill confidence.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Strong dedication and commitment to staff care and support.
• Excellent communication, time management, and planning skills.
• Service-oriented, collaborative, creative and charismatic.
• Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Highly organized and diligent, attentive to detail and follow through.
• Ability and willingness to travel to JRS project sites and adapt to modest living and working conditions.

Core Values and Ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• Trustworthy and good listener.
• High sense of discretion in dealing with confidential matters at all times.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.
• High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information.