Regional Head of Human Resources

General Purpose of the Position

Under the supervision of the Regional Director, the Regional Head of Human Resources for JRS MENA (Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria) is responsible for leading the HR Department with effective delivery of HR services and for the strategic development of HR in the region. This position supports the Country Offices in the implementation of global HR systems and initiatives in accordance with JRS policies and procedures and supports building sustainable capacity in HR structures and systems across country programmes. S/he also assists the Regional Director, Country Directors, and Country HR Officers/Head of HR in all human resources matters.

The Regional Head of HR is based in the Regional Office and supervises the Regional HR Assistant and any related HR consultants/collaborators.

The position works closely with: Regional Leadership Team (Regional Head of Programmes, Regional Head of Finance, and Regional Director), Country HR Officers/Head of HR, and any related HR consultants/collaborators. S/he is the focal point of HR for the International Office Human Resources Department.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

1. General

1. Contributes to the safeguarding of the vision, identity, and mission of JRS at the regional level.
2. Develops, implements, and evaluates coherent HR and Safeguarding policies and procedures for the region consistent with JRS international policies, guidelines, and current international humanitarian sector standards while ensuring compliance with local labour laws and promoting the welfare of staff.
3. Ensures proper follow up on all HR-related matters for the Regional Office.
4. Trains relevant staff in each country on HR policies and procedures and conducts yearly HR refresher trainings for Regional Office staff members.
5. Acts as the Regional Safeguarding Officer and conducts safeguarding trainings in the region.
6. Carries out, leads investigations, and processes appeals for staff grievances at country and regional level and implements disciplinary procedures.
7. Implements HR projects addressed to field offices and prepares strategic communications accordingly.
8. Defines and coordinates the implementation of local regulations, reviewing salaries and taxes, in order to ensure internal equity, adequate competitiveness, and legal compliance.
9. Plans and monitors HR operational and budget needs in order to efficiently manage the required HR needs and capabilities of the Regional Office.
10. Takes part in reference groups for new HR initiatives established by the global HR department or any related HR consultants/collaborators.
11. Plays an active role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of an HRM system for JRS MENA.
12. Provides the necessary HR support in the establishment of JRS operations in a new country within MENA region.
13. Designs and implements the organizational structure for JRS, charts and jobs, as well as the different levels of responsibility and delegation, in order to efficiently support JRS activities in the region.
14. Provides up to date analysis of new trends in Human Resources Management in the region and suggests review and/or update of best practices.
15. Runs specific surveys on the JRS staff well-being in the region.
16. Ensures effective HR knowledge management within JRS MENA through proper documentation, organization, and archiving of HR policies, procedures, processes, tools, documents, templates, etc.

2. Recruitment and Performance Management

1. Develops and reviews existing job descriptions, technical tests, and interview questions in the regional office as well as in the countries in communication and coordination with the relevant coordinators/supervisors.
2. Supports country offices in conducting interviews for core team positions.
3. Ensures that appropriate and substantive performance appraisals and professional development plans are in place and implemented.
4. 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.
5. Coordinates and arranges staff on-boarding activities including liaising with departments and following up on activities.
6. Leads exit interviews with relevant feedback conveyed to the Regional Director and ensures that proper handover processes are in place.

3. Staff Care

1. Shows individual care for staff and conveys any issues and concerns to the Regional Director for resolution.
2. Advocates for staff wellbeing through JRS’s Global Staff Care Programme (MHPSS, Security and Safety, Policies, and Working Conditions and Environment).
3. Oversees office events and outings.
4. Conducts field visits throughout the region, provides support, accompanies staff, advises, and ensures follow-up.

4. Administrative Responsibilities

1. Acts as HR focal point for auditors.
2. Acts as HR focal point for the countries including responding to queries, following up on information related to contracts, recruitment, security and safety, and any other HR matters.
3. Prepares monthly office payroll and overviews countries yearly payrolls and contracts.
4. Collects and consolidates monthly capacity building activities reports from MENA countries.
5. Maintains updated monthly and yearly organizational charts for JRS MENA.
6. Keeps up to date all HR staff figures and produces human resources-related statistics.
7. Responds to requests from the International Office for information and statistics in human resource matters.

5. Support/Collaboration and Capacity Building

1. Represents the HR department in JRS MENA Regional Office leadership team meetings.
2. Systematically participates in all briefings where HR expertise is requested.
3. Supports, coaches, accompanies, and provides capacity building and technical guidance for Country HR Officers/Head of HR through regular communication, trainings, visits, workshops, and online sessions.
4. Shares best practices on operative HR issues across operational offices.
5. Supervises, provides on-going training to, and coaches Regional HR Assistant.
6. Conducts HR audits in each of the countries to ensure compliance with JRS HR policies, procedures, processes, and practices, through regular follow up and travel visits to the locations.
7. Works closely with other staff in the regional office to fulfil key functions and to ensure successful operations.
8. Works in close coordination with any related HR consultants/collaborators, supervises their work, and discusses updates and progress.
9. Attends regular team meetings, planning meetings, and workshops as required.

10. Maintains regular communication and reporting to the Regional Director on major HR issues and developments in the region.

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

Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Attributes

• Advanced University Degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or any other related field.
• At least nine years of practical work experience in Human Resources.
• Working experience with faith-based organizations is an asset.
• Demonstrable experience of, and capacity for, working collaboratively as part of a team.
• Fluency in verbal and written Arabic and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in managing people.
• Experience in leading and facilitating safeguarding investigations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in limited resources settings.
• Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that build trust and instil confidence.
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Strong dedication and commitment to staff care and support.
• Service-oriented, collaborative, creative and charismatic.
• Highly organized, diligent, and attentive to details.
• 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 refugees and 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.
• High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.