By Michelle Wanjiku

As the year comes to a close, most companies have office parties planned. This is a different sort of party because even though you should let loose, you still have to be professional about it. It is tricky because you need a balance between having fun and maintaining your professional image.

In this article, we share some of the things that you should do at an office party that will ensure you make the most of this opportunity.

1. Do chat to people you don’t normally talk to

It might be tempting to spend the whole time talking to your friends and people you already know but this is the time for you to forge new relationships.

Talk to people who you don’t normally get the chance to interact with. This way you get to make meaningful connections with the people you work with as well as get to network.

Remember, you spend most of your time at work so you might as well ensure you get along with the people you work with.

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2. Do talk about things other than work

You have had all year to talk about work with your colleagues, this is the time for you to relax and really get to know the people you work with.

That means that you should try and find other interesting topics to explore as you mingle. It is okay to mention work briefly but it should not dominate your conversations.

Take the time to know the people around you, find out who they are outside of work. Just ensure you don’t cross the line with inappropriate questions or comments.

3. Do relax and have fun

The whole point of the party is for people to relax so you should be willing to enjoy the event.

However, keep in mind that it is still a work function. It is possible to have a good time and still leave with your reputation intact.

If there is an open bar, it is okay to indulge but know your limits and stick to them.

4. Do dress appropriately

Another important thing to keep in mind is what you wear to the event. For most organizations, you are expected to dress casually or in a themed dress code.  However, even if the invite says casual, make an effort to look well put together.

For example, trousers are okay but shorts might be a bit too much.

Lastly,

Keep in mind that this is still an office function and even though it is supposed to be informal, you should still treat it seriously.

Everything you do will be a reflection on who you are as an individual and you should therefore avoid doing anything that makes you the subject of gossip such as drinking too much.

Related >>> 8 Habits That Might Get You Fired at Your Work Place

An office party offers you a great opportunity for you to mingle with your boss if you don’t normally get to do so as well as form networks that could help boost your career. But this can only happen if you utilize the chance well.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: TEMPORARY HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT

Organization: Adeso - African Development Solutions, www.adesoafrica.org

Position Title: Temporary Human Resources Assistant

Line Manager: HR Manager, Somalia

Working With: HR, Finance, Operations, ICT Departments and All Adeso Staff

Program/Duty Station: 70% Dhobley, Somalia and 30% Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: Five (5) Months

Starting Date: Immediately

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future.

Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

POSITION SUMMARY

Based 70% in Dhobley, Somalia and 30% in Nairobi, Kenya, the HR Assistant will perform general HR support functions and assist the HR Team as directed. He/she will work with the HR Team to ensure efficient running of the day-to-day HR functions.

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Recruitment

· Working closely with the Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Recruitment Managers to determine staffing needs.

· Communicating with and responding to enquiries in relation to recruitment and on boarding of Staff.

· Leading the creation of recruitment plans for open positions.

· Providing administrative support to the HR Manager and other managers throughout the recruitment and job advertising process.

· Advertising vacancies on job websites, newspaper classifieds, with professional organizations and in other appropriate venues.

· Acting as liaison with advertising agencies.

· Screening incoming CVs and assessing them for relevant knowledge, skills, experience and aptitudes.

· Providing the longlists of qualified candidates to Recruiting Managers for shortlisting.

· Performing in-person and telephone interviews with candidates.

· Communicating employer information/benefits during screening process.

· Coordinating interviews with the Recruiting Managers, evaluating applicants by discussing job requirements and applicant qualifications; interviewing them on a consistent set of qualifications.

· Documenting interview summaries and hiring decisions.

· Performing reference/background checks for successful candidates.

· Sending job offer emails and answer queries about compensation and benefits.

· Following up with the related clerical aspects of employment, such as completing of health, employment and insurance forms, notifying the HoDs and Recruitment Managers of the new employee"s starting date etc.

· Organizing the induction programs/schedules for new employees.

· Ensuring all recruitment and on-boarding documents are managed and processed in a timely manner.

· Completing timely Recruitment Status Report Updates for review by the HR Manager and Recruitment Managers.

· Monitoring and applying HR recruiting best practices.

· Using Adeso policies and procedures and other relevant standards to guide the performance of the recruitment and on-boarding function.

· Staying current on the organizational structure, personnel policy, and labor laws regarding employment practices.

2. Employee and Consultancy Contract Database Management

· Updating the employee and consultancy contract database on regular basis.

· Updating Line Managers of approaching contract end dates, probation dates, and performance review dates for employees and consultants under their supervision two (2) months in advance to enable them take appropriate actions.

3. Employee Leave Management

· Notifying staff of their accrued/usage of leave days.

· Receiving Leave Request Forms from staff in order to confirm leave balances before approval by Line Managers.

· Updating the employee Leave Database on a regular basis.

· Filing employee Leave Request Forms in the appropriate physical files.

· Announcing/disseminating information on staff who are taking leave so as to let other departments know who their substitutes are while on leave.

4. Payments

· Receiving approved invoices and time sheets from consultants, temporary and casual staff and volunteers for payment processing as per the set schedules, in accordance with the donors and Adeso’s rules and regulations.

· Updating the HR payments physical file on regular basis.

5. Exit and Separation

· Notifying exiting staff of the Organization’s acceptance of resignation.

· Providing guidance on the exit and clearance process and documentation.

· Conducting interviews with employees during the exit process.

· Computing staff final dues for review and approval by the HR Manager.

6. Records Management

· He/she will be the custodian of all personnel and consultancy physical files.

· Receiving, verifying and filing monthly employee time sheets.

· Updating time sheet trackers.

· Scanning and uploading documents to the available cloud platforms.

· Preparing HR files and other relevant documents for audits.

7. Others

· Providing information and feedback on general HR queries from staff and external parties.

· Participating in employee performance management review meetings when necessary.

· Making new staff ID card requests from the vendor.

· Supporting and assisting in coordination of HR communication.

· Administrative tasks as instructed from time to time.

· Any other duties as may be assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Diploma in HR, Business Management/Administration or equivalent;

· Eligibility to legally work in both Kenya and Somalia;

· At least one (1) years’ experience in HR or administration, preferably with an INGO;

· Substantial knowledge of HR administrative procedures and systems;

· Knowledge of Kenya and Somalia Labor Laws.

· Fluent spoken and written Somali language required;

· Experience with employee-benefits administration;

· Computer skills - MS Word, Excel and Outlook;

· Effective communication skills - proficiency in written and spoken English and Swahili a must;

· A strong team-player and committed to diversity, equal opportunity and capacity building;

· Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;

· Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers;

Desirable

· Experience administering employee benefits including medical insurance and pension;

· Experience working with remote teams in a multicultural environment;

· Ability to travel/valid passport.