Vacancy: Regional HR Manager – East Africa
Reporting To: Reports primarily to Regional Director of EA with matrix link to Head of HR in IRW/HQLine Management Responsibilities: Lead, performance-manage and motivate the regional HR teams, primarily across the East Africa, ensuring that they are aligned to the global strategy and regionalisation plan.
Purpose of Division: The Human Resources and Organisational Development Division manages the organisation’s staff related matters from the start to the end of the employment relationship, as well as continuous learning and improvement.
It does so through providing comprehensive HR and L&D services and through its evaluation and audit functions.
Equally importantly, this division inspires IRW colleagues anywhere to contribute to the development, deployment and pro-active monitoring of IR’s organisational strategy, policies and processes – which are all dynamic, inclusive of IR’s partners, stakeholder focussed and regularly reviewed and updated.
Job Purpose: To provide leadership, capacity building, and strategic direction to the regional human resources teams and local HR Managers and over human resources matters in the region.
As a key member of the regional leadership team the role has to: Take shared responsibility for the transformation of the region to a new operating model whilst also delivering Islamic Relief Worldwide’s strategy within the region. Act as the trusted partner of the Regional Director and his/her immediate team on all people related matters, support and enable countries in the East Africa and beyond, to meet International Programme Division standards and manage and develop their people. Be accountable for the implementation of the Global HR Strategy within the Region.Be responsible for managing the delivery of a HR service that supports Country Directors and their teams. Lead on the development and implementation of key aspects of the regional work plans and systems, including salary reviews and policy development etc.Maintain a strong working relationship and offer a strong advisory service to regional director, country directors and senior management teams.Support the Head of HR on key projects and team deliverables as requiredLiaise with regional employment lawyers and advisors to ensure IRW policies and practices are in line with local legislative requirements.Required to interact with external HR contacts and peers such as People in Aid, UN cluster meetings etc.Support the Head of HR with building relationships with field and partner offices.
Scope of the Role: Reporting to the Head of HR, the Regional Human Resources Manager has responsibility for providing expert HR advice to senior management, directors and staff across the region. The role acts as a key agent in the direction, support and management of change within the organisation and provides senior management coaching on all HR issues.
Leading on the development and implementation of the Regional HR strategy, the role ensures it is focused on regional and divisional HR objectives. Works closely with the Regional Director and Country Directors to develop and drive the people plan to deliver high performance whilst acting as a strategic partner to drive change and transformation across the region. The role will evolve towards Matrix Management of local HR Managers within each country office. The region consists of several country offices within the East Africa region and support will need to be provided to other African field offices.The role has some budget responsibilities.Required to guide, support and on occasions manage other HR staff (people resources) including local HR managersRegular reporting to management on the progress of employee relation issues, including handling of sensitive documents and information resourcesAccess to confidential information (snowdrop, managing filing systems, maintaining databases, publications, and reports)Some responsibility for updating key information resources such as the extranet and the HR toolkit for field offices.The job holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities in line with Islamic values and principles of fairness, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff. The following are the main responsibilities that the role holder will be accountable for:
Lead the development, implementation and regular review of the unit’s strategy, work plans, and systems at a regional level:Implement regional developments in HR practices and advise management on strategies to become an “Employer of Choice” standard.Maintain a strategic overview of HR trends, policies and practices; and lead on building an effective Human Resource service at a regional level to facilitate the IRW HR functions.Lead the implementation of the HR strategy and ensure continued matching of resource capability with existing and future development and growth objectivesWork alongside the management team and play a key role in the setting of policies and guidelines across the region.Lead policy ideas to support the development of strategic, thematic and annual plans with input on human resource requirements and succession planning.To advise and support Country Directors and country teams to effectively manage change, developing and promoting best practice, conceptual skills, legal responsibility and employment law.Manage comprehensive HR and employee relations initiatives:Provide expertise in support of reorganisation, restructuring and organisational growth to ensure that structures are aligned to IRW needs and to ensure that changes are implemented smoothly.Explore, recommend and implement changes to existing systems and policies using innovative, up to date and cost effective methods.Develop staffing strategies and implementation plans and programs to identify talent within and outside the organisation for positions of responsibility.Lead on the strategic planning of the recruitment process for all national and international staff within the region.Ensure that all Islamic Relief actions are legal and in line with the relevant employee relation policies and procedures.Ensuring IRW policies, procedures and practices are updated and implemented according to the laws and legislations.Ensuring that IRW practices and observing and achieving equality and diversity in its workforce.Contributing to the development of external relations and networks including at a senior levels to ensure Islamic Relief is visible, promoted and up-to-date.Provide appropriate and timely feedback, inputs, and advice to Country Director, Regional Director and relevant stakeholders on HR relevant matters which support program development initiatives and activities (organisational/operational structuring and staffing, resourcing, internal staff mobilisation, retention etc).Ensure employee engagement, development and enhance performance:Develop and maintain a learning-conducive environment within the region, and ensure that learning needs are identified and matched with appropriate, relevant and cost effective solutions.Manage Learning & Development within the region, including career development and succession planning to achieve divisional goals.Ensure regional staff has knowledge and skills to perform effectively in their current and future role through well designed learning programmes and talent management processes.Co-operate with relevant country/field offices to conduct relevant employee relations training for line managers to ensure all procedures relating to employee relations are carried out in a professional and fitting manner.Lead the performance management process to ensure that IRW has a framework for measuring and improving the performance of people at a regional level.Ensure that the performance management processes are appropriately implemented, which would include performance evaluation, performance planning, and succession processes.Devise an effective employee engagement and reward programme, and a management development programme in line with IR values and goals; to attract, retain and motivate high performing employeesLead the implementation of REWARD initiatives across the region to ensure that all employees are fairly rewarded and that IRW’s REWARD scheme is relevant to the market.Support Field Offices and/or Partners, including travelling to their locationsEnsure that all staffs across the region has the necessary comprehension of the policies, procedures, and best practices, particularly the ones relevant to HRDevise and roll out a HR Toolkit to promote standardised policy & process templates,Lead on monitoring and evaluation of whether the HR targets and strategies are delivered as intended and provide recommendations on meeting the gaps identified.Leading on diversity monitoring, metric analysis and development of interventions to improve awareness and representation including training & brown bag delivery. This may include analysis of engagement surveys, proposing interventions and producing reports.Lead on and provide support on initiatives and activities relevant to compensation and benefits matters in close coordination with the Regional Director and other management team members, and ensures that the processes are done appropriately (internal salary review, periodic non-periodic salary changes, make recommendations on grade, assign salaries, and maintaining internal equity).As and when appropriate, travel to the Field and/or Partner officesReview and provide timely feedback & support, on budgets relevant to HR in coordination with Regional Director and Finance Department.Understand and uphold the IR core values and behaviours, and ensure their adoption and implementation by all staff across the region.Role model and proactively foster a culture in which Islamic principles, values and approaches which are adopted by IR are consistently respected, applied and complied with in the delivery of the country / division / unit objectives and in the conduct of its employees.Lead on the development of external relations and networks at a senior level to ensure Islamic Relief is visible, promoted and up-to-date.Ensure that regional HR database and information are appropriately updated and reports are appropriately developed and shared consistently on-time with the Regional Director and the Head of HR at the International Office.Comply with IRW’s policies and procedures in undertaking the above roles and responsibilities and undertake any other reasonable duties that are consistent with the job and at its level of responsibility as and when required by line management.Take part in any cross organisational groups or learning sets which are appropriate to the job roleManage and supervise the local HR teams in the regionAny other reasonable request from senior leadership. This may include supporting work on governance, finance and strategy.It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide vision, mission and core values.Knowledge, Skills and QualificationsA degree in a management or social science related field, preferably in HRM or Business StudiesProfessional HR qualification e.g. CIPD or equivalent (extensive HR experience may also suffice in place)Strong and seasoned analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and laterally, to overcome challenges.Strong organisation skills and attention to detail to ensure high quality in ones work.Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure and subject to changing priorities; proven experience of managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and using judgment and initiative in problem resolution.Excellent communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills.Excellent written and spoken knowledge of Arabic along with good written and spoken EnglishExcellent levels of computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications and HR software.HR leadership experience across multiple countries with experience of working within a complex and matrix organisation structure.Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomatic, persuasive, firm, mature, analytical, detailed, organised, creative, service and quality oriented, proactive, persistent, and open mindedA minimum of 5 years experience of managing HR function and unit in a multicultural international organisation with large numbers of staffProven ability to review, develop, and ensure consistent implementation of HR systems and approaches which fit with the current and future needs of the organization and which promote a working environment which staff to develop their capacity to the maximum level.Proven ability to develop an excellent working relationship and coordination with internal and external partners and stakeholders particularly the ones relevant to the function, and to ensure compliance to national regulations, international best practices, and the spirit / fundamental principles of the organizationProven ability to apply multidimensional approach in assessing and dealing with current and future challenges and to work effectively and efficiently both independently and in teams in stressful situations and environmentProven ability to work as an HR generalist with solid experience in managing major domains of HR, preferably in an international development organization working in conflict / post-conflict, culturally diverse, and geographically challenging environmentBe familiar with the region and have the ability to work across different countries and legal frameworksPrevious experience of working within humanitarian and development (third) sector is an advantage.Proven experience of developing and implementing strategies and work plans which help to deliver the wider organisational objectives.Demonstrable experience in consultative team approaches to decision making and innovation which motivates and drives teams forward.Substantial experience in managing and implementing employee relations activities in a large organisation.Ability to respond to a dynamic and changing environment.Strong emotional intelligence and resilience, and able to maintain composure - acting in a calm and measured way, in difficult situations.Strong & confident communication skills which delivers information persuasively and with clarity in a wide range of situations.Has a positive demeanour and disposition, and able to overcome setbacks by motivating self and othersA post graduate qualificationKnowledge and experience of working in an international organisation or travelling to field/branch offices.Knowledge of French or one of the Indian subcontinent national languages will also be positively considered.How to Apply:
Reporting To: Reports primarily to Regional Director of EA with matrix link to Head of HR in IRW/HQLine Management Responsibilities: Lead, performance-manage and motivate the regional HR teams, primarily across the East Africa, ensuring that they are aligned to the global strategy and regionalisation plan.
Purpose of Division: The Human Resources and Organisational Development Division manages the organisation’s staff related matters from the start to the end of the employment relationship, as well as continuous learning and improvement.
It does so through providing comprehensive HR and L&D services and through its evaluation and audit functions.
Equally importantly, this division inspires IRW colleagues anywhere to contribute to the development, deployment and pro-active monitoring of IR’s organisational strategy, policies and processes – which are all dynamic, inclusive of IR’s partners, stakeholder focussed and regularly reviewed and updated.
Job Purpose: To provide leadership, capacity building, and strategic direction to the regional human resources teams and local HR Managers and over human resources matters in the region.
As a key member of the regional leadership team the role has to: Take shared responsibility for the transformation of the region to a new operating model whilst also delivering Islamic Relief Worldwide’s strategy within the region. Act as the trusted partner of the Regional Director and his/her immediate team on all people related matters, support and enable countries in the East Africa and beyond, to meet International Programme Division standards and manage and develop their people. Be accountable for the implementation of the Global HR Strategy within the Region.Be responsible for managing the delivery of a HR service that supports Country Directors and their teams. Lead on the development and implementation of key aspects of the regional work plans and systems, including salary reviews and policy development etc.Maintain a strong working relationship and offer a strong advisory service to regional director, country directors and senior management teams.Support the Head of HR on key projects and team deliverables as requiredLiaise with regional employment lawyers and advisors to ensure IRW policies and practices are in line with local legislative requirements.Required to interact with external HR contacts and peers such as People in Aid, UN cluster meetings etc.Support the Head of HR with building relationships with field and partner offices.
Scope of the Role: Reporting to the Head of HR, the Regional Human Resources Manager has responsibility for providing expert HR advice to senior management, directors and staff across the region. The role acts as a key agent in the direction, support and management of change within the organisation and provides senior management coaching on all HR issues.
Leading on the development and implementation of the Regional HR strategy, the role ensures it is focused on regional and divisional HR objectives. Works closely with the Regional Director and Country Directors to develop and drive the people plan to deliver high performance whilst acting as a strategic partner to drive change and transformation across the region. The role will evolve towards Matrix Management of local HR Managers within each country office. The region consists of several country offices within the East Africa region and support will need to be provided to other African field offices.The role has some budget responsibilities.Required to guide, support and on occasions manage other HR staff (people resources) including local HR managersRegular reporting to management on the progress of employee relation issues, including handling of sensitive documents and information resourcesAccess to confidential information (snowdrop, managing filing systems, maintaining databases, publications, and reports)Some responsibility for updating key information resources such as the extranet and the HR toolkit for field offices.The job holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities in line with Islamic values and principles of fairness, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff. The following are the main responsibilities that the role holder will be accountable for:
Lead the development, implementation and regular review of the unit’s strategy, work plans, and systems at a regional level:Implement regional developments in HR practices and advise management on strategies to become an “Employer of Choice” standard.Maintain a strategic overview of HR trends, policies and practices; and lead on building an effective Human Resource service at a regional level to facilitate the IRW HR functions.Lead the implementation of the HR strategy and ensure continued matching of resource capability with existing and future development and growth objectivesWork alongside the management team and play a key role in the setting of policies and guidelines across the region.Lead policy ideas to support the development of strategic, thematic and annual plans with input on human resource requirements and succession planning.To advise and support Country Directors and country teams to effectively manage change, developing and promoting best practice, conceptual skills, legal responsibility and employment law.Manage comprehensive HR and employee relations initiatives:Provide expertise in support of reorganisation, restructuring and organisational growth to ensure that structures are aligned to IRW needs and to ensure that changes are implemented smoothly.Explore, recommend and implement changes to existing systems and policies using innovative, up to date and cost effective methods.Develop staffing strategies and implementation plans and programs to identify talent within and outside the organisation for positions of responsibility.Lead on the strategic planning of the recruitment process for all national and international staff within the region.Ensure that all Islamic Relief actions are legal and in line with the relevant employee relation policies and procedures.Ensuring IRW policies, procedures and practices are updated and implemented according to the laws and legislations.Ensuring that IRW practices and observing and achieving equality and diversity in its workforce.Contributing to the development of external relations and networks including at a senior levels to ensure Islamic Relief is visible, promoted and up-to-date.Provide appropriate and timely feedback, inputs, and advice to Country Director, Regional Director and relevant stakeholders on HR relevant matters which support program development initiatives and activities (organisational/operational structuring and staffing, resourcing, internal staff mobilisation, retention etc).Ensure employee engagement, development and enhance performance:Develop and maintain a learning-conducive environment within the region, and ensure that learning needs are identified and matched with appropriate, relevant and cost effective solutions.Manage Learning & Development within the region, including career development and succession planning to achieve divisional goals.Ensure regional staff has knowledge and skills to perform effectively in their current and future role through well designed learning programmes and talent management processes.Co-operate with relevant country/field offices to conduct relevant employee relations training for line managers to ensure all procedures relating to employee relations are carried out in a professional and fitting manner.Lead the performance management process to ensure that IRW has a framework for measuring and improving the performance of people at a regional level.Ensure that the performance management processes are appropriately implemented, which would include performance evaluation, performance planning, and succession processes.Devise an effective employee engagement and reward programme, and a management development programme in line with IR values and goals; to attract, retain and motivate high performing employeesLead the implementation of REWARD initiatives across the region to ensure that all employees are fairly rewarded and that IRW’s REWARD scheme is relevant to the market.Support Field Offices and/or Partners, including travelling to their locationsEnsure that all staffs across the region has the necessary comprehension of the policies, procedures, and best practices, particularly the ones relevant to HRDevise and roll out a HR Toolkit to promote standardised policy & process templates,Lead on monitoring and evaluation of whether the HR targets and strategies are delivered as intended and provide recommendations on meeting the gaps identified.Leading on diversity monitoring, metric analysis and development of interventions to improve awareness and representation including training & brown bag delivery. This may include analysis of engagement surveys, proposing interventions and producing reports.Lead on and provide support on initiatives and activities relevant to compensation and benefits matters in close coordination with the Regional Director and other management team members, and ensures that the processes are done appropriately (internal salary review, periodic non-periodic salary changes, make recommendations on grade, assign salaries, and maintaining internal equity).As and when appropriate, travel to the Field and/or Partner officesReview and provide timely feedback & support, on budgets relevant to HR in coordination with Regional Director and Finance Department.Understand and uphold the IR core values and behaviours, and ensure their adoption and implementation by all staff across the region.Role model and proactively foster a culture in which Islamic principles, values and approaches which are adopted by IR are consistently respected, applied and complied with in the delivery of the country / division / unit objectives and in the conduct of its employees.Lead on the development of external relations and networks at a senior level to ensure Islamic Relief is visible, promoted and up-to-date.Ensure that regional HR database and information are appropriately updated and reports are appropriately developed and shared consistently on-time with the Regional Director and the Head of HR at the International Office.Comply with IRW’s policies and procedures in undertaking the above roles and responsibilities and undertake any other reasonable duties that are consistent with the job and at its level of responsibility as and when required by line management.Take part in any cross organisational groups or learning sets which are appropriate to the job roleManage and supervise the local HR teams in the regionAny other reasonable request from senior leadership. This may include supporting work on governance, finance and strategy.It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide vision, mission and core values.Knowledge, Skills and QualificationsA degree in a management or social science related field, preferably in HRM or Business StudiesProfessional HR qualification e.g. CIPD or equivalent (extensive HR experience may also suffice in place)Strong and seasoned analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and laterally, to overcome challenges.Strong organisation skills and attention to detail to ensure high quality in ones work.Ability to prioritise and work efficiently under pressure and subject to changing priorities; proven experience of managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and using judgment and initiative in problem resolution.Excellent communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills.Excellent written and spoken knowledge of Arabic along with good written and spoken EnglishExcellent levels of computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications and HR software.HR leadership experience across multiple countries with experience of working within a complex and matrix organisation structure.Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomatic, persuasive, firm, mature, analytical, detailed, organised, creative, service and quality oriented, proactive, persistent, and open mindedA minimum of 5 years experience of managing HR function and unit in a multicultural international organisation with large numbers of staffProven ability to review, develop, and ensure consistent implementation of HR systems and approaches which fit with the current and future needs of the organization and which promote a working environment which staff to develop their capacity to the maximum level.Proven ability to develop an excellent working relationship and coordination with internal and external partners and stakeholders particularly the ones relevant to the function, and to ensure compliance to national regulations, international best practices, and the spirit / fundamental principles of the organizationProven ability to apply multidimensional approach in assessing and dealing with current and future challenges and to work effectively and efficiently both independently and in teams in stressful situations and environmentProven ability to work as an HR generalist with solid experience in managing major domains of HR, preferably in an international development organization working in conflict / post-conflict, culturally diverse, and geographically challenging environmentBe familiar with the region and have the ability to work across different countries and legal frameworksPrevious experience of working within humanitarian and development (third) sector is an advantage.Proven experience of developing and implementing strategies and work plans which help to deliver the wider organisational objectives.Demonstrable experience in consultative team approaches to decision making and innovation which motivates and drives teams forward.Substantial experience in managing and implementing employee relations activities in a large organisation.Ability to respond to a dynamic and changing environment.Strong emotional intelligence and resilience, and able to maintain composure - acting in a calm and measured way, in difficult situations.Strong & confident communication skills which delivers information persuasively and with clarity in a wide range of situations.Has a positive demeanour and disposition, and able to overcome setbacks by motivating self and othersA post graduate qualificationKnowledge and experience of working in an international organisation or travelling to field/branch offices.Knowledge of French or one of the Indian subcontinent national languages will also be positively considered.How to Apply:
If you are talented, reliable, service minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional, with a strong commitment to IRW’s values and beliefs, please apply by downloading the application pack from our website www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us/ and forward the completed form to recruitment@irworldwide.orgon or before the closing date.
Closing date: Sunday 21st December 2014
Islamic Relief promotes equality and meritocracy, and seeks individuals who agree with the IR values together with our policy standards on Anti-Bribery, Child Protection and Code of Conduct. We will carry out screening checks and will take out references on your behalf if you are selected. Please note, for UK based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Applicants should be sympathetic to the values of Islamic Relief.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer.
Only applications from those who already have the right to live and work within the UK will be considered.
**Local Nationals, if successful, will only receive salary and not expat benefits*
e are currently recruiting for Regional Director – East Africa who will strategically lead and support IRW’s operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan on planning and management of programmes, together with networking with and building strong relationships with donors, other NGO’s, IRW’s International Office and their partner offices. 
