Background of the Organization:

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic Church-based non-governmental organization with a mission to accompany, serve and protect refugees and internally displaced persons–regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality.  The main areas of work are in the field of education, emergency assistance, livelihood and social services. JRS is a non-profit venture of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) that was established in 1980. JRS works in over 50 countries worldwide. It has committed itself in Ethiopia since 1982 helping refugees from all over Africa. JRS is now recruiting a dynamic and qualified individual to fill a post of Country Human Resources & Program Assistant Officer.

Summary description of the position’s main role:

The Country HR and Program Assistant Officer is responsible for leading and coordinating a wide range of HR activities of JRS Ethiopia including planning, recruitment and staffing and performance management. S/he ensures HR and other policies and guidelines of the organization are properly implemented in the country. S/he is also responsible for conducting training and capacity gaps assessments and facilitate professional development opportunities for staff. The post holder also assists the Country Programmes Officer in programming activities including project designing and plan preparation, editing and writing up of periodical reports as well as monitoring projects by conducting periodical field visits. S/he reports to the country director.  

Key Responsibilities of the position:

Human Resource responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of a coherent human resources policy and procedures for the Country consistent with JRS Regional and International Office policy and guidelines. 
• Assisting the Country Director in ensuring compliance with local labour laws and practices
• Responding to requests from the Regional and International Offices for information and statistics in human resource matters
• Review of all security, health insurance, grievance, disciplinary and other policies and procedures for staff consistent with the policy of the organization in consultation with the Country Director.
• Ensure that appropriate and adequate performance appraisal and professional development plans are in place; ensure the relevance of the criteria in appraisal of staff performance
• Provide guidance and coaching for staff on human resource issues   
• Where required and on the instruction of the Country Director, and in line with applicable law, carrying out investigations as a result of staff grievances and dealing with appeals.
• Support the Country Director and the management in providing orientation, training and managing program and admin staff to ensure that they are performing their roles to high standard.
• Ensure responsibilities in the Country are delegated proportionally for all team and staff are provided with necessary coaching to carry out tasks accordingly
• Take the lead role in the recruitment of personnel in the Country
• Draft job descriptions for new posts as well as revise the staff’s job descriptions periodically assessing the dynamics
• Conduct reference and background checking for shortlisted candidates
• In consultation with other staff, prepare written exam and interview questions   
• Advising the Country Director on major personnel issues, e.g. performance management (periodical appraisals) or where disciplinary action is required
• Keep up to date, accurate and appropriate HR records for the organization’s staff
• Entertain government regulations on social security schemes such as pension and provident fund and make sure that the policies are observed.
• Be the focal person in the implementation of overall insurances including medical insurance of the staff.
• Revise the staff manual and HR policy and other guidelines in consultation with relevant staff in the Country, Regional and International Offices
• Update any changes on HR and other policies of the organization to staff and assist project offices in order to ensure proper implementation of the policies
• Involve in adjustment and/or revision of salary of the organization’s staff 
• Conduct training and capacity gap assessments; organize training programmes for staff 
• Facilitate the annual staff retreat program in consultation with other staff
• Conduct regular visits to the project offices for supporting them on human resources issues and forward recommendations for Country Director on matters requiring immediate actions

Programme Responsibilities:

• Participate in programme design, project proposal and budget preparation; annual and multi-years project plan preparation 
• Assist the Country programmes Officer in concept note preparation, writing up and editing and compilation of reports as per required format and quality;
• Involve in producing periodical articles and case stories on works and achievements of JRS in general and its specific projects in particular;
• Support the Country Programmes Officer in the periodic monitoring and evaluation of projects across the country and in the need to make the necessary adjustment in programming of projects and their expansion as required;
• Document best practices of JRS’s projects and ensure sharing of  the information within JRS team and with other relevant external stakeholders
• In consultation with the Country Programmes Officer provide technical supports for project offices on programming issues and   
• Represent the organization in meetings and discussions with the government agencies, donors and other stakeholders on issues related to programmes and overall organization’s matters

Professional Standards:

 All JRS staff are required to adhere to the JRS Code of Conduct and other policies like child safeguarding policy  

Duration of Employment: One year with possibility of extension

Required qualifications, experience, attributes, and competencies:

• BA or MA degree in Human Resource Management, Management, Public Administration & Development Management, Economics, Sociology; and other relevant social sciences fields. Additional Law educational background is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in human resource and administration and/or  programme  management & coordination;  
• Strong leadership, management, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Experience in preparing manuals, guidelines, conducting training and capacity assessments;
• Good organizational skills and high attention to detail;
• Ability to work with and maintain good relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Good command of English, both written and oral;
• Good interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Adherence to the values, principles and policies of  JRS;
• Ability to work in a cultural and gender-sensitive manner, respecting diversity in all its forms
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn;
• Skills of resolving disagreement and conflict between staff
• Ability to cope and work under pressure;
• Computer literate, mainly in Microsoft Office package;
• Well-organized, self-motivated and ability to work in a team;