Human Resources Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development programs that address emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving individuals regardless of their race, religion, or nationality, and actively seeks to include people from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices in all operations. The agency's talent acquisition procedures are designed to uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly those most at risk. With a workforce that spans various countries, CRS is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and prioritizes candidates from the regions in which it operates.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources Officer will play a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting the implementation of the Country Program HR strategy and operational plans. This position is essential for ensuring the delivery of efficient and high-quality HR and operational services. The officer will manage various HR functions, including employee administration, recruitment, staff development, performance management, onboarding, and travel coordination. The role requires a strong focus on compliance with agency policies, donor requirements, and local legal regulations, while also supporting managers and staff in achieving program goals effectively. The HR Officer will be responsible for assessing service needs, providing quality process services, and maintaining accurate records through personnel files and HR systems. This position is crucial for fostering a supportive work environment that aligns with the organization's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Resources Officer will support the Head of HR in managing HR programs and services, ensuring that all HR processes meet legal and best practice standards. Key responsibilities include coordinating HR activities, providing advice and support to managers for effective staff management, and ensuring compliance with agency, donor, and local legal requirements. The officer will assess service needs and deliver quality process services to support managers in their daily responsibilities. Additionally, the HR Officer will collect and organize input on HR processes and policies, participate in the review and update of various systems, manuals, guidelines, and tools, and support the assessment of professional development needs. Record keeping through personnel files and Oracle HCM will be maintained to adhere to required regulations. The officer will also provide analytical reports on HR-related data to support decision-making and workforce planning, facilitate travel logistics, and assist with procurement, bookings, and inventory management to ensure smooth program operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution. Additionally, certification as an HR professional with active membership in a recognized HR body (minimum: IHRM membership) is required. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of work experience in HR, preferably within an international or local NGO, and should have a solid understanding of HR best practices and standards. Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts, and practices is essential. Proficiency in using MS Windows and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), web conferencing tools, and HRIS is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of HR management and operational functions within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in human resources, ideally within an international or local non-governmental organization (NGO). Candidates should have a strong grasp of HR best practices and standards, as well as experience with employment laws and regulations. Familiarity with HRIS and proficiency in MS Office applications are also important for this role.

Languages:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, with the ability to write reports effectively. Proficiency in Arabic is strongly preferred, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders and supports the organization's outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position does not anticipate any travel requirements. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff, and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate will be expected to sign and adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates, and all offers are contingent on the selected candidate's ability to legally work in the position's location. Additionally, candidates must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance, and some work permit processes may require a separate government-administered medical examination.