Employee Relations (ER) Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the challenges faced by communities in disaster and hardship, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities from within. With a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities, Mercy Corps employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

Job Overview:
The Employee Relations (ER) Consultant position is a consultancy role aimed at enhancing the organization's ER training capacity and improving ER processes, tools, and systems. The consultant will focus on two main initiatives: the development of a comprehensive Train-the-Trainer program for ER case management and HR investigations, and the evaluation and improvement of existing ER processes. This role is crucial for onboarding and capacity building for the Global Employee Relations Advisor, emphasizing training curriculum development and process improvement. The consultant will not be involved in conducting HR investigations, as this responsibility lies with a separate Ethics team within the organization. The consultant's work will significantly contribute to the overall effectiveness of the ER function within Mercy Corps, ensuring that the organization is equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage employee relations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties are divided into two main parts: Part 1 focuses on Train-the-Trainer Curriculum Development, which includes designing a comprehensive curriculum for ER case management, creating HR investigation materials, developing training modules, and ensuring that all materials are adaptable for various country and regional deployments. Part 2 involves Process Evaluation, Improvement, and Global ER Advisor Onboarding, where the consultant will evaluate current ER processes, document gaps, recommend improvements, and support the onboarding of the new Global ER Advisor. The consultant will conduct training needs assessments, develop training materials, pilot training sessions, and provide coaching to internal trainers. Additionally, the consultant will document existing ER processes, create new tools and templates, and finalize all training materials based on feedback from pilot sessions. Regular progress updates to the People Team leadership will also be part of the responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in Employee Relations, with a strong focus on ER case management. Proven experience in designing and delivering Train-the-Trainer programs is essential, along with a solid understanding of HR investigation processes and methodologies. The consultant should have experience in developing training curricula, toolkits, and guidance materials for People Team/ER functions. Excellent instructional design capabilities, strong facilitation skills, and the ability to create materials for multi-country/regional deployment are also required. Desirable qualifications include experience with HR Acuity or similar ER case management systems, fluency in French and/or Spanish in addition to English, and professional certification in People Team (such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR).

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, it is generally expected that candidates hold a relevant degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in HR or organizational development may be advantageous and are often preferred by employers in this sector.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years in Employee Relations. This experience should include strong expertise in ER case management and a proven track record of designing and delivering effective training programs. Candidates should also demonstrate their ability to evaluate processes and implement improvements within an organizational context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French and/or Spanish is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate and deliver training materials effectively across diverse regions.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy engagement is set to take place from February 2, 2026, to June 30, 2026, spanning a total of 5 months. The consultant is expected to commit a maximum of 60 days over this period, averaging approximately 3 days per week. The position is home-based, ideally aligned with the GMT time zone. The consultant will report primarily to the Interim ER2 director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director and will collaborate closely with the People & Culture Team, ER Team, and various regional and country People Teams. This role emphasizes the importance of team engagement and effectiveness, fostering a culture of trust and respect within the organization. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.