Senior Manager, People and Culture

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons, focusing on health, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment. The IRC's mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Senior Manager, People and Culture is a pivotal role within the IRC, specifically overseeing the People and Culture team that supports the Darfur region of Sudan. This position is responsible for ensuring effective delivery across various HR functions, including recruitment, contract management, staff development, performance management, and employee engagement. The Senior Manager will work closely with the People and Culture Lead for West Sudan to implement key initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and overall employee engagement. The role is crucial in fostering a positive organizational culture that aligns with IRC's values and compliance procedures, while also minimizing operational risks. The Senior Manager will partner with leadership at all levels to strengthen the organizational culture and ensure that the workforce is well-supported and engaged.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Manager will lead and manage the People and Culture team, proactively meeting with leaders to clarify changing talent needs and identify gaps in culture, resources, or competencies. They will devise workforce plans to facilitate staff retention and actively participate in proposal design and grants meetings, advising on organizational structure and staffing analysis. The role includes setting recruitment strategies in collaboration with the Recruitment Team, developing candidate rosters, and employing innovative recruiting methods. The Senior Manager will review job position requests and descriptions, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and provide strategic guidance on organizational culture and values. They will advocate for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, and promote initiatives that enhance employee experience and team cohesion. The position also involves overseeing payroll processes, managing people information systems, and ensuring data confidentiality. The Senior Manager will develop action plans to enhance staff morale and well-being, organize team-building activities, and foster a healthy organizational culture free from discrimination and harassment. They will supervise and mentor direct-report staff, improve coaching for national colleagues, and maintain strong relationships with the IRC Global P&C Department and regional colleagues. Additionally, the Senior Manager will oversee visa and immigration matters for expatriates, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing pre-arrival briefings. They will collaborate with teams across locations to ensure smooth operations and facilities management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 years of progressive professional experience in Human Resource Management, particularly in emergency response, conflict zones, or the humanitarian aid sector. A proven ability to operate effectively in high-pressure settings is essential, along with experience supporting over 100 employees across various organizational levels and cultures. Strong management and leadership skills are required, including capacity-building, coaching, mentoring, and performance management. Candidates should demonstrate high levels of integrity and empathy, with the ability to engage and inspire others. Effective interpersonal and analytical skills are necessary for collaboration across cultures and organizational units. The ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment, along with problem-solving and decision-making aptitude, is crucial. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required, as well as proficiency in people analytics and data management.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree or professional certification in Human Resources Management is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in Human Resource Management, with a focus on emergency response and humanitarian contexts. Experience in managing HR functions in conflict zones or challenging environments is highly desirable, as is a track record of supporting diverse teams and building strong relationships with senior management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is considered a plus. Candidates should possess strong communication skills to effectively engage with a diverse workforce and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international travel to various locations within the Darfur region. The role requires a commitment to the IRC's values and principles, including integrity, service, accountability, and equality. The organization is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals who reflect the communities they serve.