HR Head of Department (HR HoD)

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a leading global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established to innovate solutions and advocate for change, it reaches 28 million people annually through effective hunger prevention and treatment programs. The organization operates in 55 countries and employs approximately 8,990 dedicated staff members who work closely with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the international network and manages operations in 8 countries, including South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Job Overview:
The HR Head of Department (HR HoD) at Action Against Hunger is a pivotal role that requires an experienced and motivated individual to deliver and implement the Human Resource Strategy in South Sudan. This position is aligned with the country office priorities and involves designing and aligning HR policies and procedures. The HR HoD will lead the management and administration of employee welfare and relations, ensuring compliance with South Sudan labor laws and the organization's mandate. The role is crucial in positioning Action Against Hunger as an employer of choice, providing a compelling employee value proposition that aligns with the South Sudan country strategy. The HR HoD will work closely with various stakeholders, including the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, HR team, and program teams, to ensure that HR policies are understood and integrated into the country office procedures. The position also involves delivering strategic HR goals and providing timely support and advice on HR activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic HR Leadership: Design and implement the HR strategy in line with the Country Office strategy, represent HR in senior management meetings, and contribute to funding proposals and donor reports.
• Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition: Collaborate with department heads on staffing needs, promote a fair recruitment process, and implement onboarding programs.
• Performance Management and Staff Development: Lead the performance management system, support managers in objective setting, and oversee staff training and development initiatives.
• Payroll and Benefits Management: Design and oversee payroll procedures, manage benefits administration, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
• Risk Management: Ensure compliance with labor laws, lead HR audits, and mitigate HR-related risks.
• Employee Relations: Promote a safe work environment, manage staff grievances, and support staff welfare initiatives.
• Documentation and Reporting: Ensure compliance in staff documentation, consolidate HR reports, and represent the mission in external HR matters.
• HR Team Management: Provide leadership and mentorship to the HR team, build capacity, and ensure harmonious team dynamics.
• Partnerships and External Engagement: Build relationships with HR teams in the region and engage with peer agencies to stay updated on HR trends.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Human Resource Management, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7-10 years of humanitarian work experience in Human Resource Management is required, with experience in South Sudan or similar contexts being advantageous. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience managing HR in a large, complex country office, knowledge of employment law, and HR best practices. Strong analytical and reporting skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability are essential, along with good IT skills and experience using HR systems like HRIS. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Human Resource Management, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human resource functions and the strategic implementation of HR policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in humanitarian work focused on Human Resource Management. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience managing HR in a large, complex country office, demonstrating knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. Experience in managing diverse and multicultural teams is also necessary, along with strategic thinking and leadership skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication within the local context and enhance engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to international candidates and may involve travel to field locations under high security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks and basic living conditions. The role requires regular attendance of at least five days per week, with the possibility of working outside normal office hours or during weekends. The HR Head of Department will have supervisory responsibilities over the HR Deputy Head of Department and HR Officers, and will be expected to provide technical support to Base Human Resources Managers/Administrators.