Regional Human Resource Officer - Africa

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to provide humanitarian aid and development assistance, Mercy Corps operates in more than 30 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to helping people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The People Team at Mercy Corps is focused on attracting, developing, and retaining top global talent to ensure the organization remains a world-class humanitarian entity capable of creating transformational change. The organization emphasizes strategic thinking and planning at all levels, aiming to enhance team member experiences and promote a culture that supports organizational goals.

Job Overview:
The Regional HR Officer – Africa is a crucial role within Mercy Corps, responsible for enhancing the People function across the Africa region. This position requires a highly mobile and adaptable HR professional who can ensure the continuity, quality, and compliance of HR service delivery in diverse and often complex environments. The role involves providing support to country HR teams and leadership in addressing operational HR challenges that affect team member experiences and organizational effectiveness. The Regional HR Officer will work closely with various teams to navigate HR operational gaps, talent needs, compliance requirements, and change processes, contributing to the development of resilient HR systems and improving HR practices, especially in offices facing staffing shortages or crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional HR Officer include coordinating and supporting the end-to-end employee lifecycle processes such as onboarding, contract changes, mobility, and offboarding while ensuring compliance with internal policies and local regulations. The officer will monitor and track expatriate movements in collaboration with the Regional security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Team and country leadership. They will also contribute to agency-level after-action reviews to promote organizational learning, maintain accurate HR systems and records, analyze HR trends, and facilitate HR data tracking and reporting. Additionally, the officer will support the rollout of global and regional HR initiatives, strengthen HR systems, and advise country teams on essential HR processes related to wellbeing and safe working arrangements during crises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Regional HR Officer position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field, with a Master’s degree being an added advantage. A minimum of three years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, or Personnel Management is required, with experience in international or multi-country HR roles in the INGO sector, particularly in West and Central Africa. Candidates should have experience supporting emergency HR responses, restructures, or transitions, and must be multilingual, with proficiency in English and French, while Arabic is considered a competitive advantage. Familiarity with local legal employment frameworks in West and Central Africa is essential, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred and would enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of progressive experience in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, or Personnel Management. Candidates should have experience in international or multi-country HR roles, particularly within the INGO sector, and should be familiar with the unique challenges and requirements of HR in West and Central Africa. Experience in emergency HR response, restructures, or transitions is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of Arabic is considered a competitive advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for interacting with diverse teams and stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based or located in a local office within a West and Central African country where Mercy Corps operates. Occasional travel may be required, including to insecure locations with limited amenities. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. The organization emphasizes ongoing learning, encouraging team members to dedicate time to personal and professional development. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the organization's values and conduct themselves professionally, respecting local laws and customs.