Human Resources and Administration Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. NRC Afghanistan is one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in the country, with a significant presence across 14 provinces and over 1,000 staff members. The organization is committed to protecting and assisting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, who are affected by displacement and humanitarian crises. NRC's mission is to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions for those in crisis. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging all employees to share ideas and take responsibility for their work.

Job Overview:
The Human Resources and Administration Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing compliance and strengthening support services within the HR and Administration functions of NRC's Afghanistan mission. This position is designed for an action-oriented and execution-driven individual who possesses strong interpersonal and strategic skills. The role requires the manager to ensure that the mission is well-positioned to respond to both current and future needs, particularly in the context of Afghanistan's complex humanitarian landscape. The manager will be responsible for developing and implementing systems and procedures, ensuring adherence to employment standards and policies, and complying with labor laws and government regulations. Additionally, the role involves capacity building for staff, quality control and auditing of HR functions, and promoting standards related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate will be expected to provide reporting and analysis, maintain safe and standardized filing of documents, and ensure compliance with legal and government reporting requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Resources and Administration Manager will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing HR systems and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensuring compliance with employment standards and policies, as well as adherence to labor laws and government regulations.
• Conducting staff capacity building, training, and development initiatives to meet organizational needs.
• Performing quality control and audits of HR functions to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
• Providing regular reporting and analysis on HR metrics and performance.
• Maintaining safe and standardized filing systems for HR documents.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and government reporting requirements.
• Promoting the principles and standards related to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization.
• Collaborating with other departments to ensure alignment of HR strategies with organizational goals. 1
• Supporting the recruitment and onboarding processes for new staff members. 1
• Managing employee relations and addressing any HR-related issues that arise. 1
• Contributing to the development of a positive workplace culture that fosters collaboration and inclusivity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Human Resources and Administration Manager position must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of senior human resources management experience, preferably in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Proven experience working in high-risk, insecure, and complex environments.
• Strong understanding of labor laws and HR best practices in Afghanistan.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement HR policies and procedures effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Human Resources and Administration Manager position should have a relevant educational background, including:

• A bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, or a related field.
• A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred but not mandatory.
• Professional HR certifications (e.g., SHRM, CIPD) are an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically:

• At least 5 years of senior-level experience in human resources management, with a focus on humanitarian or recovery contexts.
• Experience working in challenging and volatile environments, particularly in Afghanistan or similar contexts.
• Proven track record of managing HR functions and leading teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in Pashto and/or Dari is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local staff and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is offered on a 12-month contract basis. The role may require approximately 20% travel within the country. The position is classified as Grade 9 in NRC's Salary Scale, which comes with a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, where all employees are encouraged to share ideas and take responsibility for their work. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as NRC aims to create a workplace that supports and empowers women in humanitarian roles.