Senior Human Resources Officer at Mercy Corps

Job Description

Description

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Position Status: Full-time

Risk Level: ☐ Level 3 ☐ Level 2 ☐ Level 1

(Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data, and/or high level of accountability.

Level 2: Some contact with participants; unplanned non-direct contact with children.

Level 1: Likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps is a recognized global leader in Market Systems Development (MSD) where we apply a systemic, inclusive approach to catalyze sustainable improvements in markets that benefit vulnerable groups—particularly women and youth. Resilience building is an agency priority and involves using a systems-based approach that builds on proven solutions, accesses new ideas and information, and integrates multiple sectors and partnerships to strengthen food and water security, economic opportunities, and climate change adaptation. Southern Africa continues to experience recurrent environmental, economic and social shocks affecting the wellbeing of its communities and undermining development investments. Mercy Corps will continue to contribute to the well-being of rural and urban communities by building household capacities and strengthening systems and institutions.

The Program / Department / Team

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)-funded Building Enterprise Development and Employment Creation program (BEDEC) aims to increase the productivity and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural sector, thereby driving income growth and productive employment in the Zambian economy. BEDEC will target over 100,000 SMEs, with a particular focus on women and youth. Specifically, BEDEC supports SMEs in becoming more productive and competitive by improving their access to key services for smallholder farmers, youth, and women. The program promotes SME growth to enhance employment opportunities and strengthens enabling environments and institutional capacity for SMEs within Zambia’s economy. BEDEC employs a strong and rigorous market systems development approach, playing a key facilitation role to drive scale, sustainability, and impact.

The Position

The Senior Human Resources Officer will oversee and implement the human resources functions of Mercy Corps Zambia. This role ensures achievement of Mercy Corps Zambia program objectives with the facilitation of recruitment, remuneration and staff development issues in the Human Resource Department; Ensure day to day HR functions are performed in accordance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures and HR best practice; Provide direct advice and guidance to staff on HR policies and procedures; Ensure that Mercy Corps Employee Handbook is up to date and that all policies are in compliance with Zambia labor laws. The role will coordinate, support and advise on the implementation of Mercy Corps ‘commitment to mainstreaming Safeguarding in country program operations.

Essential Responsibilities

Human Resources Management

Develop, implement, and administer effective human resource programs including recruitment, orientation, performance evaluation, career development, training, diversity training, risk management and safety programs.
Ensure compliance with Zambian labor laws and Mercy Corps policies.
Maintain appropriate records and ensure confidentiality regarding personnel activities and personnel data including employment documentation, evaluations, exit interviews, and other relevant information. Periodically audit and archive or destroy dated information, including employee and applicant files, in accordance with national law.
Payroll administration which includes tracking payroll changes, medical aid reconciliations, changes in salary information, and terminations in payroll.
Assist in the development of staffing and recruitment plan to ensure that each team is staffed appropriately, according to need and funding availability, in an efficient and timely manner
Update staff information in HCM in a timely manner
Support expatriate staff with work permits, emergency planning, and documentation.
Conduct regular reviews of HR policies; Implement and evaluate the national staff Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, recommend and implement improvements.
Manage compensation and benefits programs, including benchmarking and salary surveys. Coordinate and monitor employee compensation and benefit packages for aptness, equitability and affordability, and to ensure consistency and equity within the organization and appropriate comparability with peer organizations
Monitor employee concerns, complaints, and counseling needs and coordinate internal investigations and hearings with appropriate personnel and management.
Monitor staff wellbeing and provide support or referral for counseling when needed.
Participate in orientation of new personnel with respect to HR policies and procedures, including remuneration, benefits, and the organizational “work ethic”.
Administer health insurance and liaise with service providers.
Maintain employee attendance, accurate timesheet records, track staff leave and ensure staff well-being is prioritized
Provide statistical HR reports as requested.
Remain informed, on an ongoing basis, about current and changing HR-related laws, policies and “best practices” to ensure that current and future personnel policies, employment practices, and compensation packages are within the limits of established standards, procedures, guidelines, and policies of Mercy Corps, as well as national laws.
Administer all health insurance issues including employee inquiries and communication with the insurance provider.
Coordinate staff meetings and Senior Management Team meetings.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

Champion Safeguarding policies and accompanying policy guidance support materials.
Assist in prevention of sexual misconduct, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
In partnership with the program team, assist in facilitating Safeguarding awareness-raising in local communities.
Work with individuals and teams to help ensure that programs and operations are integrating Safeguarding measures.
In partnership with relevant teams, identify, map, and regularly update local support services available to survivors.
Act as a reporting avenue for Safeguarding related issues, concerns or experiences and ensure next steps occur in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
When requested, provide logistical and planning support around investigations.
Act as a resource to survivors and help ensure their safety, security, and well-being. Help support a survivor-centered approach.
Help to support and raise awareness around community reporting mechanisms.
Communicate observations and experiences and make recommendations to appropriate individuals and teams to enhance local Safeguarding strategies.
Help to support partner capacity building around Safeguarding
Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
Practices the values of Mercy Corps, including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Supervisory Responsibility

Direct supervision of: HR Assistant

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Team Lead – BEDEC Program

Works Directly With: Country & Regional HR Teams, Safeguarding Team, Program Team, Finance Department, Operations Department, MCG/MCE HQ Compliance, and others

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

An undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management or its equivalent.
A Master’s degree or professional qualification in HR or Business Management is an added advantage
At least 5 years’ continuous experience in a similar position within INGO is strongly preferred
In-depth knowledge of Zambian labor laws and HR best practices.
Proven ability to work with diverse teams
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.
Strong communication skills in English and local languages (written and spoken).
Ability to translate documents and support bilingual communication when required.

Success Factors

The Senior Human Resources Officer must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Must be a team builder with excellent people skills; culturally sensitive and have the ability and interest to identify and work with a multicultural team. Must have the ability to prioritize and deal with competing demands. Furthermore, must have the ability to work independently, employ effective time management skills, handle frequent interruptions, and shift priorities, exhibit effective customer service skills, and work effectively with a wide variety of individuals including team members based in the region. H/She must have a positive approach, a strong commitment to teamwork and personal accountability, ability to be flexible, and ensure that effective communication is a priority in all situations. Must have proven leadership and problem-solving skills with high integrity, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality. H/She must have commitment to Mercy Corps’ mission, values, and humanitarian principles.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia and it requires up to 20% travel to support country programs.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Engagement and Effectiveness

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can collectively become stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.