The Regional Human Resources Partner implements practices and activities of the Human Resources Management (HRM) Office in Malawi and other countries as assigned, providing a full spectrum of HR services and programs linked to short and long-term organizational needs and objectives. He or she works closely with MSH Corporate Human Resources, MSH Country Directors, and the Malawi Leadership Team to support the achievement of organizational and Group mission, goals, and objectives through the development, implementation, and management of activities to deliver HR capacity and infrastructure across Groups/Offices represented in the Malawi office and assigned Countries in Southern Africa.
Specific Responsibilities
- In collaboration with Corporate Human Resources, project leadership and MSH Southern Africa and/or African regional management staff, recommend workforce and staffing strategies and annual and multi-year plans to identify and meet the needs of human resources, project, and country activities. Recommend changes in existing objectives to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of the project/s represented in the Southern Africa regions.
- In compliance with MSH internal policies and procedures and external regulations, oversee and develop HR capacity at the project level and country levels. Contribute to and manage implementation of relevant organizational and headquarters HR initiatives at the country, and project levels.
- Serve as the HR country advisor and liaison for assigned projects and project leadership regarding employee productivity and retention, performance management, and employee relations. Identify current and anticipated trends and ready recommended solutions.
- As the HR representative of the MSH Southern Africa regional offices, establish and maintain professional contacts with other organizations and businesses concerning HR issues, policies and practices. Monitor separation trends and employee issues and make recommendations to Management, as appropriate.
- In collaboration with the relevant project leadership team, maintain a transparent recruitment process for non-key positions and develop requisite experience and competencies to ensure a strong and capable workforce to meet the project office (Key and expatriate positions will be recruited by the assigned corporate staffing specialist.) This includes ensuring timely and appropriate recruitment by defining recruitment needs; developing clear job descriptions; advertising and posting to job boards; directly posting positions in the recruiting system; managing applicant flow and review of applications; circulating CV’s; identifying advertisement resources; interviewing candidates; and checking references. Provide status updates in the applicant tracking system.
- Supervise the maintenance of accurate personnel files on all employees creating administrative systems as required. Coordinate with Corporate HRM on personnel matters.
- Provide counsel on confidential employment matters, career development, job satisfaction, and grievance and discipline issues. Provide guidance on procedure and options for resolution, consulting with the Corporate HRM as appropriate. Conduct exit interviews.
- Manage the annual Performance Planning and Review (PP&R) process and provide training to Supervisors and staff. Support managers and supervisors in developing clear, measurable objectives; assist with the development of progressive improvement plans for under-performers; and, as necessary assist with employee terminations.
- Leave tracking: Set up and maintain a system to track vacation, sick, and holiday leave.
- In consultation with the MSH Country Representative, COMU Director, Project Directors and with the HR Managers, coordinate the administration of the benefits program with the appropriate vendors, including renewals. Ensure that the benefits package is reviewed on an annual basis, and provide recommendations. Communicate changes to staff.
- Implement the One@MSH orientation program for all new staff to include MSH/Southern Africa and assigned regional benefits, procedures, and policies.
- Work with appropriate HRM staff to provide procurement integrity training to new and continuing staff to ensure that MSH standards and USAID regulations are adhered to, particularly in regard to the recruitment of new staff.
- Unsolicited Applications: Ensure maintenance of a categorical file system for unsolicited applications for use in future recruitment efforts.
- Supervises staff as assigned. Supervisory responsibilities include, but are not limited to, meeting with supervisees on a regular basis to discuss issues, track work progress, provide guidance and support, and ensure consistent quality of work performed; conducting Performance Plan and Reviews; communicating, implementing and assuring adherence to MSH policies, guidelines and values; developing staff skills and knowledge; approving time sheets; and facilitating supervisee success whenever possible.
- Performs other duties as assigned to contribute to the success achievement of the MSH, and the represented Center’s mission, projects, and activities.
Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) from an accredited university with relevant experience and significant experience in human resources management, including recruitment and personnel management required
- A minimum of 8 years HR Management working experience required in international development programs in Southern Africa region .
- Preferred minimum 10 years of International HR Management experience including experience working with US Government funded programs
- Must have demonstrated understanding of the Malawi and assigned country’s Labor laws, Company Act, NGO Act and other relevant laws
- Demonstrated ability to implement and manage all aspects of the HR function in line with current practices and trends
- Demonstrated ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues and to handle confidential matters discreetly and have experience in conflict resolution
- Ability to competently assess priorities; manage a variety of complex activities simultaneously in a time-sensitive environment, and meet competing deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff, clients, and consultants
- Demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate activities with senior project management staff and proven ability to work successfully on a team in a fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and fluency in Southern Africa local languages; other languages strongly preferred
- Demonstrated computer proficiencies, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database management
- Ability to travel to assigned destinations for HR initiatives
