Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

Position Status: Full-time, Regular

Salary Level: M2

Current Team Member: N/A

Program / Department Summary 

The Human Resources Department in Mercy Corps Nepal is responsible for providing effective HR policies, procedures, and people-friendly guidelines and support. This includes but is not limited to talent acquisition & development, onboarding, timely facilitation and oversight of performance management, compensation & benefits administration, disciplinary & grievance handling, team data management, update of required HR Policies & Procedures in line with local law and Global MC requirement as well as successful off boarding of all team members. More recently, gender, diversity and inclusion, as well as safeguarding, have become key agency priorities for which the HR department plays a key role. The HR department is small in comparison to other teams, with the manager and an assistant being based in Kathmandu, and a finance/admin officer, who also oversees HR, based in each field office. 

General Position Summary 

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading all the Human Resources functions in Mercy Corps Nepal. They under the leadership of the Country Director will provide oversight to the management of human resources for Mercy Corps programming in Nepal. As a part of the Nepal Senior Management Team (SMT), this position will assist in the achievement of MC program objectives with the facilitation of recruitment, remuneration and staff development issues in the Human Resource Development.

They must ensure that the system of human resources (global rules and procedures) is well established and well adhered to by all team members in Nepal. They will manage the overall operation of the HR in the Kathmandu office and provide the necessary support to all field offices working closely with the representatives in the field. 

As gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) and Safeguarding are crucial cross-cutting components of the MC programs, the Human Resources Manager is required to own these components and ensure GESI sensitivity and integration, and good governance practices in their day to day functions and team. In addition, the Human Resources Manager is also expected to contribute to ensuring GESI and good governance at the institutional level. 

Safeguarding Focal Point 

This Human Resource Manager role also serves as one of several Safeguarding Focal Points within the Mercy Corps Nepal team. The Safeguarding Focal Point is a designated person who will coordinate, support and advise on the implementation of Mercy Corps’ commitment to mainstreaming Safeguarding in country program operations. Through their work and support of Safeguarding efforts, Focal Point will assist in various ways. The specific tasks related to Focal Point are mentioned in job responsibilities. Focal Point will spend 25 percent of their time on this. 

Safeguarding Focal Point will be responsible for promoting safeguarding policies and assist in promoting prevention of sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

Essential Job Responsibilities 

The specific duties and responsibilities of the Human Resources Manager include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategy & Vision

• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to develop a countrywide HR strategy and ensure HR structure is optimal.
• Participate in proposal and budget development process to ensure appropriate HR structure is in place at the project level
• Liaise with HQ, regional and country offices to support and contribute to HR strategy implementation
• Develop, implement and monitor the interpretation and application of new human resources systems, practices and procedures 
• Identify weaknesses in current HR systems. Advise supervisor on outstanding issues and assist in designing and implementing, as required. 

HR Management

• Oversee all HR functions and manage the work plan of the HR Department in Mercy Corps Nepal in accordance with Nepal Labor Law and procedures of Mercy Corps.
• Develop, implement and administer effective human resource programs including recruitment, orientation, performance evaluation, career development, training, diversity training, risk management, database management, and safety programs.

Policy and Procedures

• Implement and evaluate the National Staff Policy Handbook. Ensure all new team members receive a copy of the National Staff Policy Handbook and are informed of their benefits. Continue with support and advice on policies, as required.
• Ensure compliance with HR Policy & Procedures in Mercy Corps Nepal Offices. Any discrepancies must be reported in writing to Country Director Nepal and take action to rectify the process
• Evaluate all HR policies and procedures, and recommend changes required to new or existing to the Senior Management Team. 
• 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.

Hiring and Onboarding

• Be responsible for implementing a transparent and balanced recruitment process including establishing the interview committee with the consent of Country Director and ensuring the proper paperwork and procedures are in place and maintain Job/ Personnel files as per defined protocols
• Help design optimal program and shared services staffing plans Organize, lead and document post-recruitment conversations with managers and candidates.
• Be responsible for the smooth and sound onboarding of all new team members in Mercy Corps Nepal
• Ensure that new employees/guests receive a welcome pack and other essential Mercy Corps information briefs. Ensure that the welcome packs are kept up to date.

Performance Management

• Ensure that team member and their supervisors understand the importance of performance evaluations and ensure its accurate and timely completion;
• Ensure all team members are effectively using the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and managers are regularly providing constructive feedback. Provide training and guidance when necessary – including period training to all levels of management as required
• Analyze and finalize the submitted performance evaluations and provide clear recommendations as required
• Ensure that all national team members have an up-to-date relevant job description;
• Monitor employee concerns, complaints, and counselling needs and coordinate internal investigations and hearings with appropriate personnel and management. 
• Advice and support supervisors on disciplinary procedures. Provide guidance and necessary support in this process. Participate in disciplinary, hiring and termination meetings with program staff as required;
• Proactively update senior management on any issues & grievances and ensure efficient and transparent solutions that protect both Mercy Corps Nigeria Team members and Mercy Corps interests in accordance with policies, regulations and procedures and global guidelines in terms of safeguarding.

Compensation & Benefits

• Oversee the monthly procedure of timesheets for all staff including collection, review and facilitation in compilation into payroll. Train new staff on timesheet procedure.
• Ensure the payroll is delivered in a timely manner to finance for allocation and timely disbursement of salaries;
• Ensure Salaries and benefits adhere to Mercy Corps salary scales and standing protocols.
• Coordinate and monitor the compensation and benefits for all employees and ensure consistency, equity and fairness in the organization and comparability with other appropriate organizations.
• Conduct periodic salary and benefit surveys with the INGOs to help ensure consistency and equity within the organization and appropriate comparability with peer organizations;
• Ensure smooth and timely administration compensation and benefits for MC Nepal staff

HR General

• Be responsible to ensure that personnel management matrices (personnel, leave, performance, discipline, contracts etc.) are maintained and updated.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive dashboard for HR, to ensure follow-up and analysis is updated on a weekly and monthly basis
• Ensure that all HR related paperwork, personnel files and other documents are complete, maintained and updated.Provide direct support to other MC Nepal offices and ensure all offices meet minimum HR standards. 
• Together with the GESI focal point, develop GESI integration plan, track progress and document GESI learnings on a regular basis. 
• Mercy Corps as a humanitarian agency is expected to respond as and when a crisis and humanitarian situation engulfs. As an MC employee, all staff are expected to be part of humanitarian and emergency response in addition to their regular roles and responsibilities in such situations.
• Maintain confidentiality of all national staff personnel issues including disciplinary procedures and contracts/ pay rates.
• 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.
• Supervise the HR Assistant, for support to the more administrative aspects of the manager role. 
• Liaise with HQ HR teams on a variety of strategic initiatives, including building and rollout of HQ?driven strategic initiatives, and support the rollout of new policies or tools. 
• Manage all aspects of HR in emergencies, when emergency response is activated and team members are allocated to short-term emergency roles. 

Team Management 

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews. 
• Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary. 
• Support management’s goal of continuous capacity development of national staff through the provision of internal and external training.
• During all parts of the human resource life cycle, promote the Mercy Corps Nepal’s goals and targets for gender equity and cultural diversity
• Manage and maintain office/workspaces in such a way that fosters a harmonious work environment that reinforces Mercy Corps’ culture of innovation, influence and impact
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

Finance & Compliance Management 

• Ensure all internal control procedures are adhered to and that necessary measures are put in place to ensure high standards of accountability and compliance.
• Work closely with finance/compliance to mitigate fraud, conflict of interest and legal ramifications of Mercy Corps activities.
• Support and orient on MC Code of Ethics and uphold Mercy Corps’ Zero tolerance of corruption policy.

Security 

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Influence & Representation 

• Represent Mercy Corps on any external HR and Administration related forums, meetings, coordination etc.

Accountability to Beneficiaries 

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility

HR Assistant in Kathmandu; dotted line responsibility for the HR functions with the Admin/Finance officers in field offices. 

Accountability 

Reports Directly To: Country Director

Works Directly With: Country Leadership Team, Head of Offices, Operations Manager, Finance Manager, HQ Senior Global HR Officer, Program Manager

 Knowledge and Experience 

• Masters or equivalent in Management, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields. Masters in Human Resources Management preferred. 
• Minimum 10 years professional experience, with 5-7 years’ experience in Human Resources Administration, and at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in analysis of HR data, on- the – ground HR thinking and strategic decision making.
• Excellent negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization and Microsoft Office applications. 
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Prior experience in Safeguarding implementation (prevention of, and management of, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse). 
• Prior experience in salary scale revisions, policy reviews and updates, and leading other strategic HR change initiatives. 
• Demonstrated results in leading or contributing to GDI-related Initiatives. 
• Proven ability to solve problems independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment. 
• Advance knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.
• Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.

Success Factors 

The successful Human Resources Manager will be good at problem-solving and have the ability to work out new ways to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations. They will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel while demonstrating the ability to multitask, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. They will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. 

The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

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

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. 

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively 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.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Organizational Learning 

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Shortlisting will be done on the basis of your answers while applying, please answer the questions carefully. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Telephone enquiries will not be entertained.