HR/Admin Officer at Helen Keller International

Helen Keller International is a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition and diseases of poverty.  Cofounded by Helen Keller – and guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential – the organization delivers life-changing health solutions to vulnerable families where the need is great but access to care is limited.  In the US, Africa, and Asia, Helen Keller’s proven, science-based programs empower people to create opportunities in their own lives and build lasting change.

Background

The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.

The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.

Scope of the position  

The HR/Admin Officer works under the direct supervision of HR/Admin. Coordinator to implement practices and activities of the Human Resources and Administrative Management in the project providing a full spectrum of HR services and Administration linked to organizational and project needs and objectives. He or she works closely with Regional HR Manager, Country Director, COP, and the Nigeria Leadership Team to support the achievement of organizational and project goals and objectives through the development, implementation, and management of HR activities. He or she also has dotted line reporting to the  snr Program Officer

Human Resources:

• Ensure all recruitment policies and procedures are adhered to and recommend improvements.
• Review and prepare recruitment materials including job descriptions, job specifications, adverts and interview questions for positions to be filled.
• Carry out short listing, coordinate and participate in interviews.
• Conduct reference checks. And manage bio- data forms
• Manage all new hire employment forms.
• Maintains an active and organized data bank of applicants for various positions.
• Plan and conduct/coordinate new employee orientation including provision of information about policies, job duties, working conditions, opportunities for employee benefits etc.
• Assist to oversee the administration of the health benefits and pension program.  Collaborate with the Management Team on the management of the provider relationships. 
• Conduct salary negotiations for new staff. Review all offers to selected candidates, ensuring equity within the different projects and Operations units.
• Communicate proposed salary changes to the Country Director for approval.
• Review local payroll to ensure accuracy and timely submission of information.
• Ensure that all promotions are properly justified both technically and in terms of compensation.
• Support initiatives geared towards creation of a safe, healthy, and happy workplace such as open-door policy, One Helen Keller principle, trainings and safeguards that promote safety and security at workplace.
• Work with Supervisors/Managers to ensure that all new staff have set objectives for the probation period, manage due dates and decisions to confirm further employment.
• Manage the full cycle performance review cycle process and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Assist Supervisors/Mangers with managing performance issues.
• Management of staff exits, including conducting of exit interviews.
• Provides technical support and back stopping for HR/Admin Coordinator.
• Supervision of HR Assistant/Associate.

Operations:

The HR/Administrative Officer is to ensure implementation of operational strategies including:

• Full compliance of administrative activities with Helen Keller regulations, policies and strategies.
• Support to the Helen Keller Country Office administrative business processes;
• Implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies in consultations with office management.

Office Coordination:

• The HR/Administrative Officer will ensure effective and efficient provision of project coordination activities which include:
• Coordination of logistics including booking of flight and hotel reservations, making arrangement for transportation, review of travel authorizations, documentation, and payments.
• Coordination and supervision of support staff (driver, office assistant);
• Presentation of thoroughly researched information for planning of financial resources for administrative services.

Asset Management:

The HR/Administrative Officer will provide support to proper supply and assets management including:

• Coordination of assets management in Helen Keller Country Office and project tates which includes coordination of physical verification of inventory items.
• Ensuring provision of reliable and quality office supplies.
• Proper inventory control; supervision of proper issuance of inventory items and supplies.
• Office Management:
• Assist in country audit as needed.
• Assist with meetings and discussions with partners as needed.  
• Ensure safety measures are maintained in the vehicle and office including First Aid and fire precautions.
• Attend monthly meetings and subcommittee meetings as required.

Qualification, Competencies and Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Law, Social sciences
• At least 5 years’ experience in a HR generalist role
• Demonstrated ability to implement and manage all aspects of the HRM function in line with current practices and trends.
• Demonstrated success and familiarity experience in Nigeria is particularly relevant.
• Demonstrated by ability to work both independently and within a team, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities with attention to detail.
• 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.
• Integrity and friendly approachability.
• Able to maintain high level of confidentiality.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience required working with USG funded programs.
• Must have demonstrated understanding of Nigeria Labor laws, Company Act, NGO Act and other relevant laws.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and manage all aspects of the HRM 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.
• Demonstrated computer proficiencies, including Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database management.
• Helen Keller International is a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition and diseases of poverty.  Cofounded by Helen Keller – and guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential – the organization delivers life-changing health solutions to vulnerable families where the need is great but access to care is limited.  In the US, Africa, and Asia, Helen Keller’s proven, science-based programs empower people to create opportunities in their own lives and build lasting change.

Background

The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.

The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.

Scope of the Position

The Capacity Strengthening Officer will work with all members of the project team to guide capacity building activities.  She/he will facilitate and coordinate all training and capacity strengthening aspects of the project for stakeholders and project team. S/he will work closely with partners and stakeholders while delivering training sessions and be responsible for effective internal and external capacity building engagements and trainings. Under the guidance of  the Senior Program Officer [PO1] , s/he will be responsible for planning, budgeting and successfully delivering the project’s capacity building plans and objectives. The main responsibilities of the position are:

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct a capacity needs assessment of the project and stakeholders and based on findings, develop a capacity development plan and ensure its timely implementation.
• Work with project team to identify and propose priority training and capacity sessions for staff and stakeholders.
• Effectively manage all budget items related to trainings and capacity buildings to ensure that spending is timely and in accordance with USAID and Helen Keller requirements.
• Ensure that all respective sectors have access to training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
• Where necessary identify and manage consultants to provide technical and institutional training in accordance to the requirements of the participating communities and based on the assessments provided.
• Work closely with other team members to develop and review appropriate training materials, guidance, and procedures
• Maintain clear records and data on all trainings and capacity building sessions in collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. Prepare activity and training reports.
• Identify training needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders and coordinate the state teams to cover the gaps
• Participate in Training of Trainers’ sessions to enable she/he rollout of relevant trainings to other staff and stakeholders
• Support the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer to document best practices, success stories and taking good pictures for report writing.
• Be responsible for organizing all high level meetings at national level. Ensure that meeting objectives are clearly defined and ensure that meetings are structured to meet these objectives

Expected Deliverables

• Conduct capacity needs assessments t state and national levels
• Develop training plans and budgets
• Prepare training reports detailing training outcomes; records and data on trainings conducted

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related experience

Experience:

Required: At least 6 years’ experience in supporting capacity building initiatives at community level. Organizational development experience is highly desirable

Experience in managing training programs for government and civil society organizations especially at state level,

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent communication, listening and facilitation skills especially in adult learning
•  Ability to apply conceptual models to support project implementation
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment
• Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated communication and personnel
• management skills.
• Excellent report writing skills

Competencies:

• Adaptable, creative, collaborative and able to think strategically.
• Purpose driven and outcome focused
• Operate as a nimble learner, has a growth mindset.
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Physical Demands:

Ability to travel regularly to the project states (Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto) as needed

Terms & Conditions

This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions.

 

In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller  is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at the email above