Reports to: Director of Human Resources and Administration

Location: Cairo, Egypt or Rabat, Morocco

Main purpose of position

The Human Resources Manager plays an important role in strengthening the support and oversight of human resources operations in ICARDA and in ensuring operations are aligned with business objectives and institutional HR strategies, policies and practices. The HRM covers the full spectrum of HR activities and in coordination with the Director, Human Resources and Administration, (DHRA), implements best practices to foster a high-performance culture.

With the current transition of ICARDA into the One CGIAR, the HRM needs to ensure operational continuity of the unit in the midst of all the change initiatives.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org

All CGIAR Centers are currently engaged into a transformation effort (“the “OneCGIAR’”) that will help the CGIAR achieve better impact through more strategically integrated research, unified governance, an integrated structure (including in Human Resources) and new research modalities across the 12 participating centers. This transformation is supported by donors who have committed to increased funding.

Main responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Administration, the Human Resources Manager will have a broad scope of work, and the emphasis of the main responsibilities listed below may vary depending on the specific background and specialized knowledge of the successful candidate.

·        Support line managers in the different locations in achieving their objectives by providing high-quality HR services and advice, including on HR needs analysis, staff development, job design, recruitment and selection, and policy implementation.

·        Enhance line managers’ capacity in effective people management practices, including change management, through providing appropriate training, coaching and guidance.

·        Lead the process for the automation and improvement of ICARDA’s performance management system and practices, including rewards and incentive schemes.

·        Support the Director of HR and Administration in the implementation of a number of change initiatives, e.g. One CGIAR projects, implementing people and culture KPIs related to the ICARDA Institutional Strategy.

·        Backstop the Director of HR and Administration with delivery of actions emanating from the One CG People and Culture Community of Practice.

·        Support the Director of HR and Administration and work with the Training Team providing guidance in designing effective staff training and development programs, conducting needs analysis with line managers, sourcing, and evaluating training initiatives.

·        Support the Director of HR and Administration in conducting a review of HR processes to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.

·        Effectively handle HR issues, complaints and grievances.

·        Working closely with the Compensation and Benefit Specialist, conduct reviews and advise on compensation and benefits.

·        Monitor HR departmental and organizational metrics through the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, analysis and reporting.

·        Contribute to HR policy reviews, improvement and implementation.

·        Keep abreast of HR trends on good practices and advise on opportunities for improvements at ICARDA.

·        Support the Director of HR and Administration in managing compliance with host country agreements.

·        Act as officer-in-charge in the absence of the Director of HR and Administration.

·        Perform any other related task as may be assigned by the Director of HR and Administration.

Requirements

Qualification, experience and competencies

·        Master’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources or business-related field.

·        Between seven and ten years of relevant experience in Human Resources, with increasing level of responsibilities encompassing a broad spectrum of HR functional areas and including experience in international organizations.

·        Excellent knowledge of human resources management theories, principles and practices.

·        Proven ability to effectively coach employees and line managers.

·        Good knowledge of labor laws in jurisdictions that ICARDA operates in.

·        Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and experience in the use of ERP systems.

·        Excellent spoken and written English. Knowledge of Arabic or French is an added advantage.

Required personal traits

·        Personal integrity and credibility.

·        Ability to operate effectively with a high degree of independence.

·        High degree of tact, discretion, and good judgement to effectively manage sensitive and confidential issues.

·        Strong service orientation, with the ability to proactively approach clients to understand their business needs and to find effective solutions.

·        Ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders with different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, within and outside the organization.

·        Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including conflict management skills.

·        Drive and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

·        Commitment of the mission and work of ICARDA and the CGIAR System.

Benefits

Terms of appointment

This is an internationally recruited position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, housing allowance, non-contributory retirement plan, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three (3) years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.

Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization’s standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

ICARDA is committed to increasing women representation in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from women.

Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.