Human Resources Manager - Jamaica

Job Description

Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Human Resources Manager for the multi-year USAID Positive Pathways Activity in Jamaica, based in Kingston. The intended purpose of this USAID/Jamaica project is to support communities, parents, and families to prevent youth violence and develop pathway programs for youth at risk of violence. This is a full-time position based in Kingston, Jamaica. This position is only open to citizens of Jamaica.

The overall objectives of this activity are:

• Support parents and families to prevent youth violence by strengthening the ability and authority of targeted families to maintain discipline and reinforce prosocial conduct among their children.
• Develop pathway programs for youth at risk of violence by encouraging desistance programs that will keep youth out of violent and criminal lifestyles.
  
  
  

Essential Job Duties:

The Human Resources Manager will perform the following duties:

• Perform an internal needs assessment to determine the work environment and make recommendations for HR implementation
• Lead the implementation of policies and ensure that all DI HR policies are applied consistently; support the team to ensure that HR policies and procedures are fully compliant with DI standards, local laws, and regulations while meeting the needs of staff.
• Work with the team on HR matters to help establish processes and build capacity as needed; ensure that appropriate HR processes are communicated to staff.
• Work with the home office to prepare employee agreements and update the field staff employee manual for Jamaica.
• Work with the home office to ensure that employee agreement renewals, amendments, and salary adjustments are on-time and align with local laws and contract requirements. Provide the finance team with amended contracts and advise on the effective date for associated increases (merit and otherwise)
• Serve as the point of contact for the team on all HR needs; coordinate with the Chief of Party or designee to respond to requirements as needed.
• Update and maintain staff leave accruals bi-weekly in accordance with the timesheet calendar & communicate balances at intervals to staff when required
• Perform annual leave accruals analysis and reconcile with Home Office
• Update and maintain the calendar to reflect staff employment anniversary dates
• Manage performance evaluation exercises with staff supervisors (at the end of the 3-month probationary period and annually)
• Arrange staff retreats and team building activities
• Arrange coaching seminars for staff based on the need
• Lead all HR-related matters including onboarding, offboarding/termination, benefits, employee relations, and organizational policies, as needed.
• Manage the hiring process, including recruiting (local head hunting), interviewing, hiring, and onboarding. Ensure that job descriptions/SoWs are up to date and compliant with local regulations.
• Plan and coordinate new employee orientations to foster a positive attitude toward project objectives, including planning and managing the onboarding process and training for all new hires.
• Prepare staff employment verification letters and other similar requests
• Provide staff with enrollment forms (health insurance, life insurance, pension) and review completed forms to ensure accuracy per DI obligations and staff requirements
• Liaise with providers for staff addition, removal, and any other similar requests
• Perform sensitization sessions at intervals about fringe benefit packages offered by DI with an objective to increase staff up-take
• Maintain all HR-related documentation on SharePoint
• Maintain all HR systems and processes.
• Carry out other assigned duties.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or other related fields. Masters preferred.
• At least 2 years of international human resources experience
• Experience with USAID best practices a plus.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to integrity and confidentiality
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in HR functions such as employee relations, hiring, onboarding and separation, benefits administration, labor laws, hiring, performance management
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Fluency in English required.
  
  
  

Reporting:

• This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party

Application Process:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. DI is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining the best talent, and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.

About the Organization

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.