Human Resources Officer

Main Responsibilities

The Human Resources Officer (Field) at HQ is responsible for managing all the processes for the internationally recruited staff (IRS) human resources for Medair field programmes. Particular focus is on recruitment, staff policy development, co-ordination of training and general staff well-being. All HR activities are conducted in line with Medair policies and procedures and in accordance with local employment legislation and practice. The HRO also works with the field management team on in-country issues for international and nationally recruited staff.

Project Overview

Medair HQ provides operational guidance for country programmes and activities, along with both technical and compassionate support for our relief workers. HQ staff also promote the work of Medair to the world and raise and manage the funds needed to run our life-saving and sustaining programmes. The HQ teams, like our field teams, are committed to serve the world's most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care.

Medair

Medair brings life-saving relief and rehabilitation in disasters, conflict areas, and other crises by working alongside the most vulnerable. Its staff are inspired by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing practical and compassionate support, regardless of race, religion, or politics. Medair has achieved the ISO 9001:2000 quality certification worldwide, which denotes consistent and effective project management activities for the well-being of its beneficiaries. Founded in 1989, Medair's unwavering commitment continues to bring hope to the world's most vulnerable.

Workplace

Medair HQ, Ecublens, Lausanne, Switzerland

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Contract Details

Open-ended contract, 100%

Key Activity Areas

Human Resources Management for Internationally Recruited Staff

Liaise with the field Country Director (CD) and HR Manager (in-country and HQ) on issues for internationally recruited staff including, but not limited to:

• Identify staffing needs; Manage and co-ordinate the recruitment process for new / vacant positions; which includes active participation in the Medair Relief & Rehabilitation Orientation Course (ROC), advertising the vacancy, drawing up the short-list, interviewing potential candidates and making the appointment.
• Provide pre-assignment programme specific information.
• Ensure all internationally recruited staff have a current employment contract in line with Swiss labour laws.
• Ensure relevant HR documentation is made available to staff.
• Work with line managers to ensure new staff receive a relevant and appropriate country / programme briefing and that a full induction and handover is carried out.
• Support the CD and HRM in overseeing staff well-being, provide confidential and relevant feedback as requested.
• Monitor performance management to ensure line managers conduct performance appraisals within the required timeframes and that the necessary paperwork is completed according to the latest guidelines.
• Support line management as necessary in disciplinary action and grievance procedures, ensure that the correct procedures are followed and records are kept in accordance with Medair guidelines.
• Organise appropriate debriefing, if required, at end of contract or following any critical incident.
• Ensure exit interviews are carried out and appropriate records are kept when individuals leave Medair.

Field Visits

• Ability to travel at least once per year to each assigned field project location to provide member care assessments, meet with senior staff members, and provide spiritual input (up to 2 field trips per year).
• Training and team building when requested.
• Review of facilities and report any concerns or improvements that could benefit staff well-being.

Training and Development

• Facilitate staff training by working with line managers to identify training needs.
• Source in-house and external training opportunities as appropriate. Maintain training records.
• Provide CD and HRM, advice, mentoring and coaching on performance management or any other relevant areas of HR management or procedures for their team.

Administration

• Work with relevant colleagues to ensure the preparation, payment and record-keeping of staff salaries and / or allowances is done in a timely manner and in accordance with employment regulations.
• Ensure all staff have a personnel file containing all relevant documentation and information, according to Medair policy and any donor requirements.
• Ensure all staff HR files are archived according to Medair policy and any donor requirements.
• Maintain other work-related records and documentation according to programme procedures. This may include staff plans, attendance records, holidays, sickness, other absences, training records, insurance, pensions, other benefits, taxes, etc.

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair e-library and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed.

HR Systems Development and Administration

• Lead and manage assigned HR projects, track progress and deliver outputs on schedule. Optimise key administrative processes, policies, procedures and information systems in collaboration with the HQ HRM.

Qualifications

• University degree in relevant subject or equivalent professional qualification/experience
• Human Resources qualification desirable

Experience / Competencies

• Relevant professional experience in administration / human resources position
• Previous experience working in a cross-cultural setting, preferable in the HR sector
• Previous work experience in HR Management and/or recruitment desirable
• Able to develop, coach and support other team members.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels
• Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner
• Good understanding of cross-cultural issues
• Commitment to best practice
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Able to cope with basic living conditions during field trips
• Team-player but also able to work independently
• Good inter-personal and conflict resolution skills
• Problem solving ability; excellent communicator
• Strong leadership skills; consultative management style; accountable decision maker

Medair Standard HQ Working Requirements

• Experienced professionals in a relevant field
• Committed Christians
• Commitment to the Medair values (faith, hope, accountability, integrity, dignity, compassion)
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)
• Competent with Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Reflect the vision and values of Medair when interacting with team members and external contacts
• Motivated by a spirit of service
• Solid team player

Working Details

• Swiss or EU citizens, or those with a valid work permit for Switzerland, are eligible to apply.
• Ability to travel at least once per year to each assigned field project location to provide member care assessments, meet with senior staff members, and provide spiritual input (up to 2 field trips per year).

Application process

For more information on this and other positions, please follow this web link: and check the Headquarters section followed by HQ Vacancies.

We request that you complete all applications on-line at Only English-language applications and CV's will be reviewed. We will not review email applications. Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled. We review every online application. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a potential candidate.