ABOUT MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004 and currently leads humanitarian assistance and longer-term development efforts in conflict-affected South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, Gedaref, and Khartoum States, supporting host communities, IDPs, returnees and refugees. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WASH, health, nutrition, peace building and protection, resilience, and Market Systems Development.

THE POSITION   Summary

The Human Resources (HR) Assistant is responsible for implementing the HR functions in MC Europe program and various other administrative functions under the supervisory of the HR Manger. The nominee will ensure that all administration and HR policies and procedures are communicated, implemented and monitored, and compliant with legal requirements, and that MC Europe values are upheld. The HR Assistant will ensure that policies and procedures are fair, transparent and promote equal opportunities. He/She will arrange staff development and trainings and other efforts which promote the wellbeing of staff. As a representative of MC Europe, the HR Assistant will attend meetings with other INGOs, governmental departments, and partners as appropriate. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Human Resources Functions

• Assist the HR manager in establishing and maintaining standard Human Resources filing systems that monitor recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development and staff wellbeing. 
• Represent staff concerns to the HR manager on HR issues including health and safety. Also represents MC Europe priorities and concerns to staff on similar issues.
• Assist the HR manager in defining Job Descriptions, advertise and lead on recruitment processes in Khartoum, and assist the HR staff in other locations for local recruitment.
• Assist the HR manager in assessing and identifying staff training and development needs, and develop and share with the Senior Management Team (SMT) a consolidated development plan for all staff.
• Work with line managers to conduct candidate selection processes, provide briefing and induction sessions, set objectives, monitor probation periods, hold regular catch-ups and annual performance appraisals. 
• Conduct regular field trips to project sites to monitor and review human resources policies and procedures. Provide assistance to line managers and staff, as appropriate.
• Ensure that all HR activities are compliant with national and local legislation; are within the MC Quality Standards, Operating Practices and Procedures (the National Staff Handbook) and reflect the People in Aid ‘Code of Conduct’.
• In consultation with the Finance Manager and under the supervision of the HR Manager, establish and monitor the grading and salary structure and payment procedures for National staff.
• Assist HR manager with the preparation of the monthly national staff payroll.
• Liaise with MC Europe’s program team and HAC in matters regarding interviews for new hires, written and oral tests.
• Prepare basic service contracts for contractors and consultants for the program team in Khartoum.
• Liaise with newspapers and online platforms for advertising for new jobs.

Administration Functions

• Serve as the central focal point for all administrative matters related to the Khartoum office.
• Ensure that the Khartoum office is run in a professional and responsible manner including hosting guests, cleaning, receptionist duties and general contact and liaison with outside agencies.
• Coordinate lease agreements, timely payments of leases and utilities for the office.
• Coordinate stationary and office supplies (electricity, water, garbage fee, office refreshment, etc.)
• Make arrangements for meetings and workshops in coordination with organizers.
• Facilitate travel of field staff to Khartoum and for Khartoum level staff to the field as serve as the primary focal point for all WFP flight bookings.
• Make accommodation arrangements for staff travelling to Khartoum.
• Responsible for all Travel Approvals for field staff travelling to Khartoum, keeping records of all approved Travel Approvals. Create a database of approved travel including the name of staff traveling, date of travel, the purpose of travel, duration/return date, means of travel, etc.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risksand mitigations related to their area of work

Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members

Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options

Accountability to Beneficiaries

MC Europe team members are expected to support all efforts towards 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

ACCOUNTABILITY: Supervise office cleaner, trainees, and any temporary help hired

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Human Resources Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Field HR Officers and Assistants, Deputy Country Director, Head of Offices, Country program staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience working in fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Previous HR experience an asset.

SUCCESS FACTORS 

A clear understanding of finance and procurement ethics as well as the willingness and ability to enforce compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies and procedures is essential.  A high level of personal integrity, honesty and transparency in all cash handling is essential.  The ability to interact effectively with international and national staff members is required.  A demonstrated ability to work quickly and accurately, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities is necessary.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

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.

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 and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. 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. As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

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.

LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The position is based in Dongola.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/short term assignment to a field posting. 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.