Italy: Human Resources Officer

Organisational Context

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a work of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit order), incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. JRS works in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs.

Why JRS?

JRS is committed to working for the wellbeing and hope of refugees. JRS believes that our journeying with refugees is the most important way for us to express our solidarity with them and our concern for their wellbeing. In a world where refugees are more than ever in need of welcome and protection, and yet increasingly rejected and demonized, JRS offers accompaniment to refugees as a sign of hope and a way towards healing. In even the most desperate of situations, we remain with refugees to assure them that the world has not forgotten them, and that they are not alone.

Operational Context/Role

The JRS Human resources department covers all aspects of staffing from recruitment to learning and development and talent management. The HR Department plays a strategic role in the organisation success and the well-being of its employees. The International Human Resources Officer oversees and provides critical services to the different strategic departments. The HR Officer ensures consistency and uniformity in the implementation of human resources policies and guidelines, by sharing best practices and ultimately by promoting the welfare of JRS staff in the International Office as well as in the 10 regions where JRS has operations. The HR Officer will also play an active role in the ongoing strengthening process of the organisation which aims at developing successful operations within our regions.

The HR officer position reports to the Director of Human Resources and will be working in close collaboration with the HR Specialist in institutional strengthening.

Why this job matters

JRS employs over 3500 people directly. They are how we achieve our mission through our vision. As an organisation committed to the best service we can provide to refugees, and accountability to all partners, we seek to engage people with the highest technical and behaviour skills as well as strong commitment in accompanying refugees and internally displaced persons in their journey.

JRS has developed and approved a strategic framework for 2019-2023. The Director of Human Resources and the team play a key role in its implementation. The HR Officer is a key element of the HR Department. His/her role focuses on hiring the right people in the right place at the right time in the organisation and empowers all JRS staff to be the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves while they continue to accompany, serve, and advocate for displaced persons around the world.

What will be required?

General:

• Provides advice and support to managers and staff on human resources related matters.
• Prepares special reports and participates and/or leads special human resources projects.
• Keeps abreast of developments in various areas of human resources.
• Coordinates with strategic department in identifying upcoming vacancies arising from the institutional strengthening project.
• Prepares and manage vacancy announcements, recruitment and talent pool using the applicant tracking system.
• Monitors the work of the Human Resources Assistants in carrying out all human resources administrative transactions including preparation of personnel actions, maintenance of staffing tables, and processing of contracts.
• Organizes and coordinates the internship, volunteer and young professional programmes.

Administration of Entitlements:

• Administers and provides advice on salary and related benefits, travel, and social security entitlements.
• Liaises with labour consultants on contract and payroll management.
• Provides advice on interpretation and application of policies, regulations and rules.

Staff Development and Career Support:

• Provides advice on international mobility and career development to staff, particularly young professionals.
• Designs, plans, monitors and provides induction orientation programme and briefing to new staff members.
• Provides performance management advice to staff and management. Assists supervisors and staff with understanding and using the performance appraisal system.

Other Duties:

• Advises staff in respect of their rights, responsibilities, code of conduct and matters associated with work and entitlements.
• Collaborates in the implementation of the JRS Staff Care project.
• Manages the careers page as well as social networks.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education and Work Experience

• Graduate degree or equivalent in Human Resource Administration, Business Administration or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years’ professional experience working for an international/multilateral organisation, or development institutions in providing HR business services and/or managing employees and operational systems, is required.
• Field experience with an international/intergovernmental/non-governmental organisation is an asset.

Languages

• Full professional competence of written and verbal communication skills in English is essential. French and/or Spanish are an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently, as well as in a team- environment.
• Proven track record of being able to work under high pressure in a fast and changing environment, and to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with all levels of seniority, both internally and externally.
• Uses discretion and flexibility in interpreting rules in order to meet staff needs and achieve departmental and organisational goals more effectively.
• High sense of discretion in dealing with confidential matters at all times.
• Proficient in utilizing standard industry technology, including Microsoft Office package and related software.
• Sharing knowledge across the organisation and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to deal with people in a multi-cultural environment.

Travel

• The position requires regular travel to JRS locations in the field and worldwide (30%).

Core values and ethics

• Good understanding of and alignment with the values of JRS.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with marginalised communities.
• Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life with dignity.
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The contract is for one year. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. The salary is calculated with the use of a post-adjustment multiplier and considers years of relevant experience and the degree of responsibility of the role. Details will be discussed with short-listed candidates.

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents through email to humanresources@jrs.net:

1) Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English including three (3) professional references with their contact information, phone and email address.

2) A cover letter describing the candidate's desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position.

The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. Consideration of candidates and interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining JRS.