The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview/Summary

This function ensures safe work environments by collaborating with HR colleagues in support of positive employee relations goals, as well as conducting an in-depth and private review of critical allegations.

As an Employee Relations Specialist, you will oversee the whole lifespan of workplace evaluations and serve as a trusted advisor to HR colleagues, guiding and empowering them to resolve workplace issues in a timely and consistent manner. You will offer sound remedial actions and possibilities for improvement on complicated behavioral issues based on your HR knowledge and expertise.

Responsibilities

• In a fast-paced setting, conduct several thorough, fair, and timely reviews and assessments of complicated ER situations, including intake meetings, background research, interviews, and de-brief sessions with diverse stakeholders (internal and external).
• Consult with Syria Country Program leadership and HR colleagues on a variety of workplace issues.
• Write clear and concise case overview summaries, findings, recommendations, and final reports, both orally and in writing, with a compelling presentation of facts, analysis, and conclusions in accordance with IRC principles.
• Prepare and finish reports that are clearly and well written, with appropriate information, analysis, and conclusions.
• Provide guidance and advice while demonstrating a thorough understanding of the rules, regulations, principles, and procedures that apply to workplace reviews and assessments and all areas of employment.
• Creating and putting into action employee relations strategies, policies, and processes to ensure a favorable workplace culture and strong employee relations.
• Fair and equitable investigation and resolution of employee complaints, grievances, and conflicts.
• Giving managers and supervisors advice and help on employee relations challenges and best practices.
• Conducting employee and manager training courses on employee relations policies and procedures.
• Keeping accurate and current employee relations records and paperwork.
• Keeping current on employment rules and regulations, as well as assuring compliance.
• Collaboration with other HR functions, such as Recruitment and Talent Management, to achieve a consistent and coordinated HR approach.
• Maintaining positive ties with employees and labor unions (if appropriate).
• Conducting employee satisfaction surveys and evaluating the data in order to identify areas for improvement.
• Making management recommendations on employee relations initiatives and improvements.
• To handle any additional assigned tasks by the supervisor
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 05 years of progressively responsible professional experience of employee relations, preferred to have a compliance experience
• Previous experience in an emergency or conflict-afflicted setting is required.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, and standard techniques.
• Ability to develop trust, credibility, best judgment, and cultural competency.
• Prior experience conducting employee relations reviews and advising on complicated and sometimes urgent employee relations issues.
• Experience managing highly sensitive information and the capacity to keep legal and financial information discreet.
• Proven track record of dealing respectfully with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, as well as effectively communicating across different levels.
• Follow up on claims, breaches, and misbehavior by employees. Conduct necessary assessments and investigations for individual cases.
• Follow IRC disciplinary procedures and take appropriate action as needed.
  
  

Demonstrated Skills And Competencies

• A commitment to IRC’s mission, vision, values and IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct.
• Credible written, presentation and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively and solid experience providing training and staff development.
• Validated sense of professional discretion, integrity, and ability to handle complex situations diplomatically and to effective resolution.
• Excellent management and interpersonal skills and a solid ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross-cultural context.
• Validated ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative and programmatic pressures with detail orientation and professional patience.
• Highly collaborative and resourceful; ability to establish positive working relationships with senior level management and all other partners to maximize cooperation and productivity.
• Curiosity, a desire to continually learn and develop is a must.
• Analytical ability in creating effective solutions to complex matters while adhering to labor laws and internal policies.
  
  

Language/Travel

English is required, while Arabic needs to be native.

Travel: 15% to field sites when required.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Compliance and Risk Management Director Syria CP

Position directly supervises: NA

Indirect Reporting (If Applicable)

Key Internal Contacts: SMT and other management layers of Syria CP, HQ ER senior staff

Key External Contacts

Applications will be received till Oct. 5th , 2024

Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Respect at Work Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.

Accountability to Clients: IRC staff must adhere to the commitment of contributing to the sustainability and development of its (CR) Client Responsiveness Mechanisms, preserving the culture of prioritizing the needs of our clients and affected communities by systematically listening to their perspectives and using their feedback to make programmatic decisions and give them greater influence over program design and delivery.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Diversity and Inclusion: at IRC MENA, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.

IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. In keeping with our core values of Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality, IRC strives to maintain a work environment built on mutual respect in which all individuals treat each other professionally, and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment. IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting. All IRC staff, wherever they are located, are accountable for creating an environment free of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures