Job Description
Responsible to: Programme Manager, Sindh, with technical line management to the Human Resources Manager in Islamabad
Responsible for: HR national staff
Location: Hyderabad, Sindh (with frequent travelling to project sites in the province as well as to and from Islamabad as required)
Contract Duration: 4 months, with the possibility of extension
Start Date: ASAP.
Merlin International Profile
Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.
Context and Background
Merlin has been operational in Pakistan since 2005, providing life saving activities for the most vulnerable communities in Kashmir, Baluchistan, FATA and KPK Provinces. Merlin first became operational in Pakistan following the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, and has since responded to a number of emergencies including the Yemyin Cyclone in 2007 and Ziarat quake in 2008 in Baluchistan, and the IDP crisis from 2009 onwards, affecting various districts of KPK. Since 2008 Merlin has also been implementing a large-scale development project focussing on malaria control in Baluchistan, FATA and KPK, this has included acting as the procurement agent for Global Fund partners in Pakistan. Merlin is a major health player in Pakistan, working in close coordination and collaboration with all involved stakeholders. Merlin’s main objective in Pakistan has been to improve the health status of the population most affected by natural disasters, diseases and conflict. Merlin is committed to longer-term programming in Pakistan and plans to continue to operate to meet the health needs of the Pakistani population.
In response to the July 2010 monsoon flooding disaster and subsequent health crisis, Merlin mobilised health and medical teams to lead a rapid emergency response to meet escalating health needs of flood-affected and displaced communities. Merlin has continued its regular programmes and extended coverage to communities affected by the flood; currently reaching approximately 2,000,000 people through the provision of essential health services, community management of malnutrition and communicable disease surveillance and management. Merlin is currently operating in Swat, Buner, Nowshera, and Charsadda districts in KPK province and Muzaffargarh in Punjab province. Merlin’s model of care is based on the provision of an integrated package of health and nutrition services via static and mobile outreach services (currently supporting a total of 38 static health facilities and 26 mobile clinics). Merlin also currently supports seven diarrhoeal treatment units across all operational districts. Merlin has expanded its malaria control operations to six flood affected districts in Baluchistan and KPK provinces. Merlin works closely with the Ministry of Health, Health and Nutrition Clusters and Department of Malaria Control, to ensure close coordination and collaboration with all involved stakeholders.
Merlin is also implementing activities in Sindh Province, in the South of Pakistan. The interventions are in two districts – Dadu and Thatta, implementing an integrated health and nutrition response for flood affected populations. The provincial office is based in Hyderabad, with two district based offices in Thatta and Dadu, from which mobile and static health facility support are coordinated.
Main Purpose of the Role
To provide a professional and effective human resource service to the Sindh programme.
The position will play a key role in the successful implementation of programme activities, participating as a member of the Sindh Programme Management team.
Overall Objectives (scope)
· Coordinate the recruitment process for all national staff working within Sindh province
· Provide specific advice and guidance to managers and employees on a variety of HR issues including employee relations issues
· In conjunction with the Core Management Team (CMT), design, develop and implement HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practice within Pakistan
· Ensure HR information systems, processes and filing procedures are developed and maintained
· Directly manage a team of HR staff while advising on the human resource needs of all locations
Responsibilities
HR Systems and procedures
· Maintain an effective HR database and filing system, with proper files maintained for each staff member, both manually and electronically while maintaining confidentiality.
· Ensure all staff personnel records i.e. contracts, leave records, timesheets etc are properly maintained and regularly updated
· Develop, implement and maintain an effective HR database and reporting system including payroll package.
· Conduct regular field trips to project offices to monitor and review HR procedures and assist project staff, where appropriate
· Ensure the learning and development needs of programme staff are identified systematically, and implement the staff Learning and Development policy in collaboration with the HR Manager and the Country Management Team.
· Manage the preparation of the staff payroll and the timely disbursement of salaries or other employee benefits.
Recruitment and Selection
· To co-ordinate and support all aspects of the recruitment and selection process of national staff.
· Specific responsibilities include job description development, recruitment planning, advertising and short-listing, selection interviews and tests, job offers, salary calculations and issuing contracts.
· To keep updated with relevant new recruitment sources and propose improvements to processes and selection tools to ensure that the recruitment process meets current and future programme needs.
· To work closely with HR Manager to ensure a coordinated approach to recruitment throughout the organisation, ensuring effective forward planning and awareness of available staff resources to fill vacancies.
· Assist the Sindh Programme Management Team in assessing staffing requirements i.e. development of team structures/organograms, and the most cost effective way in which to achieve them.
· To coach and train all staff involved in recruitment on best practice and equal opportunities.
Management and Organisation
· Together with the HR Manager, provide advice on the management of staff to ensure that it’s carried out within the Merlin Policies, Procedures and the Employment Laws of the country.
· To ensure that the Pakistan’s HR policies, practices and processes are reviewed and updated regularly ensuring that they are fit for purpose and consistent with external good practice and legal requirements.
· Regularly update the Sindh Programme Management Team on Human Resource statutory requirements, including tax laws and ensure that Merlin’s status in country remains within these requirements.
· To manage and support the performance and development of the HR team to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective service
· Contribute to the design and delivery of HR training sessions for staff on relevant policies and procedures
· Support the line managers in ensuring that Merlin’s Code of Conduct is adhered to.
· Support line managers in conducting regular performance appraisals and exit interviews for all staff.
· Manage the HR Department budget and ensure expenditures are within budget and in compliance with established financial standards
· Ensure compatibility with local cultural norms, paying particular attention to gender issues.
· Ensure the smooth and timely dissemination of information and advice on queries related to human resource and administration (internally and externally).
Policy and Advice
· In conjunction with the HR Manager and the CMT, develop and monitor Human Resources strategies within the Sindh operational strategy
· In conjunction with the CMT, develop and manage the communication, implementation, monitoring and review of all Human Resource policies for national staff, ensuring that all documentation is in a locally readable language.
· Provide advice and guidance to line managers within the Sindh programme on all aspects of employment and staff related issues.
· Advise and coach staff at all levels on issues related to performance management, legal compliance, disciplinary procedure, grievance procedure with the goal of building knowledge and capacity among staff to improve employee relations and enhance job performance and productivity
Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications, experience and competences
· Previous experience of Human Resources Management
· Proven recruitment administration experience
· Significant previous experience of working for an International Non Governmental Organisation (INGO)
· Experience of developing and implementing HR policies, procedures,
· Experience of providing a broad range of high quality HR and HR policy advice to managers and staff in multi- site operations
· Experience of dealing with employee relations issues
· Experience of developing and communicating HR management information
· Experience of undertaking and supervising payroll
· Strong administration and organisational ability.
· Excellent management and personnel skills to enable the motivation, encouragement and participation of a mainly national team.
· Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
· Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and HR databases
· Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures
· Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines
· Willingness to work in Sindh and travel to various project sites
· An understanding of and commitment to Merlin’s mission and values
Desirable
Qualifications, experience and competences
· Knowledge of health sector
Previous experience within the region