Senior Human Resources Officer

• Job Title: Senior Human Resources Officer
• Department: HR and Operations
• Reporting to: Director of HR and Operations

Main Purpose:

Under the supervision of the HR and Operations Director, the Senior HR Officer is responsible for leading the implementation of HR management guidelines, policies and procedures across the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with organisational standards and applicable local laws and regulations.

The role provides guidance, training and support to staff and managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, setting result indicators, and the appropriate handling of disciplinary and grievance matters.

The Senior HR Officer also promotes a positive organisational culture by supporting employee engagement, minimising HR-related risks and improving the efficiency and consistency of HR processes. The role is responsible for maintaining accurate and confidential employee records and administering HR-related benefits, including leave, medical insurance and pension, while ensuring appropriate documentation and timely follow-up.

The position supports the HR and Operations Director in strengthening HR strategies, policies and processes and contributes to administrative functions, as required, to ensure operations are delivered in line with established guidelines, policies and organisational expectations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

HR Compliance and Governance

• Maintain compliance with organisational policies, procedures and standards, as well as applicable local laws and regulations relating to Human Resource management.
• Monitor relevant changes in local employment legislation and regulations and work closely with the HR and Operations Director on their implications for the organisation and any required actions.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are clearly communicated and understood by staff, volunteers, interns and consultants, and support consistent implementation.
• Maintain absolute discretion, confidentiality and professional maturity when handling sensitive employee and organisational information.

Recruitment, Onboarding and Employee Movement

• Support and coordinate smooth and organised employment, induction and exit processes through timely preparation, coordination and clear documentation.
• Represent HR in recruitment processes, where relevant, and support hiring managers to apply appropriate and consistent assessment practices.
• Facilitate and execute staff movements, including transfers, recruitment, demotion and termination, in accordance with HR policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective staff entry, induction and leaver checklists to support smooth and well-documented employee movements.

Employee Relations and Performance Management

• Provide appropriate HR guidance and support to staff and managers on employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary matters and other workplace concerns, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Support managers and staff in the effective implementation of performance management processes, including setting result indicators and following up on agreed performance actions.
• Collect, compile and maintain records of annual appraisals and performance reviews and ensure timely follow-up with relevant managers and staff.
• Provide appropriate guidance and support to managers in addressing employee relations and performance matters while maintaining confidentiality and procedural fairness.

HR Administration and Records Management

• Ensure staff, volunteer and intern records are accurately maintained, regularly updated and securely retained in line with organisational requirements and data protection principles.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and filing of HR actions throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date HR information to support reporting, compliance, audits and management decision-making.

Payroll, Benefits and Insurance

• Collect, verify and submit relevant HR data and timely payroll action inputs, ensuring appropriate documentation and filing.
• Provide advice and support to staff and managers in relation to employee benefits, taxation, medical and accident insurance and related HR matters.
• Facilitate medical and accident insurance claims and ensure appropriate follow-up and documentation.
• Support the administration of employee leave, pension and other applicable benefits in accordance with organisational policies and applicable requirements.

HR Reporting, Data and Systems

• Support the HR and Operations Director in the preparation of accurate and timely weekly, monthly and quarterly HR reports, as required.
• Compile and maintain relevant HR data and information to support management reporting, workforce planning and informed decision-making.
• Serve as an IT focal person to support HR record digitalisation and facilitate appropriate support from internal or external technical experts.
• Promote accurate and efficient use of HR records and systems and support continuous improvement of HR processes and data quality.

Audit and Organisational Support

• Support internal and external audits and project closure activities, as requested, ensuring that relevant HR documentation and records are available and properly maintained.
• Support the HR and Operations Director in addressing major HR concerns requiring timely action.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR management, Business Administration, Law, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years’ progressive experience in Human Resources, including experience at senior or supervisory level.
• Good understanding of HR administration, employee relations, performance management, and general administrative duties.
• Good understanding of applicable Ethiopian employment legislation and HR compliance requirements.
• Good understanding of administrative duties and logistics.
• Professional experience with INGOs/NGOs and/or international organisations is an advantage.
• Experience or interest in the humanitarian/development sector is preferred.

Soft Skills:

• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal & Relationship Management
• Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution
• Confidentiality & Integrity
• Emotional Intelligence
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
• Attention to Detail
• Organisational & Time Management
• Adaptability & Resilience
• Proactiveness & Initiative
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Professional Maturity

Technical Skills:

• HR Core Competencies
• HR Operations
• HR Administration
• Employee Relations and Performance Management
• HR Data Management and Reporting
• Data Protection and Confidential Records Management
• Compliance and Audit
• Administrative and Logistics Skills
• Microsoft Office and relevant HR information systems
• Digital records and document management systems