Human Resources Officer (HRO at Natural Justice

Job Description Natural Justice is an organisation rooted in the struggles of communities in Africa. As a team of pioneering lawyers and legal experts, we specialise in human rights and environmental law in pursuit of social and environmental justice.Key duties and responsibilities Recruitment & Selection Draft calls for applications for open positions and ensure they are in keeping with the organisation’s standards and advertise the positions as necessary.Coordinate staff recruitment and selection to ensure a timely organized and comprehensive procedure is used to hire staff.Inform line management of employment equity and/or other requirements for position before shortlisting candidatesSchedule and assist with interviews where necessaryConduct reference checks for those grades where this is requiredDecline those candidates who were interviewedProvide assistance and advice to line management during the selection processMake offers to candidates, draft contracts and ensure that signed contracts are receivedCollect all documentation required for contract preparation from all new employees.Monitor contract expiry date by managing the electronic employee data sheet and ensuring that employees do not work without valid contracts. Induction and Separation Ensure new employees are properly inducted into the organization through preparation and facilitation of the orientation program.Complete all hiring documentation with employees, including benefits administrationReview onboarding and offboarding data analysis reports to determine the successes and areas for improvement.Support the HD to develop staff succession and retention strategy in consultation with the SHROOEnsure that accurate job descriptions are in place as well as provide advice and assistance in writing and updating job description, as neededConduct staff exit interviews and facilitate effective staff clearance, documentation and release from the organization. Employment Relations Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the Hub Director.Manage any HR-related issues raised by employees and escalate as necessary.Manage the grievance processUnder the guidance of the HD and SHROO, coordinate disciplinary processesParticipate in organisation-wide HR & operations meetings, representing the East African Hub.Under the guidance of the HD and SHROO contribute to policy developmentEnsure the implementation of Natural Justice policies including revisions and introduction of new policies as required.Identify initiatives, activities, and opportunities for innovation and improvement of the HR function for improved service delivery. Team Management Processes Evaluate and make recommendations to HD and SHROO to improve organisational HR processes, procedures, and practices.In collaboration with the organisation’s human resources team, draft directives for NJ and train team members on those directivesGuide and assist NJ HR team members where necessary.Draft and manage personal development plans of the hubHandle grievances and disciplinary matters in order to enhance organizational harmony Training & Development Assist and support HD with skills development activities for NJ and the roll-out and record keeping of discretionary grants.Assist line managers in identifying training needs for staff, identifying suitable trainers or training institutions.Coordinate equity/skills meetings.Develop annual training plans for the hubMonitor training plans & training budgets.Liaise with the National Industrial Training Authority for approvals and reimbursements, as needed Remuneration & Benefits Perform high level check of payroll reports with the finance teamSign off on wages and salary payrolls for the hubIn consultation with the HD and SHROO, support salary administration including making salary offers, reviews and alignment as per the compensation guidelines and salary structureIn coordination with the finance team, ensure that employee benefits are effectively managedReview service providers of employee benefits or the benefits themselves, as neededAssist the HD with conducting job evaluations on new and/or changed positions.Assist the HD with conducting salary benchmarking exercises and salary band reviews when required.Manage and maintain confidentially of employee records Performance Management In collaboration with the HD develop key performance indicators for new positionsMaintain or update existing key performance areas and key performance indicators.Manage the performance management process for the hbCoordinate with the program managers in ensuring the employee performance appraisals are completed on time. Policy Development Assist and support the SHROO with drafting new policiesReview existing policies and make recommendations to the SHROO for changesImplement changes to the policies as directed by the SHROOIn collaboration with SHROO, develop communication and training plan to workshop new policies to staffEnsure that policies are implemented consistently and correctly Organisational Development & Wellness Periodically conduct employee engagement surveys and provide HD and SHROO with feedback.In collaboration with the SHROO, develop organisational interventions to address issues raised in engagement surveysManage implementation of wellness and other interventions aimed at improving organisational cultureWith the rest of the HR team, arrange and manage wellness days or programs.Arrange and manage sessions on diversity including sessions on feminist values, race and other related issues.Assist the SHROO with the development of specific policies as required by NJ. General HR Administration and Support Assist employees with general queries.Assist the SHROO with the development and interpretation of policies and procedures.Ensure that all positions in the hub have up-to-date job descriptionsAssist with job evaluations.Assist with ad hoc day-to-day general administrative work in HR, and perform other duties as assignedWork with SHROO to promote and preserve the culture of the organisation by providing advice and guidance on general matters concerning employeesEnsure leave is taken and records are well kept.Ensure health and safety standards are adhered to by all the staff membersCollect all documentation required for contract preparation from all new employees. HR Reports Prepare and submit monthly HR reports to SHROOPrepare and submit quarterly HR reports to SHROO for Board meetings. Risk & Compliance Assist HD to ensure organisation complies with all HR statutory reporting.Advise management on the legal and other implications resulting from certain HR related decisions.Keep records and compliance with the Protection of Personal Information ActEnsure compliance with internal policies and proceduresMaintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law. Strategic Provide the SHROO with assistance and support during the organizational design processes.Assist with planning, formulation and implementation of an effective HR strategyAlign Hub HR strategy with overall NJ HR strategy, processes and output sComplement the SHHROO in providing strategic guidance and coaching to guide senior management, and supervisors to mitigate risk on complex HR issues, in identifying, understanding and implementing NJ policies and practices related to workforce planning, safeguarding, performance, discipline, positive employee relations and related topics. Qualifications and Experience: Human resources degree or higher diplomaMembership with IHRM or relevant professional body preferredAt least five years’ working experience in human resources preferably with an international or local NGO and good knowledge of HR best practices and standards.Excellent experience in and knowledge of labour laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts and best practices.Proactive approach to work and good self-motivationStrong organizational and problem-solving skillsExcellent inter-personal skills and ability to deal with people from different culturesDemonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.Ability to deal authoritatively with a range of partnersA strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities, highly motivated, committed and goal orientatedAbility to work flexibly and to adapt to changing demands and circumstancesAbility to travel locally and, occasionally, within the regionBe a citizen of Kenya or have authorization to work in Kenya