Deputy Human Resources Director

Purpose of the post

ICRC staff members are the organization's greatest asset in implementing its humanitarian mission to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. The Human Resources Department seeks to provide effective human resources management by developing and implementing policies, programs and services that contribute effectively to the attainment of the ICRC mission, properly balancing the needs of the institution with the needs of its staff. Human Resources seeks to become a model of excellence that leads through specialized knowledge and serves through best practices. We are implementing and attuning a model of Human Resources business partnering, where Human Resources enhances its alignment with the institutional strategy and focusses on the people implications within that. Our Divisions and Centers of Expertise provide advice and services in talent management, staff health, learning and development, compensations and benefits, framework and compliance and HR administrative services for HR business partners, line managers and staff to draw on, seeking to offer a seamless service.

We are looking for a Deputy Director of Human Resources who can successfully address the important challenges that come with the current transformation of the HR department. Applicants are specifically requested to describe their experience in designing and managing HR programs and processes during organizational change and present their vision and motivation for this position.

This is a demanding and fast-paced role. To succeed in this position, the successful applicant requires a combination of extensive HR business knowledge and understanding, a results-driven approach to delivering quality solutions, confirmed negotiation skills and an ability to connect with people at all levels of the organization.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Deputy Director of Human Resources reports to the Director of Human Resources and manages a staff of highly competent individuals who collectively serve 18’000 employees in approximately 80 countries.

Contribute to shape and continuously improve the vision and strategic direction of the HR department

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of external HR trends and best practices and contribute translating this knowledge into effective and sustainable ICRC-HR policies, strategies and tools;
• Propose, monitor and implement cutting-edge, innovative HR strategies and approaches grounded in HR best practice, in accordance with the ICRC’s institutional strategy;
• Drive the HR change agenda, contributing to the development and integration of HR-related policies and processes;
• Bring both a broad and specific HR perspective to the rest of the organization;
• Actively contribute to the setting of departmental priorities in a consultative process with the HR Director and the HR Leadership team.

Promote and actively contribute to the HR-transformation

• Influence, facilitate and lead HR organizational change using effective HR expertise;
• Build awareness of and advocate for support of the HR transformation across the organization in response to the changes in ICRC’s operational environment;
• In cooperation with the HR Leadership team, regularly review existing HR processes with a view to simplify and successfully integrate those processes in the organization;
• Contribute to the development of change strategies and processes aimed at enabling line managers to confidently assume their role and responsibilities related to people management;

Guide and coordinate the formulation and implementation of select HR-programs and activities

• Supervise a team of skilled HR senior managers;
• Support the development of yearly objectives, plans of action and budgets of direct reports and supervise the team leaders in the subsequent implementation, by ensuring adequate follow up and monitoring of KPIs and deliverables;
• As a member of the HR Leadership Team, provide leadership for the HR function globally as well as on operational and organizational matters;

Internal and external representation of the HR-department

• As membe of the organization’s Platform for Organization and Management, represent the HR Department in overseeing and managing transversal files, such as portfolio management, revisions to the institutional-organizational model, institutional objectives and budgets – Headquarters, Corporate Services Network and Investment – leadership  & management, internal audit reports.
• In the absence of the HR Director, or on his behalf, represent the HR Department vis-à-vis internal and external audiences and individuals; represent the ICRC HR Department in a number of professional networks and fora at national and international

Education and experience requied

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree is required, Masters or MBA a plus;
• A minimum of eight years of HR management experience at a senior level in an international non-profit or corporate multinational environment;
• Significant international experience in organizations of 500-plus employees and proven ability to lead a diverse, multi-cultural team;
• Strong HR technical knowledge with analytical, and project management skills
• Proven experience in leadership development and change management;
• Influencing, negotiation, conflict management and problem solving skills;
• Fluent in English and/or French with working level knowledge of the other language. Other languages a plus;

Desired profile and skills

• We are seeking a transformative and inspiring HR professional who brings extensive operational experience in the field of Human Resources and demonstrates integrity, as well as exemplary leadership and people management capabilities;
• Equipped with strong analytical skills, the Deputy Director of Human Resources will offer innovative and forward-looking approaches to all aspects of HR management and will have a proven ability to achieve results;
• Experience working in a matrix organization; proven track record in driving solutions in complex and challenging situations;
• Demonstrated experience in leading change management initiatives;
• Availability and interest to undertake field missions, as required;
• The Deputy Director of Human Resources must have excellent interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, as well as strong presentation and public speaking skills and a demonstrated track record to expertly represent the best interests of the institution while ensuring fairness and equity in the treatment of all employees.

Additional information

• Location :                           Geneva
• Type of contract :               Open-ended
• Activity rate :                      100%
• Length of assignment :       4 years, extendable by a maximum of four years
• Estimated start date :         ASAP
• Application deadline :       Wednesday, 31st october 2018