Head of Compensation & Benefits

Geneva

Organization: ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross
Location: Geneva
Grade: Senior Executive level - Senior Executive
Occupational Groups:
- Human Resources
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose of the position

The Head of Compensation & Benefits (C&B) is accountable, in partnership with the People & Culture (PAC) leadership and ICRC leadership, and in alignment with broader ICRC strategic initiatives, for leading the design and implementation of a global and integrated C&B strategy that enables the organization to attract, reward and retain staff members across geographies and functions. They are also responsible for leading the design, development, implementation, analysis and monitoring of C&B programmes within a holistic and cost-effective framework that aligns with and supports the mission and values of the ICRC. The Head of C&B also oversees the Payroll function.

Main duties and Responsibilities

Manages the C&B centre of expertise and is accountable for its performance;
Is accountable for designing, implementing and reviewing the strategic, operational and daily C&B framework and solutions, as part of a global C&B strategy. This includes the monitoring of implementation and the continuous improvement of the C&B strategy and practices;
Is accountable for the maintenance, further development and long-term relevance and robustness of the global job grading framework;
Ensures the C&B team cultivates strong internal partnerships and collaboration with HR end-users to ensure effective delivery of C&B strategy, framework and administration. Collects and uses HR user feedback to ensure continuous improvement of policies, frameworks and practices;
Ensure that C&B policies and framework are well communicated and understood by end-users (HR practitioners, line managers) and employees, through ongoing communication and capacity building;
Maintains a strong knowledge of current and upcoming leading C&B practices in the humanitarian sector and actively recommends modifications and new programmes aligned with these leading practices to attract, motivate and retain talent;
Assesses the short- and long-term financial impact of C&B programmes, and measures options against external benchmark norms. Provides impact studies and modelling for decision-making;
Stays abreast of the broader regulatory landscape to ensure that programmes and policies comply with local laws, government regulations and practices;
Cultivates strong relationships with third-party suppliers, monitoring performance for quality consistent with expectations and contractual terms;
Is accountable for the successful and effective delivery of Geneva-based payroll and compliance to local regulations;
Advise the Global Shared Services (GSS) programme team on compensation and benefits related aspects of the centralization and offshoring of services;
Ensures daily management of the C&B team by setting a compelling vision and clear objectives, supporting and empowering team members to attain objectives through coaching and regular two-way feedback, actively developing talent, maintaining a healthy and inclusive work environment.

Scope & Impact

Leads in defining and implementing C&B orientations, strategy and objectives at global level (21’000 colleagues in over 100 countries).
Manages a team of about 13 people split across 3 Geneva-based teams: Global Compensation, Benefits and Payroll. In addition, provides technical guidance to the Manilla-based shared services teams delivering on C&B-related topics (15 people).

Relationships

Internally, interacts with ICRC senior management and governance.
Externally, interacts and negotiates with external consultants and counterparts in other non-profit organizations.

Certifications / Education required

University degree in human resources, business administration or related field;
Fluent command of English. French and other ICRC official languages (Spanish, Russian, Arabic) is a plus;
Knowledge of relevant IT tools and HR information systems.

Professional Experience required

Typically 15 or more years' professional experience.
10 years at least of proven and demonstrated global experience in C&B strategy, design, implementation and communication, with ideally 3-5 years of experience of leading a C&B function.

Competencies

Recognized expertise in compensation and employment benefits;
Strong knowledge of various country requirements and regulatory compliance;
Good general understanding of payroll management;
Excellent communication skills;
Advanced level in strategic thinking and organizational development;
Demonstrated ability to lead and empower teams in a dynamic, challenging and fast paced environment;
Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with a strong focus on stakeholder management and collaboration;
Demonstrated ability to work with various levels within an organisation and across departments;
Demonstrated ability to lead and multiple projects and initiatives;
Demonstrates and promotes ICRC values (Impact, Collaboration, Respect, Compassion);
Resilience, persistence and resourcefulness in the face of challenges.