HR Manager – Service Delivery and Operations

The Service Delivery and Operations (SDO) function within the client focused Human Resources & Organizational Development department provides operational service delivery support and accompaniment to staff and managers across IRRI to attract, reward  and retain staff while ensuring Organizational competitive positioning in the relevant labor markets. The SDO consists of the Workforce Resourcing and Compensation and Benefits units. The SDO function focuses on client focused  service delivery, developing business relevant solutions, initiatives and platforms for recruitment/talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, and workforce and succession planning.  

We are delighted to share a unique opportunity to join the HR & Organizational Development team at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in a middle tier leadership position. In this newly reconfigured role, we are seeking a highly numerate generalist HR practitioner with proven experience of leading, managing and delivering world class HR operations support service and accompaniment to our stakeholders and clients.

Reporting to the HR&OD Director, the post holder will lead, drive and deliver high quality operational service with a continuous improvement culture and contribute to our people strategy. The post holder is expected to engage regularly with all organizational leaders on Service Delivery Operations (SDO) issues. Working closely and collaboratively with the HR Manager - Talent Management, the post holder will provide a comprehensive, proactive and business relevant HR and organizational development support through a business partnering model.

Working in liaison with corporate services managers, the successful candidate will be expected to oversee HR staff based in IRRI’s country and regional offices to ensure that all HR activity areas the SDO function is responsible for, are delivered to consistent standards across all IRRI locations.

This is a great role in a high performing, friendly and trusted HR&OD team primarily based in the Philippines (with presence in some of our larger countries of operations, in Africa and Asia). We offer attractive employee benefits, the possibility of flexible, hybrid working arrangements and a rich history of growth and professional development in an enabling environment. What more could you want?

To apply, you will be a highly numerate well organized HR practitioner with highly honed discretion, judgment and demonstrable experience of operating with a high degree of independence. You will also bring: Experience ideally in multinational/international organizations with staff deployed in multiple locations and countries; Experience of leading supervising and developing a multidisciplinary HR/OD operations team; working knowledge and familiarity with Philippine labor law and legal landscape and ideally labour laws of other countries where we operate, Evidence of continuous professional development and practical application of CPD.

• Lead and manage the Service Delivery and Operations function of the HR&OD department to ensure a seamless service delivery aligned with IRRI’s Institutional requirements, mission and vision
• Identify and develop opportunities to create, build, and continuously improve operational efficiency of activities  within SDO
• Actively participate and represent the department/director on critical platforms to steer implement operational aspects of strategic initiatives and proactively enhance stakeholder engagement
• Manage and develop the SDO component units to ensure that they are high performing and outputs and outcomes are congruent and aligned to activities and direction of travel of the wider HR&OD team
• Maintain dotted line management and adherence to technical standards responsibility for country based HR staff
• Support the Director in the preparation of briefing/discussion/business case papers, proposals and recommendations relating to SDO activities to the Executive Team   
• Proactively engage with key institutional stakeholders and continuously work towards process improvements and developing the SDO team
• Lead and participate in regular staff contract management meetings to ensure business continuity and inputs for workforce planning/succession planning
• Represent the department on relevant internal & external platforms to actively engage and develop relationships and partnerships  where required
• Collaborate with research and ISS management and leadership teams to seek regular feedback on operations and service delivery
• Create avenues to actively engage and build partnerships with stakeholders across the Institute and use this to inform and drive service delivery improvements 
• Drive professional development for the SDO team members as part of the wider HR&OD team development  
• As a member of the ISS management team, actively participate in meetings and engagements and contribute to acres of opportunity /improvements across ISS
• Lead the development and implementation of workforce and succession planning frameworks  
• Manage planning and implementation of phased roll-out of recommendations arising from the market benchmarking analysis and salary structure design 
• Ensure a standardized and a competitive workforce resourcing strategy and its implementation across IRRI locations
• Ensure integration of Gender, Diversity and Inclusion in service delivery and operations
• Regularly review and manage budgets, and cost centers as delegated by the Director 
• Actively contribute to the development of annual HROD work plans and ensure progress monitoring and interventions where necessary for the SDO function. 
• Contribute to capability development initiatives for the SDO function and country based HR staff
• Lead on proactive and timely update of HR & OD Risk Register and people actions  arising from the OSH committee  

• Masters’ degree or equivalent in Human Resources, organizational development, Business Administration, Psychology or relevant discipline with at least 7 years of relevant experience in a senior management role focussing on workforce resourcing and compensation and benefits in an international shared services work environment
• A bachelor’s degree is acceptable if combined with substantial experience of a related discipline

Mandatory

• Demonstrable experience of operating with a high degree of independence ideally in multinational/international organizations with staff deployed in multiple locations and countries
• Experience of leading supervising and developing a multidisciplinary HR/OD team
• Working knowledge and familiarity with Philippine labor law and legal landscape
• Evidence of continuous professional development and practical application of CPD
• Excellent spoken and written English 
• Team management & leadership
• High proficiency in using core Microsoft suite of applications
• Cultural awareness and dexterity with strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with IRRI’s multinational and multicultural workforce 
• Ability to think laterally and take a problem solving approach
• Brings initiative autonomy and discretion to decision -making
• Confidence in own judgment, assertiveness and ability to take initiative
• Recognizing and valuing the contribution of others Strong and proactive service orientation to understanding client needs and developing solutions
• Demonstrable experience of operating with a high degree of independence ideally in multinational/international organizations with staff deployed in multiple locations and countries
• Evidence of continuous professional development and practical application of CPD
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Team management & leadership
• High proficiency in using core Microsoft suite of applications
• High degree of tact discretion and judgment in effectively managing sensitive and confidential issues
• Ability to influence decision -making and build strong relationships
• Experience of leading supervising and developing a multidisciplinary HR/OD team
• Working knowledge and familiarity with Philippine labor law and legal landscape

Preferred

• Understanding and appreciation of international labor law principles
• Coaching & development skills and experience to support mid to senior level managers
• Knowledge and experience of using ERP systems
• Experience of ‘SLA’ internal consultancy service delivery model to meet client requirements

Terms of Employment

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and is open for international applications. The HR Manager - Service Delivery & Operations (SDO) is graded at Global Recruited Staff (GRS) Level 3.

We directly seed and nurture green shoots of creativity, innovation and resilience here... Come join us, for a fulfilling and career 'transplanting' experience! 

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.