Human Resources Specialist

Reports to: Human Resources Manager with matrix reporting to Country Coordinator
Location: New Delhi, India

Purpose of the position

The incumbent to this role provides specialized HR support to assigned country office(s), contributing to the effective implementation of HR policies, processes and services across the employee lifecycle. The position provides advice and guidance to managers and staff on established HR policies and procedures, analyses routine and moderately complex HR matters, and makes qualified recommendations to the Human Resources Manager where further consideration is required.

The role supports the consistent delivery of HR services across recruitment, employee relations, HR operations, performance management, learning and staff engagement, while maintaining accurate HR information and records and ensuring appropriate follow-up on HR actions.

About ICARDA                                                                                                               

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR. 
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.

Main responsibilities           

HR Advisory & Employee Relations

·       Provide day-to-day HR advice and guidance to managers and staff on established HR policies, procedures and employee lifecycle matters.

·       Respond to staff queries and provide clarification on HR processes and requirements.

·       Review employee relations matters, undertake appropriate fact-finding and provide initial analysis and recommendations to the HR Manager.

·       Support the consistent application of HR practices across assigned offices and identify matters requiring escalation.

·       Maintain confidentiality and appropriate records relating to employee matters.

Recruitment & Onboarding

·       Coordinate recruitment processes for regular positions and complementary resources in accordance with established procedures.

·       Support hiring managers with job descriptions, recruitment documentation, interview arrangements and selection processes.

·       Coordinate candidate communications, approvals and recruitment records.

·       Process requests relating to consultancy and other complementary resource engagements in accordance with the guidelines established.

·       Coordinate onboarding and induction activities, including HRIS inputs and employee documentation.

HR Policy Implementation & Compliance

·       Support the implementation and consistent application of ICARDA HR policies, procedures and guidelines.

·       Interpret established HR guidelines and apply them to routine and defined operational cases.

·       Identify HR and employment compliance issues and bring matters requiring further review to the attention of the HR Manager.

·       Support HR audits, compliance reviews and implementation of policy updates.

·       Prepare information and documentation required for HR reviews and management consideration.

HR Operations, Data & Reporting

·       Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HRIS information.

·       Process routine HR transactions and follow established procedures for employee-related actions.

·       Coordinate HR inputs required for payroll and other employee-related processes.

·       Maintain HR trackers and prepare standard HR reports, workforce data and management summaries.

·       Monitor data quality and follow up on outstanding HR actions and documentation.

·       Analyse HR data and information to identify trends, discrepancies or issues requiring management attention.

Performance, Learning & Staff Development

·       Support implementation of the performance management process, including communication, documentation, timelines and follow-up.

·       Provide guidance to staff and managers on established performance management procedures.

·       Support identification of training and development needs and contribute to learning priorities.

·       Coordinate approved learning and development activities, including logistics, communications and records.

·       Maintain relevant learning and performance management records.

Staff Engagement & Separations

·       Support staff engagement activities and HR communications across assigned offices.

·       Respond to HR queries and identify recurring issues for consideration by the HR Manager.

·       Support implementation of staff engagement initiatives and related HR activities.

·       Coordinate exit interviews and separation processes in accordance with established procedures.

·       Ensure timely completion of separation documentation and related HR requirements.

HR Process Improvement & Coordination

·       Identify operational issues in HR processes and recommend practical improvements to the HR Manager.

·       Support HR digitalization and process improvement initiatives.

·       Coordinate with Finance, Procurement, IT, Facilities, Security and other functions on employee-related matters.

·       Liaise with external service providers on routine HR operational matters.

·       Prepare HR reports, presentations and briefing materials as required.

·       Undertake other related HR responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

·       Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Personnel Management, Business Administration, Industrial Psychology or a related discipline.

·       A relevant professional HR qualification or certification would be an advantage.

·       Minimum of 5 years of relevant HR experience, preferably in an international, multicultural or development organization.

·       Practical experience in HR operations, recruitment, employee relations, policy implementation and employee lifecycle processes.

·       Good knowledge of HR policies, procedures and practices, with the ability to interpret and apply established guidelines.

·       Experience working with HR information systems and ERP systems, with good data management and reporting skills.

·       Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review information, identify issues and make qualified recommendations.

·       Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with managers, staff and service providers.

·       Excellent written and spoken English.

·       High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

·       Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This position will be based at the ICARDA Delhi Office in India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India. ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, maternity leave and paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued need for the position and satisfactory performance.

Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization's standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.