Head of Human Resource Services

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Ref: IRS/09/CS/April 2011
Head of Human Resource Services

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice, ex-WARDA) is seeking to recruit a highly qualified Head of Human Resource Services (HHRS) to be based at its temporary headquarters in Cotonou, Benin.

About AfricaRice
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) ex WARDA is an association of 24 African member states and one of the 15 international Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The Center’s mission is to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa, through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment. The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) ex WARDA is temporarily headquartered in Cotonou, Benin.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Head of Human Resource Services (HHRS) will provide overall strategic human resources leadership to the organization and will contribute to centre-level initiatives. The HHRS will take responsibility for ensuring the development and implementation of global best practices in human resources management and fostering a workplace environment consistent with the organization’s values and mission. The incumbent will be reporting to the Director of Administration and Finance.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
The specific duties of the HHRS will include the following:

 Develop, review and update HR strategy and management plans, policies, systems and practices in order to:
o Fully support implementation of AfricaRice’s strategy
o Establish and implement human resource services goals, work plans and operating procedures;
o Reflect global best practices in human resources management and articulate institutional values that facilitate recruitment and retention of highly qualified professionals, including best practices in gender and diversity;
o Review, refine and update existing HR policies, procedures and systems and formulate new reference documents as appropriate to support and enhance the overall organizational performance;
o Revise the current performance management and evaluation system, upgrading it into a competency-based system, collaborating with line managers to lead and facilitate the process that will create and sustain a culture of excellence in terms of individual and team performance;
o Establish a systematic and transparent recruitment and selection process that meets manpower requirements in a timely and efficient manner;
o Develop and oversee implementation of an annual human resource budget and operational work plans.

 Assisted by HR professionals, plan, develop, and manage the human resources functions, which include:
o HR strategy, design and implementation
o Staffing Needs Assessment and Job Classification,
o Recruitment and Talents acquisition
o Staffing and contract management
o Organizational development
o Compensation and benefits administration
o Performance management
o Learning and development
o HR information systems
o Employee relations and welfare
o Personnel administration

 Staff Wellness
o Lead annual review of global benefits programs to ensure they are competitive and consistent with organizational objectives.
o Oversee the administration of benefits programs including health, disability, life insurance and retirement.
o Ensure that employees are regularly surveyed to determine their opinions and assessments of people management processes and employee well-being.
o Ensure that appropriate medical insurance (including evacuation) policies, procedures and programs are developed and monitor their communication and implementation.

 Support to Management
o Participates in the overall management of the Centre by being a member of the senior management team (SMT) and especially advises on change management issues.
o Works closely with AfricaRice Stations as well as with other CG centers, especially those having a hosting arrangement with AfricaRice.

REQUIREMENTS:
 Education, Experience
o At least a university degree and post graduate training in human resources management or related studies and progressive experience in international HR management preferably in an international organization or in HR Management Consultancy.
o International work experience in a developing country, and/or experience with a multi-cultural organization will be an added advantage.
o At least 10 years relevant work experience of which 5 years should be at managerial level in the field of HR management in complex international organisations or in HR management consultancy.
o Demonstrated success in managing HR services, designing human resources strategies, a track record in developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, systems and practices; and in finding creative solutions to human resources issues.
 Key Competencies
o Has strong leadership skills and is an astute manager, able to efficiently manage human resources and administrative matters
o Demonstrates exceptional internal consulting and facilitating skills, proven diplomatic, deal-making and influencing skills for effective problem solving
o A team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people at all levels in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment
o Values the sharing of information and continuous improvement in a cooperative atmosphere of constructive evaluation and learning, and is committed to staff development and welfare.
 Communication and AfricaRice official languages
o Excellent knowledge of one of the two official languages of the Organisation (English and French) and good working knowledge of the other is highly desirable.
o An ability to express thoughts clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
o This is an Internationally Recruited position open to all qualified candidates.
o AfricaRice provides attractive international salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
o The appointment is for two years with possibility for renewal

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Candidates should send an application (including date of availability and a statement of any special qualifications for the position) and an up-to-date curriculum vitae with the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / e-mail) of three referees to:
Human Resources Department, AfricaRice
01 BP 2031 Cotonou, Benin
F: + (229) 21 35 05 56; T: (229) 21 35 01 88
Email: africarice-hr@cgiar.org

Applications will be considered up to May 20, 2011 or until the position is filled.

AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations, and encourages applications from women and developing country professionals.

AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only the short listed candidates will be contacted.

To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at www.africaricecenter.org