Human Resources Officer

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC divisions and programmes. It consists of three key teams: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management so as to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The Human Resources Officer will provide HR advisory services to an assigned client group which may include undertaking specialist responsibilities assigned to a portfolio. The key responsibilities of the role include:

Employment contracts management, administration and data management

• Draft staff employment contracts ensuring salary and benefits are correctly calculated
• Liaise with new employees to obtain necessary documentations as part of the on-boarding process
• Use the HRIS system to input and upload contract renewals, new employment contracts, probationary period reviews and any other contract amendments or required information
• Provide basic training to new/ existing staff regarding benefit provisions via HRIS as and when required

Employee induction and benefit administration support

• Support new employees throughout the induction process from pre-arrival to confirmation of probationary period
• Assist in the management of benefit education allowance claims, housing allowance and leave entitlements in accordance with SPC policies and procedures
• Assist staff with the administration of the corporate SPC medical insurance plan
• Administer end-of-contract process, ensuring repatriation process requirements and final entitlements are delivered prior to departure

Provide assistance to responsive client services in HR

• Undertake web-based approaches to Customer Services as required such as Intranet, Wahoo and the HR Helpdesk response system
• Ensure requests are aligned to SPC policies and processes
• Respond to all HR Helpdesk queries in a timely manner, seeking assistance from HRBP’s or HR Manager as and when required
• Interpret situations that are not covered under existing policy before escalating to the HR Manager and investigating if there are any precedents

Specific HR focus area rotation

• Act as contracts process lead for Fiji offering guidance and assistance to HR Business Partners on contract matters as and when required
• Ensure local contracts are completed on standard documentation including contract renewals, variations and amendments
• Assist with the interpretation of work permit situations that are not covered under existing protocols before escalating to the HRBP’s or HR Manager
• Other focus area rotations may occur from time to time including Medical Insurance liaison/ renewal plus MOFA and Immigration Liaison

Provide support to wider HR Function

• Participate in Team Meetings and processes to provide integrated HR support for SPC
• Actively contribute to the HR department’s strategic planning process
• Support wider HR team across the HR spectrum with HR projects including process improvements, policy updates, capacity building and training, and writing Standard Operating Procedures
• Support wider HR Team in the day-to-day management of the Performance Development System (PDS): objectives setting, performance management, development and improvement planning, people review (succession planning, 6-year rule), workforce planning.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business management or related relevant area

Technical expertise

• A minimum of 3 years HR experience
• Excellent organisational skills, time management with an ability to multi-task
• Familiarity working in a dynamic and challenging multi–faceted environment
• Be committed to quickly gaining an understanding of the organisation conditions, policies and procedures
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to liaise with staff at all levels of the organisation
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in the use of MS Office, (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) including relevant experience with a Human Resources Information System
• Ability to apply human resources rules and regulations in a fair and consistent manner

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to liaise with staff at all levels of the organisation
• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years

Remuneration – The Human Resources Officer is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,287-2,859 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles –SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.