ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world. ICAP in Sierra Leone is hiring a SiLPHIA Senior Human Resources Officer to provide comprehensive human resources (HR) support for the Sierra Leone Population HIV Impact Assessment (SiLPHIA) survey. This survey, supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and implemented with technical and management assistance from ICAP at Columbia University, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health (MoH), the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), and Statistics Sierra Leone (STAT SL).

Reporting to the SiLPHIA Project Director, the Senior HR Officer will oversee recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws and organizational policies. This position is critical to ensuring a compliant, well-supported workforce that is aligned with the project’s goals and timelines, contributing to the successful implementation of the SiLPHIA survey.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

Recruitment and Onboarding:

Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, including job postings, shortlisting, interviewing, and onboarding for SiLPHIA survey positions.

Ensure recruitment practices comply with Sierra Leone labor laws, ICAP policies, and CDC grant requirements.

Coordinate the preparation of employment contracts and amendments for survey staff.

Employee Records and Compliance:

Maintain accurate personnel files, including contracts, performance evaluations, leave balances, and disciplinary records, ensuring compliance with legal and organizational standards.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and security policies, including COVID-19 protocols for all survey staff.

Payroll and Benefits Management:

Oversee payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate salary payments and statutory deductions.

Liaise with benefits providers for enrollment, updates, and de-enrollment, ensuring all staff receive their entitled benefits.

Employee Relations:

Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters, providing guidance on HR policies and addressing grievances professionally and confidentially.

Support supervisors in conducting performance evaluations and addressing underperformance through structured plans.

Training and Capacity Building:

Conduct training sessions for staff on workplace ethics, organizational policies, and performance expectations.

Collaborate with project leadership to design and implement capacity-building initiatives for staff.

Reporting and Monitoring:

Provide regular updates and reports on HR metrics, including recruitment progress, staff retention, and grievances, to the Project Director and ICAP leadership.

Ensure timely submission of required HR reports to ICAP headquarters and relevant stakeholders.

Policy Implementation and SOPs:

Assist in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance in HR processes.

Periodically review and update organizational policies to ensure alignment with local labor laws and project needs.

Representation and Collaboration:

Represent the HR function in internal and external meetings, advocating for effective and compliant HR practices.

Collaborate with local legal counsel and ICAP’s New York HR office on matters requiring specialized guidance

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, Business Administration, or a related field is required.

A Master’s degree or professional certification in HR (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) is highly desirable.

Minimum of five years of experience in human resources management, preferably in public health, international development, or large-scale survey projects.

Strong knowledge of Sierra Leone labor laws and HR best practices.

Proven experience managing recruitment for short-term hires and large-scale projects.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and HR management systems.

Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive employee matters with confidentiality and professionalism.

Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

Flexibility to work extended hours and travel within the Western Area Region as needed.