About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps helps communities develop their own ideas to solve Haiti’s most daunting problems by using innovative approaches to bring Haitians new social and economic opportunities and to make their country more secure, productive and just.  Established in January 2010, Mercy Corps Haiti has offices in Port-au-Prince, Jeremie, and Miragoane and more than 80 staff implementing programs in WASH, financial inclusion, economic development, agriculture, natural resource management and humanitarian response.  Mercy Corps’ economic development work is guided by the principles of pro-poor development and demand driven strategies. Mercy Corps takes a progressive approach to development that leads communities and entrepreneurs from relief to sustainable livelihoods to resilience.

Mercy Corps Haiti is going through a transformational change at this moment. As a catalytic organization, our future impact will increasingly focus on sustainability and transformative change, supporting lasting improvements in the lives of the communities we serve. This ambition will be supported through several key drivers, including evidence-based programming, learning generation to influence systems change, scaling impact through Mercy Corps and strategic partners, stronger knowledge management and impact measurement, expanded partnerships and alliances, greater commitment to gender equity and diversity and strategic advocacy and fundraising.

The Department 

The People and Culture Department is responsible for providing effective HR policies, procedures, and people-friendly guidelines and support within Mercy Corps Haiti teams. This includes but is not limited to lead the support on: talent acquisition & development; employee engagement coordination; countrywide training on HR and safeguarding related topics & learning management; compensation & benefits; countrywide performance management oversight; disciplinary & grievance handling; staff data management; and staff disengagement management.

Furthermore, as part of the ongoing transformational change, the Department will transition its administrative functions to the Operations Department and will instead focus on partners safeguarding. A key part of Mercy Corps’ Safe, Diverse and Inclusive Commitment, one of the core commitments of our 10-year strategy, Pathway to Possibility, is ensuring a culture of physical and psychological safety within our teams and our programs. Safeguarding is fundamental to that Commitment. We define safeguarding as our responsibility to ensure that no one working on our behalf causes harm to team members or the people and communities with whom we work, and that we respond in an appropriate, survivor-centered way to any reported issue of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or trafficking. At Mercy Corps, safeguarding covers the prevention, detection, deterrence, and response to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, child abuse, internal sexual misconduct and human trafficking and exploitation.  The People and Culture Department plays a critical role in this effort.

The Position

The People and Culture Manager will provide leadership of the human resource and organizational development function in Mercy Corps Haiti. S/he will drive excellence in all people functions of all offices in Haiti through 1) developing and implementing people strategy as well as systems and processes (such as performance management systems), 2) Build the capacity of teams through appropriate learning opportunities, 3) Promote a healthy working environment through building a culture of trust, accountability and mutual respect. 

This position ensures the overall provision of a high-level standard of HR services, policies, and programs for the Haiti Country Office. This includes developing, implementing and overseeing HR processes and procedures in accordance with Kenya policy laws / standards, Mercy Corps policies and procedures, leadership of the People Team as well as support initiatives and projects aimed at ensuring the MC Haiti Team is implementing the Global Mercy Corps’ People Team Strategy while ensuring compliance with all donor policies. S/he will ensure that the Haiti Team is always as happy and productive as possible. The People Manager builds the capacity of all team members across the country team as well as provides support and advice to the Country Director on HR issues. S/he will work closely with all staff to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in HR procedures.

As the Country Safeguarding Focal Point (FP), the incumbent will devote at least 40% of their FTE toward the mainstreaming of safeguarding in country program operations, with oversight and direction from the Global Safeguarding Team. Safeguarding Focal Points are required to attend a training course coordinated and delivered by the Global Safeguarding Team. Training dates and locations will be determined by the Global Safeguarding Team based on need and logistical considerations.

Essential Responsibilities 

STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT

• Develop and implement a country People Strategy for Mercy Corps Haiti and liaise with HQ, regional and country offices to support and contribute to global/regional People/HR strategy.
• Establish annual People and Culture work plan, set priorities, monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and set standards.
• Support all People and Culture processes for national staff.
• Support and contribute to the development and implementation of Mercy Corps Haiti strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all Mercy Corps Haiti People and Culture processes.
• Develop, implement and monitor the interpretation and application of Haiti labor laws, human resources systems, practices and procedures as well as complementary procedures that reflect the needs of programming as required.
• Ensure that the National Employee Handbook is updated and revised in line with the Labor Law and that clarity is provided accordingly.
• Remain informed, on an ongoing basis, about current and changing HR related laws, policies and “best practices” to ensure that current and future staff policies, employment practices, and compensation packages are within the limits of established standards.
• Advise departments on organizational structure challenges, reviews, and improvements.
• Revise/adapt the Mercy Corps Haiti salary scale.

CULTURE

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence and continued learning.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular 1:1 and performance reviews.

GENERAL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

●        Be responsible for ensuring that all personnel files for all hired staff are following Mercy Corps global minimum standards– including recruitment documents, CVs, valid contracts, PAFs, timesheets, disciplinary papers, and performance evaluations.

●        Ensure the performance review processes are completed on time and with quality results. Train HR team and supervisors on how to properly conduct and track the evaluation processes.

●        Collaborate with the Country Director and HQ to revise the salary scale and participate in regular national salary surveys in order to ensure that salaries and benefits are competitive within the market.

●        Coordinate salary scale realignment and ensure salaries and benefits adhere to the new Mercy Corps Haiti salary scale and standing protocols.

●        Work closely with all HR staff in Country/Region and make sure that HR services are provided on time, with high quality and compliant with policies and manuals.

●        Liaise with leaders to ensure that country org charts for departments and operations exist and positions are covered within budgets. Make sure that org charts are updated on a regular basis.

●        Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.

●        Ensure Mercy Corps Haiti personnel hiring practices strictly adhere to Haiti labor law as applicable. That includes payment of appropriate taxes, benefits, etc.

●        Ensure that HCM is updated with employment changes on a timely basis.

●        Assist with the operational budget for team members as requested.

●        Ensure that all government-required authorizations and documentation are complete and up to date.

●        Oversee timely and compliant payroll management and support the preparation of national staff monthly payroll in association with the Finance Department

●        Ensure that all national staff have an up-to-date relevant job description.

●        Ensure all new staff receive copies of the Country National Staff Policy Handbook and are alerted to benefits. Continue with support and advice on policies, as required.

●        Advise staff (national and international) on raising policies and procedures.

●        Assist the Head of Office in conducting or arranging training and/or other human resource development activities in the field locations.

●        Ensure that the clearance of terminated employees is processed as per MC policies and procedures.

●        Support the onboarding and orientation of new hires.

●        Maintain confidentiality of all national staff personnel issues including disciplinary procedures and contracts/pay rates.

●        Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

TALENT ACQUISION & ONBOARDING

• Help design optimal programs and shared services staffing plans to deliver programs and strategies effectively.
• Support the People and Culture team to develop and implement a country-level recruitment strategy that is inclusive of gender and diversity, etc. This includes setting clear performance indicators and regularly monitoring progress.
• Ensure strategic reviews of the organizational charts and structure for all positions across all programs and departments are conducted on a regular basis, covered within budgets and shared with the team.

RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

●        Coordinate with program managers to ensure all hiring requests are complete according to Mercy Corps’ Recruiting Policies and Procedures.

●        Supervise the recruitment process of national team members, making sure that all required steps such as advertisement, shortlisting of CVs and interviews are appropriately followed.

●        Certify Mercy Corps Country personnel hiring strictly adhere to Country labor law and other laws as applicable. That includes payment of appropriate taxes, benefits, security clearance of candidates before hiring, etc.

●        Ensure that the exit process for staff departing from Mercy Corps is conducted in line with the HR policies and Mercy Corps requirements.

ONBOARDING

●        Collaborate with HQ and Head of Department to organize and help with the onboarding process for new hires.

●        Ensure that orientation is conducted for each newly hired national and expatriate staff.

●        Lead the development and implementation of consistent systems of new staff induction and service requests between HR and other departments.

●        Ensure HR staff are providing new hires with MC ID card, email and all relevant documents upon starting their positions. This includes signing a Job Description, contract, policies and procedures, especially the National Staff Handbook and Security Manual.

●        Confirm that new staff are trained in timesheet procedures.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

●        Strengthen the capacity of the HR Department and build the strategy of the department.

●        Develop the capacity of the program teams and departments to understand their roles and responsibilities in terms of interaction with the Human Resources department include training, regular coordination meetings, problem solving and necessary planning activities to ensure effective and timely program implementation.

●        Support implementation and adherence to new policies and systems and ensure staff acceptance.

●        Assist team members with information, tools, and resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

●        Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular performance reviews.

●        Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

●        Ensure a high level of trust and communication among field offices and HR staff in the field.

●        Provide team members with information, tools, and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.

●        Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Support in implementation of country level compensation in line with Global Compensation philosophy.
• Ensure all country staff are covered in all relevant insurance.
• Benchmark and review the salary scale and benefits packages against the market on every two years basis to ensure competitiveness within the job market.
• Conduct job evaluations on new and existing positions and manage country-wide job audits to ensure equity and competitiveness within the job market.
• Provide required support during assigned expatriate recruitment activities.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT

• Using available HR data work with the team to deploy annual employee surveys to promote employee engagement within our offices.
• Ensure effective implementation of Mercy Corps Haiti performance management system.
• Support management’s goal of continuous capacity development of national team members through the provision of internal and external training.
• Coordinate with People and Culture team during internal compliance activities including routine audits, investigations and disciplinary meetings.
• Alongside our legal counsel, support the management of all human resource related legal issues in compliance with Haiti labor law.
• Proactively update senior management on any issues and grievances and ensure efficient and transparent solutions that protect both Mercy Corps Haiti Team members and the organization's interests in accordance with policies, regulations and procedures.
• Promote the Mercy Corps Haiti goals and targets in support of global initiatives.
• Coordinate office/workspaces between the HR and Operations departments to foster a harmonious work environment that reinforces the Mercy Corps’ culture of innovation, influence and impact.

COUNTRY SAFEGUARDING FOCAL POINT

Safeguarding Focal Points carry out a variety of safeguarding activities depending on the needs of the country office. These range from awareness raising and training of team members, to community sensitization, to vetting, monitoring, and supporting partners, to supporting safe recruitment, to supporting safe procurement, to programmatic risk assessment and mitigation planning. FPs will work with country leadership, the relevant Regional Safeguarding Advisor and country Safeguarding Officer, Manager or Advisor if present, to prioritize activities based on needs. 

The safeguarding context in Haiti is complex and deeply impacted by multiple interrelated challenges that heighten the risks of abuse, violence, and exploitation among the most vulnerable groups in the population. In this environment, several specific safeguarding concerns may be identified.

Below is a list of safeguarding activities that will be undertaken by the Safeguarding Focal Point.

• Create, maintain, and regularly update Survivor Service Maps.
• Conduct safeguarding awareness raising with team members covering safeguarding policies, and prevention of child abuse, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, and exploitation.
• Conduct awareness raising with program and operations team members on the requirements of the Safeguarding Core Standards and accompanying tools and guidance materials.
• Conduct safeguarding onboarding sessions with new team members.
• In partnership with program teams, conduct safeguarding awareness-raising with program participants and community members.
• Create (or adapt) and distribute contextually appropriate safeguarding IEC materials for program teams, field offices, implementation locations and partners.
• In partnership with the CARM team, conduct consultations and/or awareness raising around reporting mechanisms for reporting safeguarding concerns and our survivor-centered response.
• Participate in program design meetings and kick-off workshops to facilitate discussion on safeguarding risks identification and mitigation measures in the program.
• Support program and/or compliance teams with vetting sub-award partners, assessing their policies and practices, completing Joint Assessment and Monitoring Tool and monitoring, training, and supporting sub- award partners on safeguarding awareness raising and prevention strategies.
• Support procurement teams to vet and contractors and provide safeguarding training and awareness with contractors where necessary and appropriate.
• Work with HR teams to ensure safeguarding is integrated into recruitment and Core Standard 2 is met.
• Support country risk and program safeguarding risk assessments.
• Monitor and/or support safeguarding monitoring activities to ensure the implementation of safeguarding mitigation measures by project teams and provide support where necessary. (e.g. field visits to locations or partners offices) to identify gaps or risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Act as a resource to MEL teams to ensure inclusion of SG indicators and outcomes.
• Act as a resource to senior management as they work to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations under Mercy Corps’ safeguarding policies and response mechanisms.
• Actively learns safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

POLICIES AND MANUALS

●        Update the National Employee Handbook in line with latest Labor Law and clarify as necessary with staff.

●        Monitor HR/Admin related laws, policies and “best practices” to ensure that personnel policies, employment practices, and compensation packages are within the limits of established guidelines, procedures, and policies of Mercy Corps and national laws.

FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

●        Uphold Mercy Corps’ Zero tolerance policy to corruption.

●        Support Country Director to determine HR’s role in Fraud and PSEA.

●        Work closely with finance compliance to mitigate fraud, conflict of interest and legal ramifications of Mercy Corps activities.

●        Ensure all people-related internal control procedures are adhered to and that necessary measures are put in place to ensure high standards of accountability and compliance.

Supervisory Responsibility: MC Haiti People and Culture Team:

People & Culture Officer, HR Assistant.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Country Director

Works Directly With:

• Senior Management team, Global and Regional People and Talent Acquisition Team, Program and Department Leads.
• Global Safeguarding Team, particularly the relevant Regional Advisor.
• Country Safeguarding team (e.g. Safeguarding Manager, Coordinator, or other Safeguarding Focal Points).

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Safeguarding Focal Points will be monitored and supported by the Global Safeguarding Team, particularly the Regional Advisor, for all safeguarding related duties. Where a full-time safeguarding role is in place, the FP may also receive support, guidance, and monitoring from that role for safeguarding-related duties.

Qualifications & Transferable Skills

●        Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; master's in human resource management is highly desired.

●        Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP K) is highly preferred.

●        10 - 12 years of professional HR experience, including at least 5 years of leadership positions in the practice of Human Resource Management.

●        Understanding and experience navigating multiple regulatory sources (labor laws, donor requirements, etc) and developing HR policies and procedures that ensure compliance with each.

●        Demonstrated attention to detail, following procedures, meeting deadlines, problem-solving independently and cooperatively.

●        Experience in the deployment and management of HR systems.

●        Knowledge of donor regulations including USAID, EC, FCDO regulations is an added advantage.

●        Excellent negotiation and representation skills.

●        Effective verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization and Microsoft Office applications.

●        Demonstrated experience in promoting and leading organizational learning, culture, and wellbeing.

●        Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.

●        Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies.

●        Demonstrated understanding of complex environments, related security concerns, and appropriate responses with experience in an insecure context.

●        Working experience in Haiti is a strong added advantage.

●        Demonstrated attention to detail, following procedures, meeting deadlines, and problem-solving independently and cooperatively.

●        Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures required.

●        Excellent negotiation and representation skills.

●        Effective organizational, prioritization and result management.

●        Excellent verbal and written English and French skills required. Creole is a plus.

●   Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.

●        National female candidates encouraged to apply.

●        Demonstrated interest in safeguarding, and a sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion and gender issues.

●        Up to date on all required Code of Ethics courses.

●        Demonstrated experience of working directly with local communities.

●        Knowledge and understanding of local community and culture.

●        History of exhibiting impartial and empathetic behavior in the workplace.

●        Approachable, discreet, and confidential.

●        Local primary language of use is required.

●  Upon appointment, the Safeguarding Focal Point shall undergo specific Safeguarding training.

Success Factors

The People and Culture Manager has superb skills, experience and passion for developing strategy and processes, promoting culture of wellbeing. S/he will be good at problem solving and have the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations. S/he will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training and mentoring capacity, while demonstrating the ability to multitask, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. S/he will have proven experience in safeguarding practices and training capacity in the area.

Living Conditions

Housing is provided for this position. The location is eligible for Hardship Benefits and R&R.

Haiti is a country of 11 million people and is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  The country has been wracked by a series of major natural disasters since 2010 including earthquakes, hurricanes, and drought.  A new government is in place for the next two years which is anticipated to reduce instability, however occasional violent demonstrations and flare-ups in crime can occur.  Haiti suffers from chronic high unemployment, severe environmental degradation, food insecurity, and health issues like cholera exacerbated by low levels of access to water and poor infrastructure.  Nonetheless, Haiti also has great beauty including beaches and mountainous national parks. Its international airport provides daily flights to multiple destinations in the US, as well as access to Dominican Republic, Canada, Paris, Cuba, Panama, Turks and Caicos Islands, and other locations in the Caribbean. The Capital city, Port au Prince, is estimated at around 2.5 million people.  Although infrastructure is also poor in the capital, comfortable housing with water and electricity is readily available.  There are many places to eat in all price ranges, as well as shops and supermarkets.  Self-drive is permitted, however driving can be challenging, and traffic is often very heavy. Housing is provided for this position.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).