The Organization
Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization which promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and in Brussels, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions.
This is a pivotal moment for the world. The field of conflict transformation is in greater demand than ever before. It is increasingly clear that our inability to deal collaboratively with conflict and difference is the main obstacle to advancements across all dimensions of human development. Violent and adversarial tactics are not proving effective in addressing grievances, injustice and marginalization nor in building lasting peace. There is an opportunity for SFCG to demonstrate the case for conflict transformation and inspire diverse stakeholders around the world to invest in and be part of building a more just and peaceful world.
SFCG is poised to chart a path forward which will set a higher standard for our own performance, building on what we have learned over the years, renew and strengthen the impact of our work, and help to propel the field as a whole toward greater and more lasting results toward the goal of a more just and less violent world.
For over three decades, SFCG has been a leader in implementing innovative conflict transformation projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and in documenting its experiences and evidence for the broader field. With approximately 700 staff in 60 offices implementing projects in 49 countries, SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities.
Our work transforms! With a dedicated and passionate staff, the organization is an exciting and rewarding place in which to work. You will be joining a highly motivated team with a good team spirit.
Summary of Position
This is a very exciting time to join SFCG as we are going through our largest internal transformation since inception. Having had a transition within the last 24 months of 60% of our top layer of management and 50% of our Board of Directors, the organization is in the process of shaping a new strategic direction for the next five years. The Global Director of Human Resources Operations will bring leadership, experience, and deep knowledge in the areas of talent management, global HR, safety & security, HR development, compensation & benefits, and employee & labor relations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Global Director of HR Operations will provide strategic leadership in driving performance improvements towards our organizational goals. After many years of growth, the Global Director of HR Operations will need to strengthen our systems to support the organization and its staff around current and future needs. We are looking for someone who is energetic and passionate about leading organizational change!
This position is based in Washington, DC, requires occasional travel, and supervises a fantastic staff of two with opportunities to grow the team.
Main Responsibilities
- Ensure human resource support to accomplish organizational objectives through effective management of the department.
- Evaluate and update the current performance monitoring tools.
- Lead current HR initiatives including the rollout of the HRIS, building an orientation program, establishing a compensation structure, and improving safety & security procedures, and performance management.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Research and recommend relevant insurance products (property and casualty, health coverage, management errors and omissions, etc.). Maintain relevant insurance files.
- Lead the recruitment/employment of staff by developing sourcing strategies, interviewing/screening candidates, counseling managers on interviewing techniques and compensation packages, conducting reference checks, and extending offers of employment.
- Ensure a competitive and consistent compensation program by developing/updating role descriptions, providing a performance appraisal system that encourages communication between manager and staff member, conducting marketplace surveys, and participating in the development of salary budgets.
- Provide a positive productive work environment by ensuring the resolution of staff member problems/concerns, creating orientation programs for new staff members, developing/interpreting policies and procedures to ensure equitable treatment for all staff members, and providing advice and counsel to staff.
- Ensure compliance with various government and other regulatory agencies by creating/completing programs to meet compliance requirements.
- Effect organizational evolution by coordinating HR strategies with overall organizational plans and consulting with managers to resolve problems/concerns.
- Conduct needs analyses to identify training needs, referring staff members to external programs and determine the feasibility of developing/conducting internal training programs as needed.
- Provide advice and technical assistance to Global Leadership Team and country management staff regarding opening and closing of offices, salary scales, benefits, employee relations issues, contracts, and terminations.
- Establish and maintain a country by country labor and tax law manual for compliance.
- Understand the organization’s global programmatic and operational objectives; embrace cultural and individual differences, and work with the specific local cultures to make impactful decisions.
- Work with the Global Leadership Team to develop effective communication tools, as well as strategies and trainings to promote morale and professional development within the organization.
As job announcements cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Essential:
- Degree in Human Resources or related discipline, with a minimum of 8 years in HR management
- Minimum of 4 years working for an international organization and experience in leading and advocating for HR policies and practices of a similarly sized organization.
- Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including standup presentation skills.
- Strong knowledge of domestic and international benefit and compensation practices, laws, and regulations.
- Proven experience in change management and developing and designing policies and procedures.
- Management experience, including an accessible, direct, transparent, and collaborative working style that motivates and inspires staff and colleagues to work hard and well together, offers a clear sense of direction, and holds self and staff accountable.
- Proficiency with business software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), human resources information systems and the ability to use online meeting communications tools such as, Google Hangouts and Skype.
Desirable:
- French language proficiency
- Current GPHR certification
Salary: Salary is commensurate with education and experience, with excellent benefits.
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