Human Resources and Operations Specialist

Company Description

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, with a focus on vulnerable and under-served populations. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description

The primary purpose of the 3-year, USAID-funded Ibitabo Kuri Twese (IKT) Project is to strengthen the market system for teaching and learning materials and increase the quantity, quality, affordability, and accessibility of books and other reading materials (physical and digital) in schools, homes, and communities, contributing to improved reading outcomes.

Job Description

The Human Resources and Operations Specialist will be responsible for EDC’s Rwanda Human Resources and Operations activities under the guidance and supervision of the Finance and Administration Manager. He/she will ensure that project Human Resources and operations function smoothly in accordance with EDC policies and procedures and in compliance with donor requirements. He/she will be in charge of EDC ‘s day-to-day Human Resources and operations activities including: Payroll management, timesheet management, consultancy contracts; procurement, transport and logistics, operational strategy, and support service management so that the project’s programs can run smoothly and adhere to consistent organization HR & operations policies and procedures. He/she will supervise the operations and procurement team, including administrative assistant, drivers, and office cleaner.

He/she will effectively interact with a diverse staff, engage as a member of a team, accept feedback, troubleshoot questions or problems and seek help, and participate in regular planning activities with technical teams for seamless administrative and logistical support, supervision and support as needed. This position reports to the Finance and Administration Manager.

Essential functions include [but are not limited to]:

HUMAN RESOURCES:

• Ensure compliance and alignment of EDC’s HR policies and practices to Rwanda Labor Law
• Lead staff recruitment tasks including: job postings, shortlisting of candidates, setting interviews schedules, filing of staff selection process
• Maintain all HR record keeping system and files such as personnel files and the staff leave plan and use as per EDC policy
• Ensure implementation of time and attendance policy by project staff as per EDC internal rules
• Ensure that staff submit their timesheets on a timely basis, collect, and review timesheets for accuracy
• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of payroll and payslips
• Liaise with the leadership and Finance and Administration Manager in organizing staff team building activities and staff meetings
• Liaise with Finance and Administration Manager in orienting new staff to the EDC policy and procedures manuals
• Ensure that personnel files as well as any other private and sensitive information are securely stored and not accessible to wider staff to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all staff
• Make available all HR & administration templates to project staff
• Liaise with Finance and Administration Manager, and EDC Home Office in updating the Policies and Procedures Manual whenever needed
• Take the lead in developing appropriate local human resource practices, learning and professional development initiatives, and assist with the local Policies, Procedures and Systems
• Supervise HR and Operations support staff
• Plan, organize and independently carry out workload priorities to ensure smooth and timely coordination and production
• Apply organizational terms, procedures, systems, and policies
• Perform any other duties as may be requested by the supervisor

PROCUREMENT:

He/she will assure that the most reasonable, fair, expeditious, and appropriate procurement choices are made in a transparent manner in accordance with EDC and USAID procurement processes. This includes:

• Lead the procurement of goods and services from local vendors
• Ensure that the terms of reference include the correct specifications
• Solicit quotations and prepare the bid analysis based on EDC’s procurement thresholds
• Ensure quality assurance
• Purchase requisition and Purchase order: review, ensure accuracy, and sign
• Conduct vetting for all staff, consultants, participants, and vendors using a vetting software

LOGISTICS:

Fleet Management & Travel:

• Ensure that EDC’s equipment and vehicles have the ability to perform at acceptable standards
• Oversee vehicle registration, maintenance, travel plans, mileage, fuel and driver performance
• Make sure first aid kits and emergency contacts in each vehicle are up to date
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of vehicle log books
• Ensure the security of vehicles in Kigali and the field
• Budget for transportation and logistics activities
• Supervise hotel bookings and organize the airport pick up
• Interact with senior management on issues related to the visitors’ transportation and logistics

Meetings:

• Receive and review requests
• Review, ensure accuracy, and sign on purchase requisitions and Purchase orders
• Vet the venues
• Make sure participants lists, photo/video disclaimers, and other required documents are filled in

OPERATIONS:

Office Operations:

• In charge of project registration and insurance renewals
• Monitor office leases and renewals in coordination with the Home Office
• Will be the liaison with third party service providers such as security, sanitation and utility providers
• Approve and supervises the office maintenance
• Responsible for the office supplies and equipment
• Review and approve the stock report
• From time-to-time conduct stock counting
• Approve request for stock (in & out)
• Supervise the stock tidiness

Contract Management

• Manage all contracts from service providers
• Manage all contracts from consultants
• Will be the liaison with third party service providers such as security, sanitation and utility providers
• The HR& operations coordinator will ensure that standard procedures are followed when third party service providers are hired and that the third party properly executes in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

IT

• Supervise an IT consultant to monitor the office network and ensure telecommunication and connectivity issues are addressed and resolved
• Manage all EDC-Rwanda IT Equipment

Security & safety focal point (SSFP)

• Serve as the SSFP focal point for EDC-Rwanda
• Liaise with Security Director from the home office
• Do security checks as needed.
• Update the Emergency Action plan as required.
• Orient new staff on EDC Security
• Keep record of all incident reports.

Qualifications

Education Requirement:

• A Master’s Degree in Administration, Human Resources, procurement, Business studies or other related fields from a recognized institution
• Other relevant professional/management certifications
• Higher education degree preferred

Skills and Experience:

• At least 7 to 8 years of working experience in both HR and Operations roles, with at least 3 years of supervisory experience in operations, Human resources, maintenance, and/or administration.
• Demonstrated ability working on multiple and complex activities simultaneously.
• Familiarity with donor-funded procurement rules and regulations (particularly experience with USAID procurement regulations) will be an advantage.
• Ability to supervise, maintain confidentiality and use sound judgment on sensitive matters.
• Ability to develop effective work plans and priorities in order to meet business objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation, conflict resolution and stakeholder management.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal or no supervision.
• Knowledge of Administration processes, procurement, logistics, HR systems and principles.
• Knowledge of computer packages (including Excel, Word, PPP and other)
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal relations
• Confidentiality and Ethical behavior
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communications skills

Additional Information

Job closing date: November 28, 2024

Application Link

EDC is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for relocation or posting allowances and the salary will be paid in Rwandan francs.

Strong candidate identified.

Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls, please.

EDC is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.