Employee Relations Specialist

IRC Global Human Resources supports a global workforce of approximately 24,000 including employees and contract staff through a direct and matrix management structure balanced globally, regionally, and locally. We are committed to a culture of integrity, inclusion, and respect. We practice bold leadership and innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. We are dedicated advocates for the most vulnerable.

Job Overview:

The Employee Relations Specialist sits within Global Human Resources and will provide coordination of employee relations matters and conduct reviews and assessments regarding potential violations of policy, alleged breaches of the IRC Way and other serious misconduct. The Employee Relations Specialist will participate in review and assignment of incoming complaints, and provide ongoing support to HR Partners and Program Leadership to ensure employee relations matters are managed well. S/he/they will build capacity in the US and globally in the review of employee relations allegations, and provide consultation and advice. An understanding of relevant laws, regulations, concepts and practices, strong interpersonal skills and cultural proficiency will be essential for success in this challenging role.

The Employee Relations Specialist will be a partner to the Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) team as well as the Latin America region which is part of the Crisis Response, Recovery and Development (CRRD) unit.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct multiple thorough, fair, and timely reviews and assessments of complex employee relations issues in a fast-paced environment, including intake meetings, background research, interviews, and de-brief meetings with partners.
• Prepare and finalize draft reports in English that are clearly and well written with appropriate presentation of facts, analysis and conclusions, and in accordance with IRC guidelines.
• Provide direction and partner with program leadership and HR Partners on employee relations cases.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of laws, regulations, concepts, and practices applicable to workplace reviews and assessments, and all aspects of employment, and provide consultation and advice to a variety of partners, as needed.
• Prepare case overviews and reports which convey findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with appropriate presentation of facts, analysis and conclusions.
• Establish trustful and respectful professional relationships, engaging with diverse partners in the US and global context. Discern systemic issues revealed during the investigative process.
• Develop and deliver education programs and trainings designed proactively to address employee relations issues, promote best practice and improve compliance.
• Build capacity of HR Partners in the management of employee relations reviews and assessments. Develop and lead interactive training in virtual and in-person settings.

Job Requirements:

Work Experience

• Minimum five years related experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations or as a Workplace Investigator, preferably in an in-house environment, including experience conducting employee relations reviews and consulting on complex and sometimes urgent employee relations issues.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, concepts and best practice, relevant to employee relations in the humanitarian sector.
• Experience with exposure to highly sensitive information, and ability to maintain confidentiality, including legal and financial information.
• Ability to remain respectful, empathetic, and diplomatic in the face of difficult and uncomfortable situations and conversations surrounding reviews and assessments.
• Proven track record of interacting respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and communicating effectively across multiple levels in a complex global organization.
• Ability to prioritize and track reviews, assessments and initiatives across multiple teams and functions.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to anticipate and identify legal issues.
• Excellent judgement and discretion.
• Solid organizational skills, with attention to detail, and a proven ability to prioritize.
• Flexible work attitude while being focused and reliable in an environment of multiple time zones and frequently changing demands in global context.
• Commitment to personal growth and development, and a willingness to regularly receive and act on performance feedback in pursuit of continuous professional growth.
• Willingness to travel to IRC sites of operation as needed.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes stipulés dans le Code de conduite IRC WAY, à savoir l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et contre les représailles.