People and Culture (HR) Intern

ABOUT MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact.

PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.  Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundation.

THE DEPARTMENT

The People and Culture(P&C) department is responsible for providing effective P&C/HR policies, procedures, and people-friendly guidelines and support within Mercy Corps Ethiopia, regional and global teams based in Ethiopia. This includes leading the support on talent acquisition & development; employee engagement coordination; country wide training & learning management; compensation & benefits administration; country wide performance management oversight; disciplinary & grievance handling; staff data management; staff disengagement management and third-party service provision management.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

An intern in the People and Culture(P&C) department will be involved in supporting various P&C/HR functions aimed at enhancing employee engagement, development, and satisfaction within the organization. Assist in the recruitment efforts by calling candidates, scheduling, and coordinating interviews. Additionally, an intern will contribute to assist scheduling onboarding processes, welcoming new hires and assist on clerical aspects. The responsibilities will also include assisting employee events, maintaining HR records, and contributing to assisting people and culture team on initiative that promote a positive work environment and foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The internship provides valuable exposure to P&C/HR operations and an opportunity to learn about the crucial role P&C/HR plays in organizational success.

ESSENTIAL ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF P&C/HR INTERN

• Assist in Organizing and managing both active and terminated employee records and ensure confidentiality is maintained. This includes handling personnel files and relevant HR documents.
• Complete various HR forms, facilitate staff medical insurance processes, and manage scanning, copying, and archiving of HR documents.
• Serve as a point of contact by answering office calls and messages. Coordinate with team members on P&C/ HR-related tasks and plans, including assisting in the preparation and execution of HR events such as orientations and employee parties.
• Uphold a professional image while assisting different departments as required, ensuring seamless integration and support.
• Work closely with P&C/HR officers and other team members to address P&C/HR issues and provide necessary support. This involves assisting in personnel description and approval processes, as well as coordinating job postings and interview schedules with the filed team.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, clerically assist in maintaining employee recognition programs. Additionally, aid in organizing new employee orientation programs.
• Assist in compliance-related activities, including maintaining records, handling HR paperwork such as contracts and agreements, and tracking employee attendance and time-off requests.
• Shadow P&C/HR staff to understand daily operations and participate in learning sessions to enhance knowledge of HR practices, policies, and systems.
• Take on additional responsibilities as skills develop, contributing effectively to the People and Culture team's goals and objectives.Top of FormBottom of Form

SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTNERS

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our partners and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: People and Culture Manager

Works Directly with People and Culture assistant and other team members of the department plus field staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Management, Human Resource Management, Law, or related social sciences from a recognized institution.
• Recent graduates from 2023 and 2024 without prior work experience are welcome to apply.
• Key attributes sought include strong interpersonal skills, a basic understanding of Human Resource Management, good organizational abilities with a keen eye for detail, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Demonstrating a genuine interest in human relations, the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting, and proficiency in basic HR principles, practices, and regulations would be advantageous.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the capacity to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• The role requires skill in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite) and ready to be familiarized with P&C/HR systems.
• Exhibit accuracy in data management and document preparation, as well as an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and ethical standards in handling HR-related information. Top of Form Bottom of Form

How To Apply

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the position advertised online or submit CV and application to Gambella field office.  All applications submitted to the Mercy Corps office include a CV, three references, and all relevant official documents. Applications will not be returned and will not be retained for future recruitment efforts. To ensure fairness to all applicant’s personal inquiries are not permitted.

Only candidates that are short listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews. 

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and    diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”

   DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: July 28, 2024, 05:00PM

Please send non-returnable applications and credentials to one of the following addresses:

People and Culture Intern ((APPLY))