Global Human Resources Generalist

Near East Foundation

Job Announcement

Title:  Global Human Resources Generalist

Reports to:  VP of People

Location:   Syracuse, New York

Travel:  10%

Salary Range:  $58,500 - $62,000 DOE

About NEF

Since 1915, NEF has supported community-led economic and social development in Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus. As a non-profit international development organization, NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to reduce poverty, create economic opportunity, increase resilience, and empower conflict, climate- and crisis-affected people to improve their outlook and wellbeing. Our programs span three focal areas: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Resilient Development, and Peace and Stability.

NEF works through a network of country offices and with local partners, with current or recent operations in Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our global headquarters are based in Syracuse, NY, London, UK, and Brussels, Belgium.

Summary of Role

The Global HR Generalist performs a wide range of human resources support activities.  Reporting to the VP of People, the Global HR Generalist will apply a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens to all aspects of people management. The Generalist will perform administrative tasks and services to support effective operations through the implementation of policies & procedures, recruitment, retention & engagement, compensation & benefits, and payroll administration. The Global HR Generalist will directly participate in a matrix structure for global staff, serving as a liaison to global colleagues and HR function team members.

What you will do

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Generalist will apply a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens to all aspects of people management.

• Provide support and lead on DEI initiatives to impact change throughout the organization.
• Collect DEI metrics, assist with DEI monitoring, and recommend initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate annual employee survey in partnership with the with the VP of People and HR function team members; work with managers to develop action plans and monitor action plan completion.

HR Procedures

Working with the VP of People and human resource’s function team members, support people strategies, polices, and procedures to best position NEF to meet short- and long-term performance goals, always demonstrating NEF’s core values.

• Support strategic initiatives necessary to develop and retain highly effective people and teams.
• Maintain HR policies and procedures database.
• Serve as primary administrator of the HRIS database and generate reports.
• Maintain confidential personnel files and training records in accordance with NEF policy and legal requirements; ensure personnel files are complete, current, and accurate.
• Assist with tracking the timely completion of performance evaluations.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of employment legal requirements through and be sure requirements are implemented globally.
• Provide support for periodic internal audits to ensure key policies and procedures are followed.

Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement

Responsible for recruitment activities and processes to support a highly effective, diverse, and inclusive team with limited turnover.

• Lead on all NEF Headquarters’ recruitment; preparation of job descriptions, posting of job vacancies, short listing applications, arranging interviews, obtaining references and work verification, and presenting offers. Tracks and assists with high-volume international recruitment, as needed.
• Develop and implement new hire orientation, recruiting, and exit interview programs.
• Coordinate NEF’s internship program with recruitment, interviewing, hiring and orientation sessions for all interns; attend job/intern fairs; and respond to intern inquiries.
• Assist with employee continuous feedback and support programs and activities to optimize the retention and engagement of high performing people.

Compensation and Benefits

Responsible for assisting with the administration of compensation and benefit plans specific to each country.

• Prepare and maintain documentation to record changes in employee status, payroll, and separations.  Ensure records are accurate, entered into the HR database, and communicated to finance in a timely manner.
• Prepare and support the processing of monthly payroll for NEF US, UK, and BE headquarters.
• Provide support in the preparation and processing of country operations payroll, as needed.
• Partners with the VP of People to ensure NEF’s global compensation structure, including salary grades, job descriptions, and annual merit and cost of living increases are applied to attract and retain employees.
• Partners with the VP of People to ensure the maintenance of NEF’s global benefits structure meets both financial objectives and benefits and services; serve as first point of contact for benefit questions.

Basic Qualifications:

We encourage all individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to succeed within this position and thrive at NEF to apply for this role, even if you do not meet 100% of the basic qualifications.

• BA/BS degree and at least 2 years’ experience in an HR or Office Administration department or equivalent years of education and experience;
• Excellent computer skills:  Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  HRIS database experience a plus;
• Highly effective interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with diverse personalities in a tactful, mature, and professional manner;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; French and Arabic language skills a plus.
• Extremely organized and detail oriented with strong follow-through skills;

• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially;
• Ability to remain flexible and work within a collaborative and fast-paced environment to achieve KPIs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship, now or in the future;

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin on May 15, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents:

1. Cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Woman are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Pre-employment Checks

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening.
• Receipt of satisfactory references.
• Workplace Verification Check.

NEF's strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence. 

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF's mission from day one.

Benefits

NEF offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: 20 PTO days plus 12 Company Holidays; generous medical, dental and, vision coverage; HRA and FSA benefits; employer paid short and long-term disability; employer paid life insurance; TIAA-CREF retirement plan with 8% employer contribution, paid family leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more!

Professional Development

NEF highly emphasizes our team members’ professional growth and development. We offer access to a wide range of training programs and mentorship opportunities, focusing on empowering women within our organization through guidance from successful female leaders. For example, NEF’s commitment to the Fair Share of Women Leaders initiative includes options for personalized development coaching, among our unique programs. These opportunities are designed to pave the way for career advancement and ensure every team member has the tools to succeed.