HR Emergency Response Consultant

Human Appeal is a non-profit organisation working across the globe to strengthen humanity’s fight against poverty, social injustice and natural disaster. Through the provision of immediate relief and the establishment of self-sustaining development programmes, we aim to invest in real, effective solutions.

We work year-round to establish healthcare, education, and livelihood programmes that pave the way for empowered, self-serving communities. We also provide food, medical aid, and disaster relief during emergencies, a critical intervention that saves lives.

Our skilled local teams are able to access some of the most hard-to-reach places in the world, at their most vulnerable of times.

Our vision

To become the global agent of change for a just, caring, and sustainable world.

Our mission

We are a global humanitarian and development organisation. We save lives, alleviate poverty, transform and empower local communities whilst championing humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

Here at Human Appeal we have an exciting opportunity for HR Emergency Response Consultant,to be based at our Gaza office Palestine.

CONDITION:

Please note: it is a local Consultancy Contract, for this role you must have the right to work in Palestine.

Main Purpose:

The HR Emergency Response Consultant will provide cover to the HR Lead and play a key role in supporting the expansion and upscaling of the Palestine office. In this role, the consultant will ensure the continuity of HR functions during emergencies including handling employee relations cases, facilitating the recruitment, onboarding and orientation of new staff, ensure policy & legal compliance with respect to best practice, and implement strategies to improve staff wellbeing and workplace relations during an emergency response.

Accountabilities:

HR Leadership & Continuity

• Serve as the cover HR Lead during emergencies, ensuring seamless HR operations.
• Oversight HR functions including recruitment, payroll, performance management, and compliance with INGO and local labor laws.
• Provide guidance, support to managers and staff on HR policies, employee relations, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies and procedures while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality. Lead investigations impartially.

Support Office Expansion & Upscaling

• Work with the Head of Gaza/Acting Office Lead and other senior leadership to design and execute HR strategies that align with the expansion of the organization’s operations in Palestine.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of staff required for the upscaling of projects.
• Collaborate with department leads to forecast HR needs and ensure timely recruitment, including talent sourcing and interviewing.
• Implement robust onboarding processes to ensure new staff are effectively integrated into the organization’s culture and operations.

Wellbeing & Staff Care Initiatives

• Lead wellbeing drives and initiatives aimed at improving staff morale, mental health, and overall work-life balance, particularly in response to the stressful operating environment.
• Partner with external providers to deliver staff care programs, including counseling services, mental health workshops, and stress management training.
• Develop and promote policies on work-life balance, resilience, and wellness programs to enhance staff retention and productivity.
• Regularly assess staff wellbeing through surveys and feedback channels, addressing concerns and developing strategies for improvement.

Emergency HR Planning & Crisis Response

• Design and implement HR contingency plans in response to security threats, political instability, and natural disasters.
• Provide direct support to staff during emergencies, including relocation, evacuations, and emergency communications.
• Maintain updated emergency contact lists, ensure HR emergency protocols are in place, and conduct periodic drills with staff.
• Ensure that staff contracts and agreements are flexible to accommodate emergency scenarios and that there is a clear structure for emergency response HR functions.

Training & Development

• Develop training modules for new and existing staff, focusing on emergency preparedness, resilience, and INGO policies.
• Create and implement capacity-building programs to enhance the skills of local HR staff and line managers in handling HR emergencies.
• Collaborate with external consultants or trainers for specific learning and development needs related to wellbeing and crisis management.

Duration & Travel:

• The role will require travel within Palestine and occasional travel to regional offices.
• This role is fixed-term with a possibility of extension depending on organizational needs and the office expansion plan.

Competencies:

Core Competencies:

• Working With People
• Delivering Results & Meeting Stakeholders Needs
• Adapting & Responding to Change

Functional Competencies:

• Planning and Organising
• Presenting and Communicating Information

Requirements:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional HR certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) is an asset.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in HR roles, preferably within the humanitarian or INGO sector

Experience working in crisis or emergency settings, with a demonstrated ability to manage HR functions in volatile environments.

Proven track record in supporting office growth, staff wellbeing, and leading HR operations during emergencies

Computer Skills

Computer literate and proficient in MS Office Suite

Languages

Fluency in English and Arabic a must, with strong written and verbal communication skills.