The USAID-funded Local Governance Assistance Activity (LGAA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), implemented by Tetra Tech International Development (International Development Jobs – Tetra Tech), is (currently accepting expressions of interest for a Human Resources Management Expert for a short-term technical assignment (STTA). The Human Resources Management Expert will work with the LGAA team based in Sarajevo, BiH.
Position Description/Summary: The purpose of this assignment is to engage a local expert for a short-term consultancy to work with the five LGAA partner LGUs (Lopare, Tuzla, Vareš, Zavidovići, and Žepče) to develop practical recommendations, and solutions including concrete templates and tools to address the most common challenges faced by LGUs in Human Resource Management (HRM) such as lack of HR databases, outdated HR policies and manuals, challenges in orienting and onboarding new staff, limited ability to identify and prioritize training needs etc. The Expert will also provide technical assistance and direct support to improve the HRM function in the City Administration of Zavidovići with the focus on improving staff skills and capacities and establishing an employee performance monitoring system.
The anticipated level of effort for this assignment is 45 days. The period of performance for the assignment is o/a May 01st to September 15th, 2024. The HRM Expert will perform the work both remotely from their home of record in BiH, and on-site in the 5 LGUs of Lopare, Tuzla, Vareš, Zavidovići, and Žepče. Domestic travel is therefore expected.
Responsibilities:
Task 1: Review and analyze existing HRM practices
*Identify and collect any relevant regulations and internal documentation regarding (a) knowledge management and transfer; (b) employee professional development, and (c) collection and maintenance of employee records and databases.
*Review and analyze the documentation, including templates and tools currently in use to identify deficiencies (if any) as well as potential areas for improvement or modernization.
*Follow up with targeted LGUs to address open questions identified through the documentation and template review and analysis, with the support of LGAA.
*Produce a brief report on the key findings and recommendations for specific improvements in the areas of knowledge management, staff development, and the use of employee databases.
Task 2: Develop practical HRM tools
*Create a handover note template that LGUs can use to capture knowledge of employees that are retiring and to assist new employees in effectively assuming their duties during the onboarding process.
*Develop a tool to support partner LGUs in better managing the professional development of employees. An example of such a template might be an employee skills’ assessment matrix.
*Prepare a simple guide that LGUs can use to support the professional development of employees, which should include a template for an individual training plan that takes into account the local context such as existing HR management practices, staff capacity and available resources.
* Support local HR offices of partner LGUs to develop a simple electronic record keeping system (using basic electronic tools such as MS Excel) in cases where they do not already have such a system, and/or recommend improvements to existing HR systems and databases where they do exist to improve structure, data collection, practical use, and overall management as appropriate.
Task 3: Present developed HRM tools to targeted partner LGUs
*Collect feedback from partner LGUs regarding the tool, templates, and/or recommendations produced. These inputs will be collected through an online discussion with relevant representatives in the targeted LGUs to be facilitated by the Consultant.
*Integrate the inputs and suggestions from partner LGU representatives into the final versions of the recommendations, tools, and templates, and produced revised versions for LGAA review/approval.
*Prepare a brief manual on how to use the final tools and templates, as needed.
Task 4: Improve staff skills and capacities in the City Administration of Zavidovići
* Provide support to the City of Zavidovići in conducting staff skills assessments using the staff skills assessment matrix developed under Task 2.
* Provide support in the analysis of the staff skills assessment and identify skills gaps that may need to be addressed to improve the performance of key Zavidovići staff.
* Support the preparation of mid-term (three-year) individual training plans for the identified key staff.
Task 5: Establish an employee performance monitoring system in the City Administration of Zavidovići
* Examine the current employee performance monitoring practices being used in Zavidovići and devise recommendations on how to improve.
* Train relevant Zavidovići staff in all required building blocks for the effective deployment of the improved practices proposed for the employee performance monitoring system. This training should include an introduction of relevant policies and procedures as well as a detailed description of the methodological approach used in the performance review. At a minimum this will include the: outline of the process and the required formats; collection and maintenance of the data collected through the process; stimulation and promotional measures stemming from the process; career advancement and skills development opportunities based on the performance measurement results.
* Develop a brief report with recommendations for the introduction of an employee performance appraisal system as well as a plan for implementation.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
*A bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration, project management, or other relevant field.
*At least 5 years of HRM and administration experience at the municipal level in BiH.
*Strong knowledge of BiH employment laws and practices.
*Excellent analytical and quantitative abilities.
*Good working knowledge of the latest HR information software and HR technology.
*Excellent training and skills development expertise.
*Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in the official languages of peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian).
*Advanced English writing skills, preferred.
*Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource, including for data visualization.
*Proven expertise in the provision of technical advice for HRM to local governments in BiH required, and regionally desired.
How to apply
To be considered, please submit the following:
* Cover Letter
* CV
Please ensure that only the requested documents noted above are submitted. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
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Reasonable Accommodations:
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