Operations And Human Resource Officer

Position description

Location: Washington, DC*

Application Deadline: When filled

 

*Please Note: Solidarity Center staff enjoy a hybrid telework/in-person schedule. All candidates applying for this role will be expected to work in the Washington, D.C. office a minimum of three days per week unless an ADA or health-related exemption is approved.

 

Summary 

Solidarity Center seeks an experienced international development professional to fill a newly created position to support staff in headquarters and the field on a variety of Operations and HR issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development and standardization of field office systems and procedures. Procurement, compliance, and security comprise a portion of the work; other aspects of the role touch on human resources and finance in regard to local labor law, visas, and tax obligations outside the United States. A major area of responsibility will be developing and/or improving systems and tools that field offices need to be efficient and compliant, then adapting them to a wide range of local contexts, in close coordination with administrative and program staff. This will require research and outreach both within and outside of the organization to gather best practices and innovative tools for a variety of needs on the ground. These will include onboarding of field staff and may include: coordinating with hiring managers, HR, and other staff to ensure that Solidarity Center’s orientation is responsive to the needs of field-based staff, ensuring smooth staff relocation and settlement; maintaining registration, permits, and security requirements; managing inventory and usage of equipment and vehicles; and tracking expenses and staff time.

This position will initially focus on establishing standardized, efficient, but adaptable processes for field office operations, with systems for ongoing review and update of those processes. To ensure their sustainability, the Operations and HR Officer will train and collaborate closely with staff in the field who can serve as Operations Focal Points or liaisons for their country or region. Acting as a primary point of contact for staff being deployed to new locations, the Operations and HR Officer also plays a crucial role in the onboarding and orientation processes, starting at the point of hire.

As a critical link between field offices and headquarters, this position requires innovative thinking and problem-solving as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to remain calm in highly charged situations. The Operations and HR Officer should have a keen eye for detail and the ability to grasp minutiae regarding compliance with Solidarity Center policy, applicable law, and grant regulations.

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in business operations, organizational development, international development, or a related field, and/or seven years of related experience, ideally in a grant-funded, international environment
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification (desirable but not required)
• Five years of experience managing US government funded international development programs, preferably in both HQ and the field
• Experience in establishing and launching operational systems and procedures
• Experience developing and conducting onboarding programs for new field staff (Expat, TCN and Country Staff)
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, human rights, worker rights, and/or the global labor movement
• Excellent judgment and impeccable integrity
• Exceptional organizational skills, with an eye for detail and a talent for problem solving and streamlining complex processes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Fluency in a foreign language (preferred, but not required)
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with employees at all levels and from diverse cultures
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments with limited supervision
• Ability to work in a team environment and maintain confidentiality
• Strong understanding of standard personnel, financial, and operating procedures within the international nonprofit sector, and the ability to interpret and answer employee questions related to the same
• Familiarity with DocuVantage or a comparable system for document review and storage
• Familiarity with standard practices related to global procurement, human resources, project accounting, and other administrative/operational functions
• Familiarity with federal funding rules and regulations (specifically 2 CFR 200)
• Familiarity with the principles and best practices of managing organizational change
• Knowledgeable in Word and Excel, as well as Google Suite applications

International travel will be required for regular visits to field offices.

Supervisor:  Director of Operations

Specific Duties:

• Travel to the field to conduct routine assessments of operational policies and procedures, in coordination with Finance, HR, IT, and PQLC departments, providing follow-up recommendations and ensuring that identified gaps are addressed
• Coordinate the updating and standardization of field office administrative and operational systems, and support regional teams on their implementation
• Support regional teams in opening new field offices, including helping to identify and then coordinating with local legal counsel, real estate brokers, tax advisors, translators, drivers, and other professionals as needed
• Serve as primary point of contact with immigration attorneys in the US and abroad to secure visa applications and work permits for new hires and transfers, in close coordination with HR and regional teams
• Work with HR and regional staff to track the registration of field offices abroad, support Country Program Directors in completing registration as needed, and pursue alternative solutions when registration proves impossible or unfeasible
• Co-design onboarding programs for field staff and conduct both orientation sessions and annual training around operations and administration, to include reviewing the following documents, procedures, and areas of responsibility with new Country Program Directors (and/or Deputy Directors) and providing guidance or assistance as needed:
  • Process for shipping of household goods and locating housing (and sometimes office) space, ensuring that residential and office leases are in compliance with organizational and donor policy
  • Power of attorney, appointment letters, banking agent letters, board resolutions, and other operational documents that require Executive Director signature
  • Local labor law impacting permanent and contract staff
  • Information related to dependent schooling and required documentation (e.g., written confirmation of Solidarity Center tuition coverage)
  • US Embassy safety registration
• Support new non-US field staff with the opening of US bank accounts as needed
• Support the Assistant Director of HR in establishing systems and procedures to ensure that field offices maintain local personnel policy manuals, conduct an annual salary review, and abide by host country employment laws to the maximum extent possible
• Support the Assistant Director of HR in ensuring that field office manuals are compliant with donor and organizational policies, updating forms as needed
• Support the Director of Operations and Assistant Director of HR in establishing and maintaining a system for field offices to routinely share staff lists, contracts, and contact information with HQ
• Support the Director of Operations in tracking the legal status of offices and expats and helping field offices pursue registration or obtain work authorization for expats and Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
• Provide back-up support on DocuVantage training and troubleshooting

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. 

This is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $92,876 USD based on experience. A robust benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, a retirement plan and pension, life insurance, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave. Pre-tax deduction programs are also available for commuting, dependent care, and health care expenses. In addition, we offer opportunities and funds for professional development.

The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at [email protected].

For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO: Solidarity Center works in partnership with the AFL-CIO on recruiting and filling positions. Our policy is to notify the AFL-CIO prior to interviewing any of its current employees.