Location: Calabar 

Reports To: Country Director 

Start date:     ASAP 

Duration: Five years 

Position type: Full-time  

 Organization Background: 

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources. 

Job Summary: 

The Human Resources Manager will lead and manage the Human Resources function, provide advice, coordination and management, and technical support to the field offices. He/she will ensure efficient support to the program in accordance with existing Nigeria policies and procedures. The HR Manager will be part of the Country program Senior Management team. He/she will work closely with the Africa HR Director and the Central Africa & Gulf of Guinea regional team. 

Main Responsibilities 

Management 

• Lead and manage the Human Resources function (including people planning, performance, well-being and development) 
• Provide technical support, advice and capacity building of managers on people management skills 
• Advise and assist managers in Human Resources related issues and concerns to Recruitment, development and people planning, performance management, employee relations and others 
• Drive and support recruitment and selection activities ensuring compliance with recruitment process and policies and best practice 
• Work with senior management team in the program and senior staff on staff retention strategies and initiatives 
• Ensure proper onboarding process of new staff 

• Ensure oversight and consistency in position titles and grades, across all field locations 
• Assist managers to identify, recommend and approve Learning & Development initiatives for their employees through the WCS-U Learning platform and others 
• Drive any Continental and Regional HR initiatives within the country  

Performance, well-being, compensation & benefits 

• Proactively respond to and manage performance counselling, employee grievances and disciplinary issues as required, with a focus on building manager competency on performance management and ensuring that documentation is well kept 
• Lead the performance management process including conducting trainings 
• Act as an impartial mediator in disciplinary procedures and ensure it is administered in an equitable and fair manner and meets all legal and labor regulations and requirements 
• Lead people well-being initiatives at the country level 
• Define and review salary structure in partnership with the Senior Management team, the Africa HR Director and the relevant regional staff 

Human Resources Policies and Support 

• Maintain and update Staff Human Resources Handbooks as necessary 
• Proactively pursue continuous process improvement in Human Resources-related practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of output/delivery. 
• Work closely with Africa HR Director and the Regional Office to share information and provide support as required 
• Accountable for making sound decisions based on Nigeria program policies, standards, and the advice of technical experts in the program 

HR Administration 

• Ensure an up-to-date database of staff contracts and filing of staff documentation  
• Ensure proper management of staff absences including leave 
• Ensure that staff benefits are duly explained to employees and serve as liaison between employees and respective insurance company. 
• Manage orientation process and arrivals checklist for new staff and ensure support for all new staff and their integration into the organization 
• Manage appropriately staff exit procedures  

Others 

• Support Regional Office on any HR related activity within the country. 
• Any other task may be required by the Line Manager. 

 

Position Requirements 

• At least 5 years’ experience in Human resource management with 2 years People management in a similar role within an INGO 
• Relevant University Degree preferably in Human Resources Management or Management 
• Professional training in Human Resources Management. 
• Ability to develop clear goals and identify priority activities and assignments 
• Demonstrated experience in executing human resources processes. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team. 
• Proven ability to manage large and varied workloads and deal constructively with diverse people. 
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work with limited supervision. 
• Pro-active, stable and robust character and a good team-player 
• Knowledge of Nigeria labour laws and legal issues. 
• Full professional proficiency in English 
• Country HR Certification  

How to apply 

All applications (CV and cover letter) should be addressed to africaapplications@wcs.org with subject clearly marked application for Human Resources Manager, Nigeria before 1st May 2024, 5pm Nigerian Time. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis on receipt. 

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.