Manager, People Relations at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Manager, People Relations   

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Contract (3-year renewable)

Responsibilities
Employee Relations:

• Coordinate the people relations team to provide guidance on employee relations matters to management and all people leaders in the Institute to enable effective management, conflict resolution and problem solving. 
• Lead in the effective management of employee relations, including facilitating communication and working relationship with staff associations.
• Responsible for grievances (formal and informal) and conflict management; handle reports and complaints regarding violations of rights and oversee processes for review and resolution of employee grievances; advice on a full range of employee relations matters, including development of performance improvement plans, disciplinary issues, and workforce rightsizing issues.
• Provide interpretation of employment contracts to all employee categories e.g. managers, staff and People & Culture team members.
• Advise managers and staff on sensitive labour and employee relations matters, including grievance procedures; performance issues and disciplinary actions; advise and assist managers in identifying employee relations issues and determining appropriate course of action
• Maintain current knowledge of employee and labour relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conduct research necessary to support terms and conditions of employment and employee relations.
• Provide information, advice and assistance to the P&C Unit managers and staff regarding application of laws, regulations, and employee relations practices relating to their respective functional areas.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures concerning employee relations and people management practices.

Ethics in the Workplace:

• Lead the design and development of policies, procedures, and guidelines that support the promotion of ethical standards in the institute and in the CGIAR.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership in building a strong ethical culture within the institute.
• Coordinate investigations of reports of unethical practices and guide management action.
• Participate in relevant committees in designing and delivering awareness programs.

Employee Health and Safety, and Wellbeing:

• Coordinate employee health and safety issues including fitness and wellness programs
• Initiate and recommend Employee Assistance Referrals with appropriate consultation with stakeholders.
• Facilitate employee welfare services e.g., staff canteen, employee relocation management, etc.   
• Coordinate employee recognition programs, including Long Service Awards and organization of retirees’ reception.  
• Collaborate effectively with tasks teams in the organization of employee special events including Sportsfest, Open Day, etc.
• Conduct employee exit interviews, analyzing trends or opportunities for feedback improvement particularly in areas related to employee engagement.

Operational Support to Institute and P&C Strategy:

• Participate in setting the direction of P&C strategic and operational support to the Institute.
• Propose updates to Ethics and Codes and collaborate with other P&C colleagues to ensure compliance and best practice is demonstrated through policies, procedures, and processes. 
• Collaborate with other P&C colleagues in identifying and analyzing people risk analysis and submit report with recommendation on risk mitigation. 

Support to Talent Acquisition:

• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition team to conduct background checks on new hires and recommend appropriate action before appointment/confirmation. 
• Support processes leading to confirmation of appointment

Other assignments:

• Join in unit-led corporate events and other unit programs and activities.
• Provide support to other People & Culture initiatives.
• Serve in task teams as may be assigned.
• Perform any other job-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor. 

Requirements
Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration or related field, with a minimum of six (6) years of experience in human resource management, performing similar role in large complex organizations with Membership of a recognized HR professional body e.g., CIPM, CIPD, HRCI, SHRM is required.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must have:

• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and proactively analyze and resolve problems.
• Ability to exercise discretion and to manage confidential information.
• Strategic and diplomatic, with a strong analytical and problem-solving and supervisory skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with good presentation skills.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/or confrontational situations.
• Ability to form strong workplace relationships at all levels of the organization.

Benefits

• We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online