Heifer International Ongoing Recruitment Opportunities

Heifer International is an international development organization dedicated to improving food security and income opportunities for rural families while promoting sound stewardship of natural resources. As a private, non-governmental organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Heifer has created lasting change for farming households in over 125 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe for over 70 years.

Heifer International does so much more than put food in the mouths of hungry people. Heifer helps people feed themselves. The goal of every Heifer project is sustainability – project partners achieving self-reliance. And year after year, as partner families Pass on the Gift of knowledge and one or more of their animals’ offspring to others in need, they become links in a network of hope, dignity and self-reliance that helps hundreds of others care for themselves.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Operations Director

Job ID: 1025
Location: Nigeria

Functions 

• The Operations Director oversees the Country’s ongoing operations and procedures. As a vital senior management team member, the Operations Director reports directly to the Senior Director, Program Operations, with a dotted reporting line to the Country Director to which S/He is assigned from time to time.
• He/she establishes policies that promote the institution’s culture and vision through its operations.
• The Operations Director is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, including maintaining control of diverse activities and programs and establishing and following a set of policies and processes across the Africa Region.
• In addition, the Operations Director leads team members and encourages maximum performance and dedication. The successful candidate must maintain the highest level of integrity and lead by example in all areas.
• The role may be located in any of the following countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Senegal, Uganda, Rwanda or Zambia.

Essential Character Traits

• Ability to apply a strategic mindset, business insight, and organizational savvy to drive results in complex environments.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, instill trust and demonstrate self-awareness.
• Ability to build effective teams and to be resourceful. Ability to provide effective leadership and drive team spirit.

Responsibilities & Deliverables 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Country Office and temporarily perform the duties of the office of the Country Director when he/she is unable or unavailable.
• Develop, in collaboration with the Senior Director Program Operations, the Country Director, and the senior management team, an annual operating plan that supports the Country Office’s long-term operations strategy.
• Provide timely and candid updates of the Country’s operations and progress towards achieving set goals, including material deviations from the goals or objectives and policies established.
• Ensure open communication, timely issue resolution, and effective project development.
• Provides timely, accurate, and complete reports on the operating condition of the Country Office.
• Foster a culture that promotes ethical practices, and service and encourages individual integrity.
• Maintain a positive and ethical work climate that is conducive to attracting, retaining and motivating a diverse group of team members at all levels.
• Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the Country Office.
• Coordinate the Country’s sustainable strategies and manage principal operating risks, such as proposals, projects, and staffing.
• Assist the Senior Director Program Operations in ensuring that there is an effective succession plan in place for the Country Director position and other key management positions of the Country Office.
• Work collaboratively to develop and/or improve systems, processes, controls, and procedures that will enhance the overall efficiency of the Country Office.
• Assist the Country Director in establishing and maintaining an appropriate organizational structure.
• Perform other functions related to the office of the Operations Director, including requests from the Senior Director, Program Operations / Country Director.

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree plus fifteen (15) years of job-related experience.
• Extensive experience in operations management in International Development or Multinational organizations.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• At least Seven (7) years in management.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Excellent mastery of accounting practices with experience in grants management.
• Familiarity with the operational procedures at all levels of the organization.
• A strong analytical and data-driven mindset that translates into leadership skills.
• Ability to inspire team members to live up to their potential and optimize their productivity.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills in pressure situations.
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development.
• Proven experience in senior management roles or a similar and relevant role.
• Possesses exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, since diverse functions report to them and the smooth interworking is critical with high emotional and social intelligence.
• Communicates passionately, effectively, and persuasively across a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, coach, and develop others.
• Relentlessly pursues improvement and results. Flexible, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate the high level of responsibility and multiple priorities. Creates a culture of mutual accountability.
• Analyzes and problem-solves at a highly developed level. Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail are critical to success.

Application Closing Date
16th August, 2023.

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

Job Title: Global People Engagement Director

Job ID 1012
Location: Nigeria
Department: Human Resources

Role Summary

• We are looking for an experienced Global People Engagement Director (GPED) who will pattern with different stakeholders to influence the direction of people engagement, culture, values, and HR Digital Strategy to ensure that every staff member thrives and feels well-supported in their work and in advancing the organization’s impactful mission.
• This role at this stage doesn’t have many direct reports as it is expected to achieve its goal through collaboration with the different stakeholders in the design of Employee Engagement initiatives rather than driving the day-to day  operation itself.
• This is an opportunity for seasoned systems thinker and people-first leader to create practices and environments that support individuals and teams in doing their best work in service to Heifer’s mission and purpose.
• You will be joining Heifer International during an exciting time of change and will play a pivotal role in engaging and influencing stakeholders to support positive cultural change.
• You will sit on the People department’s Senior Management Team and report to our Chief People Officer.

Workplace Option:

• Remote, Hybrid, or Office-based. Global candidates based in countries where Heifer has an established office are encouraged to apply.

Travel:

• This position will have occasional travel with maximum eight weeks per year for conferences, retreats, and/or meetings. Travel may include US domestic and international trips.

Role Functions

• As the GPED, you will spearhead the design and development of our employee engagement Center of Expertise that set priorities for improvements to people processes aligned to ongoing strategic imperatives.
• You will provide both strategic and hands-on frontline leadership in building an organizational practice that centers on the engagement and experience of Heifer staff.
• Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Global People Engagement Director (GPED) is a key member of Heifer’s Global People Department and will work with Heifer’s Leadership and Global People Team to drive Global People Strategy in support of Heifer’s Transformation and Sustainable Locally Led Development.
• The Global People Engagement Director will offer high-level technical support to People Teams globally on matters and initiatives related to Employee Engagement.
• Using collaboration, the Director will also develop and rollout frameworks to promote organizational culture, DEI&B programs, Compliance/Assurance, People Manuals and Policies, PD (People Department) Global Digital Systems/HRIS, communication and employees’ experience, and will be the focal point for organizational policies globally.
• The position will have one or two direct reports at this stage, and is expected to use collaboration and influence rather than engaging in day-to-day operations.
• As the Global People Engagement Director, you will ensure high-quality support and value-add experiences for all Heifer International stakeholders and, as a result, elevate the skills, mindsets, and practices of Heifer’s leaders and managers.

Responsibilities and Deliverables
You will lead the following areas:

Engagement, Culture Transformation, & DEI&B:

• As a member of the People Department Council, the GPED will participate in defining the strategic direction of the People Department and align it with the Organizational transformation and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with Global stakeholders to develop a strategic and proactive approach to Employee Engagement, which includes identifying trends, developing solutions, and leading training to minimize risk across the organization.
• Collaborate with DEI&B Initiative and other stakeholders to drive the Global DEI&B Initiative relevant to over twenty countries and communities while setting Global DEI&B standards and success indicators.
• Highlight and advocate for initiatives and behaviors that promote inclusive and psychologically safe environments for staff at all levels.
• Mobilize internal resources, develop processes, and leverage cross-functional leadership to ensure that DEI&B work is linked to all corners of our global organization.
• Partner with an external DEI&B consultant to assess organizational systems and develop cross-functional DEI&B roadmap.
• Support the CPO (Chief People Officer), People Department Leaders, and Global Stakeholders in driving organizational culture and values that support transformation towards Sustainable Locally Led Development.
• Provide Technical Support on areas related to Employee Engagement, Culture/Cornerstones, Workplace Investigations, performance management, policies, and internal communications to Heifer Leaders and Global People Teams.
• Design and launch engagement surveys and pulse surveys in partnership with our vendor then work with stakeholders to translate the survey results into positive change.
• Lead action planning based on survey results and partner with senior leaders to create accountability framework that promotes voice, responds to areas of development, and promotes areas of strength.
• Employee Relations and Investigations
• Work with Stakeholders to design global Employee Engagement/Relations frameworks and/or collaborate with Regional People Directors and Country People Teams in designing Employee Engagement/Relations solutions relevant to their context.
• When necessary, support regions to oversee and conduct complex and sensitive workplace reviews/investigations in collaboration with Risk Management & Assurance Unit to determine findings and recommendations for resolution.

Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management:

• Advise on internal communications at a global level, craft and communicate global employment policies, manuals, and procedures to ensure alignment to key expectations and job requirements, and consistent understanding and acknowledgment of these policies across the organization.
• Oversee the integrity, communication, and annual review of Heifer International People policies for staff.
• Train and partner with Regional People Directors to implement key HR policies with consistency and integrity, and they will liaise with country HR managers to ensure a strong knowledge base, support, and consistency across the people experience.
•  Work with the four global teams in the U.S., Americas, Africa, and Asia to ensure HR compliance across the organization. Collaborate with global People Team to conduct self-audits and guide corrective actions.
• Ensure that Heifer staff members are treated fairly regarding performance management, performance development, and termination practices, and that Heifer International has quality and accessible resources and tools for managers.
• Act as the People Department representative on Safeguarding and Child Protection matters. (Training will be provided if you do not have Safeguarding experience.)
• Develop and ensure compliance with Data Protection laws and policies globally.
• Partner with Legal Department to address labor issues, proactively manage employment-related labor risks and advise/coach management on achieving the same.
• Co-lead Heifer’s ongoing strategy related to COVID-19 policies and support, including statuses for office access.

HR Technology Systems:

• Collaborate with People Department Functional Leads to introduce relevant and user-friendly Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
• In collaboration with the Enterprise Management Team, lead efforts to support staff and country teams for HR System needs and training.
• As a present and supportive People Manager, you will create a collaborative, team-based, and inclusive environment where your team members are engaged, feel a strong sense of belonging and psychological safety, and are equipped with the tools and resources to do their best work.

Who You Are

• As someone leading the charge in caring for our people’s experience, you are truly people first and believe that people are an organization’s greatest asset.
• You are a highly collaborative leader who is experienced in and comfortable navigating difficult or sensitive topics and conversations; skilled in managing through ambiguity, growth, and change; and will lead with transparency, clarity, and compassion.
• You must demonstrate a deep and personal commitment to this critical work and should bring a proven record of leadership in building equity-focused teams and organizational culture.
• You will at many times act as a “player-coach,” directly supporting leaders and staff in frontline work, and coaching your team and others to do the same.
• You empower others through empathy and listening deeply and possess fluency and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and a strong willingness to continue your own development and learning in these areas.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Strategic HR Professional with strong collaboration and coaching skills within a global, cross-cultural context.
• A minimum of 10 years of People/HR experience in Global Human Resources with a minimum of five (5) years at a Leadership position. preferably within the International Nong-Government (INGO) sector.
• Have demonstrated success developing and implementing complex, cross functional, and organization-wide strategies for employee engagement and support and strengthening culture.
• Lead with the why and have experience managing successful organizational change or transformational initiatives with empathy, inclusion, and decisiveness.
• Love thinking big and can also execute and assess minute details to deliver results.
• Have strong consultative skills including a healthy mix of critical thinking and creative problem solving.
• Seek out learning and knowledge-gaining opportunities in progressive People/HR spaces.
• Lead with empathy, a low ego, and a growth and learning mindset.
• Excellent judgment in managing confidential and sensitive information and situations.
• Ability to leverage strong data analysis skills to build capacity and achieve greater efficiencies.
• A deeply collaborative approach and a “possibilities” mindset; able to overcome adversity and persist in the face of ambiguity and an ability to inspire that mindset in others.
• Wisdom, curiosity, empathy, and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience on the leadership team of a diverse, complex organization with a distributed leadership model, networked structure, and multiple stakeholders is a plus.
• Global HR experience is a strong plus.

Top Challenges to Overcome
This is what you should know about the environment you’ll be stepping into and things to keep in mind:

• Working across multiple time zones and different sets of cultures.
• Navigating working in a changing and fast-paced environment, while maintaining strong prioritization skills.
• Helping stakeholders to understand what People, Culture, and DEI&B priorities are while incorporating their specific needs into the planning process.
• Leveraging a small but mighty and lean team, reaching for ambitious goals while balancing reality of capacity while being under pressure to bite off more than you can chew.

Remuneration
Salary Information:

• The expected base salary range for this role is determined based on the candidate’s country’s location.

What we Offer

• Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week
• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match +3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection
• And more!

Application Closing Date
Not Specified

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

Job Title: Communications Manager

Location: Nigeria
Job Type: Full Time

Description

• Heifer International is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Function

• The Communications Manager – Africa will be responsible for the development and implementation of Heifer Africa’s overall communications strategy, as well as the creation of and management of communications plans designed towards engaging internal and external stakeholders, promoting key activities within African region, and promoting the Heifer brand.
• S/he will be in charge of planning and managing the reputation, public relations, marketing, and communications for Heifer Africa, including emails, advertisements, manuals, letters, website content, events management, and other forms of communication.
• S/he will position Heifer as a thought leader in driving integration between technology and climate-smart agriculture, as well as on youth and technology towards increasing incomes for smallholder farmers across Africa. S/he will promote access to innovative finance and elevate
• Heifer’s voice attracts investors to partner on its innovative and accelerator programs.
• The Communications Manager – Africa will also oversee the activities of communications consultants and vendors and lead communications projects and new initiatives.
• Additionally, the position will handle events co-ordination and matters related to external engagements; assist with the discovery/development of communication and engagement platforms for a spokesperson(s) to articulate Heifer Africa’s point of view; develop relationships with media agencies, publications, editorial staff, and influential columnists; institute capacity building seminars and implement a protocol for official interaction for media inquiries, press conferences and media visits across the Region.
• The Communications Manager – Africa will report to the Senior Vice President – Africa Programs.
• The role may be located in any of the following countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Senegal, Uganda, Rwanda or Zambia.

Essential Character Traits:

• Customer focus, drives results, nimble learning, decision quality, instils trust, collaborates, self-development, optimizes work processes, action-oriented, communicates effectively, cultivates innovation and values differences.

Responsibilities & Deliverables
Development and implementation of Heifer’s Communications Strategy for Africa (40%):

• Custodian and gatekeeper of corporate narrative.
• In liaison with Regional leadership, develop and implement a communications strategy for Heifer Africa.
• Drive visibility and positioning of the Heifer brand across the region, in alignment with Regional leadership.
• Ensure alignment on the organization’s brand and messaging strategies across the country offices.
• Ensure adoption of all aspects of approved PR/Brand DNA in all content – documents, presentations, brochures, adverts, and speeches.
• Ensure that corporate narrative is deeply entrenched in all internal and external communication and visual expression.
• Direct Heifer Africa brand positioning business-wide through cross-functional and cross-team coordination and cooperation.
• Serve as a champion for internal PR/corporate narrative.
• Influence the tone, look, and feel of shared media platforms with close coordination with the Global Communications Team.
• Receive strategic direction and manage relationships/information flow with retained PR consultants.
• Provide feedback and observations towards refining or re-thinking strategies.
• Leveraging data on Heifer past successes in Africa to position is as partners to co-design with development partners.

Position Heifer appropriately in the public domain. (20%):

• Key media interface.
• Key event organizer.
• Identifies suitable positioning opportunities.
• Mitigates reputation risk.
• Ensure top-of-the-mind awareness for Heifer and achieve the highest visibility in the development sector in key media, by ensuring 80% positive media mention.
• Leveraging media partnerships to position Heifer as a thought leader on youth & technology to increase incomes for smallholder farmers.
• Promote access to innovative finance and elevate Heifer’s voice to attract investors to partner on our innovative and accelerator programs.
• Showcase Heifer’s partnership with the private sector and governments.
• Identify suitable programs, events, and initiatives for media leveraging and positioning.
• Position Heifer as a thought leader in driving integration between technology and climate-smart agriculture.
• Assist with developing the business case for Heifer and ensure visibility with key business media, government, and the local donor community.
• Ghosts write opinion pieces positioning Heifer Africa experts as thought leaders.

Responsible for Heifer Africa content development – content, look and feel across all media and engagements (20%):

• Assist with the development of speeches/presentations/brochures/ infomercials/ short clip videos.
• Assist with responses to media inquiries.
• Manages all executive external and internal communication.
• Provide high-quality, consistent program and thematic content based on approved communication and brand DNA in multiple media channels including press, web, and social media.
• Create, maintain and conduct analytics reporting and extract key insights for future communications plans, complete with formal proposals and recommendations on tactics.

Ensures that content, look and feel positions Africa as aspirational and Heifer as:

• A partner in progress – an organization that prioritizes Africa because of the abundant opportunities in Africa.
• An organization that desires local collaboration with farmers, government, local donors, and the international community.
• Competing for big-ticket funds.
• Implementing signature projects which enhance local food security and know Africans can help themselves.
• Interested in climate change impact and issues of water in the Sahel region.
• Deep understanding of Africa after 45 years.
• Collaborate with Global Communications Team on the production of high-quality audiovisual context.

Coordinate interaction with critical stakeholders (15%):

• Assist Regional leadership to prioritize and manage engagement with critical stakeholders in media, donor community, partnerships, government, and regulators.
• Coordinates critical stakeholder management.
• Assists corporate spokesperson(s).
• Minimize friction with critical stakeholders.
• Scans the environment from time to time and identifies future or perceived challenges for Heifer.
• Develop a critical stakeholder matrix and expectation management document to be revised from time to time (as needed).
• Develop reputation risk register – identify key reputation risk and advice executive management on how to mitigate the same.
• Work with retained consultants and Global Communications Team and Regional leadership to implement crisis management document – scenario planning and shelf-ready responses.
• Develop a quarterly schedule of interactions between identified critical stakeholders and Regional leadership.

May perform other job-related duties as assigned (5%):

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or related Degree plus a minimum of 15 years experience in a reputable PR/Brand consulting firm, or Corporate Communications in a large corporate organization preferably multi-national. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or related degree, plus a minimum of 5 years experience in a senior management position leading PR/Brand Management or Corporate Communications.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

• Knowledge of public relations work applied across all forms of media.
• Strong writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills of building networks, partners and collaborations for media and positioning.
• Negotiation skills including ability to listen and persuade.
• Work with a global mindset preferably with demonstrated experience in working at local, and global levels.
• Demonstrated experience of working with diverse cultural groups, and gender equity approach.
• Experience in taking complex ideas and capturing in accessible ways and multiple formats – briefing papers, positioning pieces, publications, press releases, and social media.
• Experienced in identifying and managing sensitive media issues and crisis communications.
• Ability to collaborate and build positive working relationships with multiple internal and external partners.
• Experience with the design and implementation of results-oriented communication strategies.
• Demonstrated experience managing and/or facilitating events, small convenings, and forums of experts preferred.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

• Ability to inspire and support the team and give expression to Heifer’s mission through word, media, and public relations activities.
• Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the public.
• Ability to confidently give oral presentations and impromptu speeches to a wide range of audiences.
• May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods of time, as well as occasional bending and lifting.
• Ability to effectively plan, prepare, and present material and speeches for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Outstanding English writing skills and oral communication skills are essential.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
• Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online