Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a People & Culture and Administration Manager to support the Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agrikultura (RIISA) initiative.

Background

 

Since its inception in 1953, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)has been committed to local ownership and sustainable outcomes. MEDA is currently working in over 37 countries around the world. We use a business-oriented approach to local economic development that results in positive social, environmental and economic impact. We facilitate the development of sustainable enterprises that benefits women, men, and youth small scale producers, including those most marginalized within agri-food market systems. Our development values are wealth creation by adding value in managing human, financial and environmental resources; participation of those with whom we work - at all stages and levels of a project - regardless of gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationality, or religion; collaboration with others engaged in development to avoid duplication and competition; sustainability, both programmatically and environmentally; and direct investment in businesses that serve the poor.

 

With support from the Government of Canada, MEDA will implement “Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agrikultura” (RIISA) in Philippines, covering Davao Region. This is a five-year project currently in the fourth year of implementation.

 

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

 

About RIISA Project:

 

RIISA (Resilience and Inclusion through Investment for Sustainable Agrikultura) is a 5-year program targeting women and men cacao smallholder farmers (SHFs) in Mindanao. RIISA responds to multiple challenges in the Philippine cacao sector and draws on MEDA’s experience in market systems development, gender lens investing (GLI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and environment and climate change (ECC).

RIISA is piloting an innovative market systems approach aimed at identifying cacao market system gaps, mobilize investment capital and strengthen local capacity, and gathering learnings that can be replicated by local ecosystems to strengthen the enabling environment.

                                   

Position Summary

The People & Culture Operations (P&C Ops) Manager will oversee support services for the daily office/project operations and Human Resources function for the senior management team and project staff. The P&C Ops Manager will manage the implementation of the full employee cycle; office operational support by overseeing the management, procurement and maintenance of office equipment and supplies; safety and security systems for both staff and assets; and assisting in developing and maintaining government relations as required.  

 

Job Status: Full-time, 1 year contract 

Start Date:  As soon as possible 

Location(s): Davao City, Philippines 

Report To: Country Director

Direct Report(s): Office Administrator, Support Assistant, Driver

Key Accountabilities

People & Culture– 30%

Manage full-cycle recruitment and the employee cycle, ranging from   Creating job post ads, pre-screen, interview, and conduct reference check, along with contract negotiation and curate of a job offer contract,   Coordinate within inter depts to secure MEDA work equipment(s) for new hire, onboarding,   Provide confidential HC counseling to staff as required and champion MEDA culture and foster positive and inclusive work environment,     Serve as the primary point of contact for staff with their general HR queries and close on follow up actions for consistent and high-quality HR services,  Maintain up-to-date employee documents in both hard copy and electronic files within the HRIS database, pertinent paperwork such as contracts, salary letters, banking info, Paid Time Off accrual & usage, etc.  Facilitate performance assessment,   Support internal training & development,   Manage any complex employee relations casework including dispute resolutions, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, retirement and redundancy.   Prepare human resources documentation as needed (e.g. employment validation documents, service agreements, transfer letters, training-related documents, etc.).   Support action planning of MEDA engagement survey,  Manage & facilitate offboarding as part of an employee’s exit from MEDA.   Serve as the primary point of contact for legal counsel and execute on validation/verification that project is in full compliance with Philippines’ regulations and law.  Collaborate with HQ People & Culture for and execute on the development and implementation of MEDA policies complying with MEDA’s P&C guidelines and local employment legislation.
Manage monthly payroll benefits and insurance through timely communications with finance to ensure timely payment.  Calculating monthly salary & adjustments for payroll,   Administer & remit insurance premium, mandatory deductions, retirement contribution, etc.  Administer annual salary changes.  Health & Safety: Manage MEDA’s Health and Safety policy, participate on the committee, and ensure compliance with government regulations.   

Office Administrations & People Management – 30%

Supervise and optimizes utilization and efficiency of office operations by way of managing administrative staff (direct reports include Drivers, Office Administrator & Support Assistants).
Manage the safety and security functions of MEDA in the Philippines,    Developing/updating a Field Security Manual with support from MEDA HQ;   Monitoring staff travel;   Manage MEDA’s fleet of vehicles;   Manage and/or supervise all travel logistical and security processes, including securing work permits, entry visas for visiting staff and other stakeholders, as well as  travel of local staff.  Monitor team morale and assist the Country Director and managers to address issues promptly. Manage office/department budget and procure equipment replacement and/or supplies as needed. Oversee and manage the visits of donors/MEDA supporters and HQ staff to the Project Staff in collaboration with project staff.
Assist the CD in developing and maintaining appropriate government of Philippines relationships and complying with registration requirements, financial institutions.

Project - 30% 

Support project needs such as procurement of supplies, equipment and services according to procurement rules adopted by the project.
Prepare appropriate HR and Admin/Operations reports and statistics to the Country Director and participate in periodic planning processes as required (annual, semi-annual, quarterly).    Developing and dissemination of country/project briefing/promotional documents.   Ensure that office-related requirements of the program team are supported e.g., appropriate equipment and facilities are procured, installed and/or arranged in a timely manner.
Oversee the procurement process in compliance with MEDA policy, donor guidelines and Philippines laws.
 

Any other tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Education:   Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or other relevant field with a minimum of 8 years’ experience  Experience in working for an International Organization or NGO highly preferred   Certified Human Resource Professional will be an added advantage  Experience in human resources within the Philippines labor market, office administration, procurement/logistics management   Self-starter and ability to work unsupervised and take ownership of queries, bringing them to a successful conclusion  Flexible, organized and detail-oriented, with an ability to prioritize multiple assignments and react quickly to changes  Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills  Experience resolving issues of a confidential and sensitive nature  Able to navigate Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel applications  Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required, additional language skills in Spanish, Filipino and/or Tagalog, and/or French is an asset  Experience organizing conferences and meetings, making domestic and international travel arrangements preferred  Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, vision and values   Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty   Prior work experience in the international development sector desirable 

This job description may be reviewed, revised, and updated as required to meet department and/or organizational objectives.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 24, 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis when received. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. Only successful applicants will be contacted.  

MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.