Manager, People & Culture

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 9 countries, our team of 800+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains.
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children.
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives.

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You’ll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you’re looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

The Role

The Manager, People & Culture (P&C), is responsible for partnering with the Country Director and other country functional teams to drive performance through the effective and efficient implementation of the in-country human resource plan, which looks to continually improve and promote employee engagement, ensure Evidence Action is seen as an employer of choice in the local market and that all employees are supported to reach their full potential.

The incumbent will achieve this by being a strategic partner to the Country Director, by leading all aspects of the country’s P&C function and ensuring that shared ownership of all aspects of the people lifecycle (talent attraction, hiring, performance and development, and retention) is managed efficiently and that promoting a positive work culture is prioritized at all levels.

The Manager, P&C will have managerial and supervisory responsibility over the Country P&C function and its Officers.

This role reports to the Country Director, Malawi with support & technical supervision from the Associate Director (AD), People & Culture – Africa Region

Direct reports: Associate and Officer – People and Culture

Responsibilities 

People & Culture (P&C) Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the People & Culture (P&C) strategy aligned with country and global objectives.
• Provide P&C advisory support to the Country Director and senior leadership at country and regional level on people-related matters.
• Champion organizational culture and values.

Recruitment & Selection

• Manage the staff hiring process to ensure it is conducted efficiently and in compliance with Evidence Action’s policies and national labour laws.
• Ensure a high-quality, transparent, timely and efficient recruitment process.
• In liaison with the Country Director, develop staffing and recruitment plans to ensure that each team is staffed appropriately, according to needs and funding availability, in an efficient and timely manner.
• Guide the Country Director to determine salaries for selected candidates based on the salary scales.
• Ensure pre-employment requirements are submitted and personnel files with documentation according to the P&C checklist are opened for new staff and completed on a timely basis.
• Manage the orientation and induction of new staff at the Country office.
• Process visas and work permits for visitors and International staff as and when required.

Compensation and benefits

• Ensure the timely and efficient monthly payroll administration.
• Manage day-to-day administration of fringe benefits including medical, workman’s compensation, GPA etc with staff and selected vendors.
• In close coordination with Finance, ensure all staff fill timesheets correctly and they are submitted monthly as per policy.
• Ensure the proper utilization and accurate tracking of all types of leave.

P&C Services Administration

• Timely processing of new contracts, contract extensions, staff transfers, promotions and other change of status/ personnel changes as guided by Global and NRS policies.
• Manage processes related to disciplinary actions, staff separation, and termination in liaison with the Manager, Employee Relations & Compliance.
• Respond to employee-related queries and provide answers to all P&C-related inquiries and requests.
• As custodian of country P&C policy, provide day-to-day advice to all teams, around interpretation and implementing P&C policies, and procedures to ensure consistency of application.
• Make sure that employees’ files are always auditable and audited as per Evidence Action standards and any relevant donors’ requirements.
• Working with the Country Director and Country Finance teams, support internal and external Audits by ensuring necessary documents are updated, scanned where required and submitted as needed.
• Lead the Development and Review of the Annual P&C Budget for the Malawi office.
• Assists with all internal and external audit requests relating to P&C files and benefits.
• Regularly review, rollout and ensure adherence to P&C policies, employment policies and procedures in compliance with Evidence Action’s standards and evolving national labour laws.

Performance Management System

• Drive the performance management cycle, including goal setting, feedback process and annual reviews.
• Build manager capacity to give effective feedback and coach staff.
• Identify performance gaps, and guide and support supervisors in actualising performance development plans.
• Provide training and ensure new hires and current staff complete the training on the Evidence Action performance management system on SI (Small improvement tool).
• Monitor the evaluation process at all stages and ensure that employees and supervisors complete the review process objectively and promptly.
• Guide supervisors as they complete evaluations, help supervisors find effective coaching methods that work for specific issues.
• Provide training, support and advice on performance management and staff development plans and ensure reviews are conducted when required as per the Evidence Action policy and procedure.

Learning and Development (L&D)

• Coordinate country-level learning initiatives in alignment with regional and global L&D strategy.
• Conduct an annual learning needs assessment, and organise learning and development opportunities in coordination with the Country Director for staff to achieve country performance goals.
• Participate in forums relating to Human Resources including internal P&C meetings and feedback to management on best practices, and P&C trends in the country and at the global level.

Employee Engagement

• Coordinate the execution of employee satisfaction surveys on an annual basis and leverage the results to enhance staff and organizational well-being.
• Conduct analysis of engagement surveys and provide insights to the country leadership team.
• Communicate feedback to management and staff, and ensure feedback is actioned within every feedback cycle.

Data & Analytics

• Demonstrate an interest in data analytics, extracting actionable insights, collaborating on stakeholder reports, and taking a proactive approach to address highlighted gaps for improvements.
• Promote the use and optimization of systems and tools to streamline processes and enhance the overall employee experience.
• Develop quarterly P&C reports using available staff data, and independently utilize data to make decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human resources or a related field and an additional HR certification such as SHRM / SPHRi or related fields will be an added advantage.
• Member of Human Resource Professional body – IPMM (Institute of People Management in Malawi)
• A Masters degree in Human resources or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum Five (5) years of relevant job experience; INGO experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing P&C policies, procedures and systems.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and HRIS (Human resources Information Systems).
• This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize and deal with competing demands.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• A team builder with excellent people skills; culturally sensitive and has the ability and interest to identify and work with a multicultural team.

Working conditions

The official working hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday.

Position Location  

The position will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi, with occasional visits to field offices.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of Malawi employment visa at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Malawi for roles based in Malawi.

Evidence Action provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees worldwide.

Benefits include: *Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Pension/Retirement savings options
• Paid leave
• Avenues for engagement, learning and recognition.

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to representation and inclusion. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply

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