People and Culture Manager

Chemonics seeks a People and Culture Manager for the Syria Education Programme II to manage HR functions, enhance staff engagement, and ensure compliance.

• Human Resources Management
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, orientation, performance evaluation cycle and offboarding processes.
• Prepare all long-term and short-term employment agreements and amendments.
• Manage contracts, employee benefits, leave administration, payroll inputs and staff grievances.
• Review staff’s monthly timesheets for completeness, accuracy and appropriate approvals, before transmission onto the project finance team.
• Review and verify staff monthly travel and other reimbursable expenses, and coordinate with the Finance Team to ensure approved amounts are accurately included in the monthly payroll and staff compensation.
• Ensure legal compliance with Syrian labour law, Chemonics policies and FCDO regulations.
• Maintain up to date HR records and ensure GDPR/data protection compliance.
• Lead employee relations processes and support managers in resolving workplace issues.
• Support line managers in effectively managing employee performance on an ongoing basis, including setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, addressing performance challenges and promoting staff development in alignment with organisational and programme goals.
• Ensure Employee Policy Manual is maintained and shared with all staff and policies and procedures are enforced as per the manual.
• Support programme Senior Leadership in developing and implementing workforce planning strategies and policies to ensure programme staffing structures remain fit for purpose.
• Support succession planning and organisational capacity development efforts.
• Laise with Life and Medical Insurance provider by maintaining and updating records for employees
• Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and continuous learning.
• HR Systems and Process Improvement
• Lead the development and implementation of systems that improve workforce management and employee experience.
• Maintain HR dashboards, reporting tools and workforce analytics.
• Develop systems to monitor leave balances, training participation, performance review completion and employee development plans.
• Oversee management of learning and development budgets and staff training funds.
• Develop and improve onboarding, induction and staff tracking systems.
• Lead the development and implementation of HR-related policies, procedures and standard operating processes.
• Identify efficiency opportunities and streamline internal processes that support workforce management and organisational effectiveness.
• Maintain up to date HR internal records and update records and contracts.
• Lead employee registration, updates and deregistration with the Syrian Social Security Institution and ensure timely submission of all required documentation and statutory contributions.
• Compliance
• Ensure HR compliance frameworks and controls are maintained and operating effectively.
• Provide guidance to managers on HR compliance, safeguarding and policy implementation.
• Ensure complete and audit-ready personnel files, payroll documentation and statutory employment records are maintained in accordance with donor and organisational requirements.
• Deliver training to staff on HR policies, safeguarding, code of conduct and compliance matters.
• Monitor HR risks and recommend mitigation measures.
• Team Management and coordination
• Provide HR guidance and support to managers and employees across the programme, promoting good people management practices, employee engagement, and compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with:
• Head Office to ensure HR and operational compliance and documentation.
• Senior Finance Manager on employee-related financial matters.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, International Development, or related field.
• CIPD or equivalent HR qualification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in HR and operations management, preferably in international development or humanitarian settings.
• Experience managing multi-country HR operations and working with diverse teams.
• Experience in international development or donor-funded programmes.
• Strong understanding of the context, conflict and security situation in Syria, previous experience in Syria is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in systems improvement.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of FCDO regulations and guidelines preferred.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in HRIS, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office.
• High level of discretion and commitment to confidentiality and equity.
• Fluency in Arabic, with strong speaking and writing skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively both orally and in writing, and deliver presentations, training, and facilitate meetings effectively.
• Has the right to work in Syria and based or willing to be based in Damascus,