Deputy Director, Human Resources

Internal/External Posting Notice

Title:                                       Deputy Director, Human Resources                          

Department:                           Finance & Operations

Status:                                   Full-time, non-union

Location:                               Ottawa, ON Canada                       

Immediate Supervisor:        Director, Finance & Operations    

Salary:                                   $110,000 to $130,000 

Application Deadline:          February 21, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found         

Oxfam Canada is an affiliate of the international Oxfam Confederation networked in over 85 countries as part of a global movement for change. Our mission is to build lasting solutions to poverty and injustice with a focus on improving the lives and promoting the rights of women and girls. We work directly with communities, partners and women's rights organizations to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and keep people poor. Together we seek to influence those in power to ensure that women trapped in poverty have a say in the critical decisions that affect them, their families and entire communities. That’s why we believe that ending global poverty begins with women’s rights.

Oxfam Canada offers a generous compensation and benefits program, but more than that, we offer the opportunity to be a part of our global movement for change. If you advocate for gender equality, are passionate about women’s rights, and share our values of Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability, and Courage – we want you on our team!

SCOPE OF POSITION**:**

The Deputy Director, Human Resources (HR) is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the human resources strategy aligned with Oxfam Canada’s organizational strategy, policies and practices. The Deputy Director is responsible for managing the Human Resources team, providing advisory support and expertise to members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and managers regarding the needs, planning and management of HR and professional relationships.

The Deputy Director, HR will lead all aspects of HR, Management and Labour Relations in a unionized work environment in alignment with our commitment to Anti-Racism, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and based on the most relevant available evidence. The Deputy Director, HR is responsible for the overall management, administration and coordination of HR activities including but not limited to providing coaching and guidance to the SLT, managers and staff in areas related to HR management and organizational culture.

The Deputy Director, HR oversees and guides a team of diverse HR professionals who are responsible for all aspects of the employment life cycle including recruitment, onboarding, retention, payroll and benefits, employee relations, labour relations, conflict resolution, performance management, training and development and the exit process. The individual must be a team-oriented leader and manager of people who has a proven track record in motivating individuals for collective success.

The Deputy Director, HR fosters an anti-racist, diverse and inclusive work environment, supporting the strategic and operational goals of OCA, and fostering a positive organizational culture. The ideal candidate brings expertise in organizational management and a deep understanding and commitment to our Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Principles, Feminist Principles, JEDI, decolonization, reconciliation and Indigenous rights. The Deputy Director, HR supports the SLT in an effort to ensure Oxfam is a safe organization, including meeting OCA’s Safeguarding (prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)) commitments, compliance with the No Harassment No Violence (prevention of harm, harassment, bullying or abuse) strategies, initiatives and training. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:** (This is not an exhaustive list of duties to be performed)

The Deputy Director, HR will contribute to achieving organizational goals and objectives through the following:

HR Management and Representation

• Act as subject matter expert and support SLT, HR Team, staff and Managers concerning HR policies, procedures and practices and interpretation of the Collective Agreement.
• Support Managers and SLT in the implementation of HR policies and procedures, in such areas as job descriptions, evaluations, performance management, problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Labour and Employee Relations

• As the first point of contact with the Union on Labour Relations matters, represent management in Union/Management relations, (e.g. Labour Management Committee, collective bargaining, grievance/arbitration proceedings) and administer the terms of the Collective.
• Conduct research and analysis, communicate responses and prepare for labour relations processes including collective bargaining, grievances or arbitration.
• Participate on internal or external committees (Health & Safety, Joint Job Evaluation) or working groups.

Management of HR Team

• Lead and support the HR Team and provide advice, guidance and support on priorities and objectives.
• Set priorities and direct work of the HR team prioritizes both adherence to existing policies and processes, as well as ways to continuously improve processes to support a positive employee experience and organizational culture.
• Empower the team to provide compassionate and timely support to all staff concerning any HR matter.

Recruitment and Induction

• Oversee, support and participate in recruitment and onboarding processes including job postings, candidate screening, interviewing and onboarding.
• Ensure ARAO Principles, Feminist Principles and JEDI are prioritized throughout the organization in our HR systems, recruitment and retention policies and practices.
• Guide hiring managers, interview panelists and HR team on the selection process, offer negotiations, and timelines.
• Oversee hosting agreements, secondments, contract and consultant recruitment and selection, ensuring adherence to the Collective Agreement and applicable policies and processes.

HR Systems, Processes and Policies

• Lead and provide guidance to all people leaders for all phases of the performance cycle, including annual reviews, goal setting, assessments and staff training.
• Provide leadership and oversee the ongoing maintenance, update and utilization of the various HR systems, including the HR Information System BambooHR, payroll system, and the administration portals of all benefits systems.
• Leverage, analyze and report on HR data to guide decision-making, set priorities and identify opportunities.
• Develop, monitor and evaluate HR policies, procedures, systems and tools.
• Lead contact with benefits providers in the negotiation of benefits plans and associated costs.
• Provide oversight and support to the HR team in the development and reforecasting of the salary budget for the organization.

HR Administration, Legal and Compliance

• Review, assess and implement improvements in staff change processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, proper documentation, and positive employee experience.
• Ensure HR-related matters are kept in confidence, and in compliance with existing employment, privacy and tax legislation, as well as in line with the Collective Agreement.
• Develop and manage the HR Unit budget.
• Participate and support annual external audit, ensuring all HR files are accurate, and appropriately documented and stored.

Training and Professional Development

• Lead and provide oversight in the areas of staff training and development.
• Ensure the annual staff training schedule is defined and identify training and development opportunities for staff including leading or supporting training sessions.
• Review professional development policy and process, ensuring appropriate application and recommending and implementing improvements to increase awareness and usage by staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES**:**

• A Bachelor’s degree in a field such as human resources, public or business administration or a related discipline is required. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
• A Master’s degree in Human Resources or a related field is an asset.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of Human Resources Management with a minimum five (5) years supervisory experience.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation or equivalent is required.
• Experience in the development and implementation of strategic and operational HR, administration and safeguarding.
• Experience leading in a workplace environment with both unionized and non-unionized staff including interpreting a collective agreement, joint job evaluations, workplace health and safety and managing grievance or dispute resolution processes.
• Proven track record in building trust and maintaining respectful and effective relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, including union representatives.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of labour law and relevant legislation including health and safety is required.
• Superior interpersonal, communication (written and oral), presentation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor and delegate appropriately as required.
• Good judgement and proven capacity to work in a self-directed manner as well as demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy while meeting critical deadlines.
• Experience administering a HR Information Systems, preferably BambooHR and payroll systems, preferably EmployerD.
• Discretion to work with confidential and sensitive issues on a regular basis.
• Excellent time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to identify priorities, manage change, and work under pressure.
• Recognized management and negotiation skills, leadership and capacity for innovation.
• Demonstrated commitment to Feminist Principles, ARAO Principles, JEDI, global justice, social change, women’s rights and gender equality.
• Certification in Workplace Health and Safety and First Aid training is an asset.
• Experience working for a registered non-profit organization is an asset.
• Ability to adopt a flexible schedule if necessary and availability to work occasionally evenings and weekends.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English, spoken and written. The ability to communicate in French is an asset.
• High level of proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint), electronic mail, database systems and data analytics.
• Availability to travel occasionally within Canada and abroad.
• Demonstrated commitment to feminism, anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to sign and abide by the Oxfam Code of Conduct and related policies.

In addition to competitive pay, Oxfam Canada Offers:

• 35-hour work week and the ability to work flexible hours.
• 4 weeks of paid vacation per year, prorated based on FTE equivalence, plus paid office closure from December 27 to 31.
• Extensive health, dental and wellness coverage for staff and their dependents.
• Paid sick days, and additional time off for personal and care responsibilities.
• Pension plan contributions.
• Caring, compassionate and supportive work environment that recognizes that work is one of the many responsibilities we have to prioritize in our lives.
• Regular opportunities for all staff across Canada to meet – in person and virtually – to learn, connect and grow as a team!

** MUST be eligible to work in Canada ** 

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications. If you don’t see yourself reflected in every job requirement listed in the posting above, we still encourage you to apply!

We prioritize creating a compassionate, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and connected. We are especially eager to hear from women and gender non-conforming individuals, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, immigrants to Canada, and others from underrepresented groups.

If you require adaptive measures during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us at CAN-TEAM-HR@oxfam.org  or (613) 237-5236. We are committed to providing accommodations to meet your needs. Oxfam Canada has an accommodation policy for persons with disabilities. The job posting is available in alternate formats.

Important Note: Offers of employment are conditional upon signing our code of conduct, satisfactory references, and any required screening checks. At Oxfam Canada, we place a high priority on ensuring that only individuals who share and demonstrate our values join our team.

For additional career opportunities, visit oxfam.ca/employment-opportunities. Please note that we do not offer internships or overseas volunteer placements.

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We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.