Organization: Mercy Corps
Location: Addis Ababa
Grade: Internship – Internship
Occupational Groups:
Social Affairs
Human Resources
Culture and Sport
Closing Date:
ABOUT MERCY CORPS
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have a long-term impact.
PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundation.
THE DEPARTMENT
The People and Culture(P&C) department is responsible for providing effective P&C/HR policies, procedures, and people-friendly guidelines and support within Mercy Corps Ethiopia, regional and global teams based in Ethiopia. This includes leading the support on talent acquisition & development; employee engagement coordination; country wide training & learning management; compensation & benefits administration; country wide performance management oversight; disciplinary & grievance handling; staff data management; staff disengagement management and third-party service provision management.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
An intern in the People and Culture(P&C) department will be involved in supporting various P&C/HR functions aimed at enhancing employee engagement, development, and satisfaction within the organization. Assist in the recruitment efforts by calling candidates, scheduling, and coordinating interviews. Additionally, an intern will contribute to assist scheduling onboarding processes, welcoming new hires and assist on clerical aspects. The responsibilities will also include assisting employee events, maintaining HR records, and contributing to assisting people and culture team on initiative that promote a positive work environment and foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The internship provides valuable exposure to P&C/HR operations and an opportunity to learn about the crucial role P&C/HR plays in organizational success.
ESSENTIAL ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF P&C/HR INTERN
Assist in Organizing and managing both active and terminated employee records and ensure confidentiality is maintained. This includes handling personnel files and relevant HR documents.
Complete various HR forms, facilitate staff medical insurance processes, and manage scanning, copying, and archiving of HR documents.
Serve as a point of contact by answering office calls and messages. Coordinate with team members on P&C/ HR-related tasks and plans, including assisting in the preparation and execution of HR events such as orientations and employee parties.
Uphold a professional image while assisting different departments as required, ensuring seamless integration and support.
Work closely with P&C/HR officers and other team members to address P&C/HR issues and provide necessary support. This involves assisting in personnel description and approval processes, as well as coordinating job postings and interview schedules with the filed team.
Support employee engagement initiatives, clerically assist in maintaining employee recognition programs. Additionally, aid in organizing new employee orientation programs.
Assist in compliance-related activities, including maintaining records, handling HR paperwork such as contracts and agreements, and tracking employee attendance and time-off requests.
Shadow P&C/HR staff to understand daily operations and participate in learning sessions to enhance knowledge of HR practices, policies, and systems.
Take on additional responsibilities as skills develop, contributing effectively to the People and Culture team’s goals and objectives.Top of FormBottom of Form
SECURITY
Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTNERS
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our partners and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Reports Directly To: People and Culture Manager
Works Directly with People and Culture assistant and other team members of the department plus field staff.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Management, Human Resource Management, Law, or related social sciences from a recognized institution.
Recent graduates from 2023 and 2024 without prior work experience are welcome to apply.
Key attributes sought include strong interpersonal skills, a basic understanding of Human Resource Management, good organizational abilities with a keen eye for detail, and discretion in handling confidential information.
Demonstrating a genuine interest in human relations, the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting, and proficiency in basic HR principles, practices, and regulations would be advantageous.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the capacity to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
The role requires skill in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite) and ready to be familiarized with P&C/HR systems.
Exhibit accuracy in data management and document preparation, as well as an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and ethical standards in handling HR-related information.Top of FormBottom of Form
SUCCESS FACTORS:
Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn: Being proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn about various HR functions, policies, and practices. Asking questions and showing genuine interest in understanding how the department operates.
Attention to Detail: P&C/HR involves handling sensitive information and adhering to policies and regulations. An intern should demonstrate attention to detail in tasks such as record keeping and ensuring accuracy in documentation.
Effective Communication Skills: often interact with employees at all levels of the organization. Clear and professional communication, both written and verbal, is essential for an intern to convey information accurately and build positive relationships.
Confidentiality and Trustworthiness: Interns in P&C/HR have access to confidential employee information. Maintaining strict confidentiality and demonstrating trustworthiness are crucial to upholding the integrity of the department.
Adaptability and Initiative: P&C/HR environments can be dynamic, with priorities shifting quickly. Interns who can adapt to changes and take initiative to assist with tasks without too much constant supervision will stand out as valuable team members.
LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with travels to the field as needed. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values always and in all in-country venues.
Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION:
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we are today.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we encounter through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and always adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.