Senior Manager, Human Resources

UNICEF Canada’s Mission

To mobilize and empower Canadians to invest in the positive transformation of every child’s future.

Are you a high-impact, data-driven, and strategic human resources professional looking to use your expertise to make a direct impact on the lives of children?

Consider joining UNICEF Canada – one of Canada’s most respected & 
historic charities – and be part of a high-impact, mission-driven team working across Canada and globally to create a better world for children.

UNICEF Canada is seeking to recruit a talented & high-performing individual in 
the role of Senior Manager, Human Resources.

Position Details

Position Description

A key member of the People & Culture team, UNICEF Canada is seeking a collaborative, high-performing & strategic individual to oversee the day-to-day delivery of human resources activities within the organization. This includes (but is not limited to) employee recruitment, legislated obligations & compliance, job evaluations, health & safety, etc.

With top-notch communication skills and a strong command of human resources approaches, the Senior Manager, Human Resources will provide leadership and guidance to the organization that reflects best practices in human resources management and mitigates risk while supporting the day-to-day administration of staff services across Canada.

The position requires expert communication skills, high emotional intelligence, high level of discretion, objectivity & critical thinking, and the ability to foster an inclusive environment for team members at all levels of the organization. Strong attention to detail, and experience building diverse, high-performing teams are essential.

Key Accountabilities

The responsibilities of the position will include, but are not limited to:

Human Resources Management (60%)

• Serve as a key internal advisor on people management matters, ensuring that HR policies, programs, and practices are in place, are free of bias, and support equity and inclusion.
• Set and oversee recruitment processes for employees, consultants, and interns, while also ensuring that anti-racism and equity are central to each stage, with transparency, efficiency and consistency.
• Manage the onboarding process and ensure it is inclusive and supports organizational objectives to create a welcoming environment for all new hires.
• Make recommendations on promotions, transfers, contract negotiation, job classification and employee relations according to policies that prioritize equity and transparency.
• In partnership with Head, People & Culture & Sr. Manager, Organizational Dynamics, oversee the delivery of effective performance management, including fair talent management, and succession planning processes and equitable evaluation.
• Facilitate the Job Evaluation Committee and ensure that job evaluations are conducted in a timely, equitable, & transparent way.
• Facilitate the Joint Health and Safety Committee and serve as an employer representative; plan and co-ordinate monthly workplace inspections, membership nominations and action plans.
• Oversee UNICEF Canada’s Human Resources Information Systems and identify opportunities to improve access, inclusivity, and efficiency.
• Oversee the organization’s compensation practice to ensure fairness and equity and serve as point of contact for compensation surveys and analysis.
• Advise, as required, on organizational succession planning for unforeseen staffing changes.
• Work in partnership with the Head, People & Culture and Director, Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ARDEI) to integrate ARDEI principles into HR practices and initiatives.

Policy & Compliance (20%)

• Support the development & lead implementation of human resources strategies that support UNICEF Canada’s strategic objectives and align with UNICEF Canada’s Anti-Racism and DEI values (i.e. policies, staff training, recruitment).
• Conduct regular policy reviews to ensure compliance with legislation, that they centre employees, and that there is alignment with anti-racist, DEI-focused policies developed by the Director of Anti-Racism and DEI.
• Track annual policy compliance timelines and facilitate policy review processes, engaging diverse perspectives in the review process.
• Anticipate and identify emerging issues and trends that affect the organization’s commitment to policies and programs.

Operations Management (20%)

• Collect & analyze KPIs related to key portfolio metrics (e.g. benefit costs, staffing levels/deployment, turnover, absenteeism, recruitment, applicant tracking, compensation, promotions and performance management), incorporating an equity lens in all analyses.
• Contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Develop and manage the budget for the HR needs of the organization
• Work closely with the Finance team on the semi-monthly payroll; ensure changes are reflected in the payroll each pay period and recommend process improvements as needed.
• Serve as primary point of contact for administration and maintenance of the employee benefits program, ensuring that benefits support the needs of diverse employees and are accessible and equitable.
• Ensure the security of employee records and the appropriate retention periods for various documents, protecting employees’ rights and privacy.

Additional Qualifications:

• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant professional experience in human resources, organizational development, or a related field and experience advocating for DEI and Anti-Racist approaches in human resources.
• Strong drive, deep curiosity, a desire to have impact, and ability to get things done.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
• Strong leadership skills and a proven track record of building and supporting diverse, inclusive teams.
• Sound judgement, strong planning & organizing skills, and an ability to apply an Anti-Racism and DEI lens to problem-solving and strategic decision-making.
• Experience with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) & payroll systems, & knowledge of applicable employment law in Canada
• Experience in benefits and pension administration and an awareness of how benefits policies impact employees from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector (an asset)
• High emotional intelligence and cultural competency, with the ability to handle complex interpersonal dynamics and foster psychological safety within teams.
• Experience supporting an organization’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Reflects the values of UNICEF Canada including a deep commitment to Anti-Racism and DEI, with an understanding of the unique challenges within the nonprofit sector.

An Employer of Choice: What We Offer

UNICEF Canada is where diverse talent & passion come together to create extraordinary impact for every child. We are committed to being an employer of choice and building a culture that is inclusive, ambitious, compassionate, and high impact.

Members of the UNICEF Canada team have access to the following employee benefits:

• Extended Health/Dental benefits & Healthcare Spending Account
• Life, AD&D, & Long-Term disability insurance coverage
• Employer contributions (5%) to a Group Pension Plan
• Access to parental leave top-up
• Flexible-hybrid work environment to support the work-life integration needs of our team
• Minimum 3 weeks of annual vacation (increases with time served) & 1 additional day per year of service (max 30)
• 10 paid sick days & 2 personal days
• 9 to 11 employee wellness days – an additional series of pre-set days off, given annually to further extend long weekends
• Discounted rate for a GoodLife gym membership
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Access to a comprehensive global learning platform with over 1600 courses, webinars & resources
• Internal leadership development, training, & mentorship programs that integrate Anti-Racism and diversity, equity and inclusion principles
• Opportunities to access both local & global stretch assignments
• Centrally located in mid-town Toronto with satellite offices in Calgary & Montreal
• Easily accessed by public transit and a short walk from several parking locations
• Inclusive & accessible co-working and meeting spaces designed to foster purpose at every turn and accommodate the diverse needs of employees
• Under the leadership of a dynamic, accomplished, and experienced executive leadership team, you’ll be part of a diverse & talented Canada team committed to creating meaningful impact while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• You’ll join a global UNICEF family with a shared commitment to impact the lives of children

Our Commitment to Inclusive Workplaces & Recruitment

UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. 

Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document to careers@unicef.ca by Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and reference Senior Manager, Human Resources in the subject heading.

UNICEF Canada sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, all successful candidates must receive clearance by a police background check (including a vulnerable sector screen).

About UNICEF & UNICEF Canada

UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we work to help children survive, defend their rights, keep them protected, healthy and educated, and give them a fair chance to fulfill their potential.

UNICEF Canada is one of 33 National Committees located in countries around the world. Our team exists to fundraise for UNICEF’s highest priorities, and to work neutrally with governments and the private sector in Canada and internationally to advance the rights and well-being of children and youth.