The HR Manager will provide critical human resources support to World Central Kitchen's disaster response teams operating in the Middle East. This role will be based in Amman, Jordan, and will be responsible for managing all HR functions related to recruitment, onboarding, personnel management, and staff wellbeing during emergency response operations for our Gaza response. The Middle East HR Manager will manage the HR related matters for staff based in Amman, Cairo and Gaza providing technical leadership to HR team members inside Gaza. The ideal candidate will have experience working in humanitarian contexts and be able to adapt quickly to changing priorities in high-pressure situations.
This position is based in Amman, Jordan. The Middle East HR Manager is a key member of the team on the Gaza activation, reporting directly to the Gaza Response Director.
This role is a
four (4) month contract term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment and On/Offboarding
- Coordinate local and international hiring processes for response teams
- Develop and implement efficient onboarding procedures for rapid deployment
- Work with local partners to identify qualified candidates in response locations
- Prepare and manage employment contracts and consultant agreements, including termination processes
- Ensure compliance with local labor laws across multiple countries
Personnel Management
- Maintain accurate personnel records and documentation for all staff and contractors
- Coordinate with Finance on payroll and compensation matters
- Manage staff scheduling, rotations, and time-off requests
- Implement performance management processes appropriate for emergency contexts
- Address staff concerns and resolve conflicts in a timely manner
Staff Wellbeing and Support
- Develop and implement staff wellness programs to support teams working in challenging environments
- Coordinate psychological support resources for staff when needed
- Manage staff accommodations (including bookings) and basic needs are met during deployments and visits
- Monitor and address staff fatigue, stress, and burnout
- Implement appropriate security protocols in coordination with security personnel
Policies and Compliance
- Ensure WCK's compliance with local employment laws and regulations
- Develop and implement HR policies adapted to regional contexts
- Conduct briefings on organizational policies, code of conduct, and safety procedures
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive personnel information
- Support investigations into policy violations as needed, as well as any disciplinary procedures that result from investigations
Requirements
Required Experience and Skills
- Ability to work in the Amman, Jordan, office six (6) days per week and/or working remotely one (1) day per week.
- Minimum five (5) years of HR experience, with at least two (2) years working in disaster response, humanitarian aid, or international development
- Experience working in the Middle East region, with understanding of local labor laws and practices
- Proven ability to work effectively in emergency or crisis situations
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work with diverse, multinational teams
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience supporting disaster response teams
- Knowledge of NGO operations and humanitarian standards
- Relevant HR certifications
- Experience working in food service or culinary operations
Working Conditions: This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments. Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions are essential.
Duration: This is a
four (4) month contract term position with the opportunity for renewal, offering a unique chance to support WCK's responses.
Reports to: Gaza Response Director
Location(s): Gaza-based in Jordan, with frequent travel to active relief sites throughout the Middle East.
WCK is an ambitious, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization. Working at WCK often requires long and nontraditional hours. Everyone's role is to directly or indirectly feed people with urgency when disasters strike - even on weekends and holidays. Please review our North Star and if this approach resonates with you, we welcome your application.
Benefits
Why Join Us?
Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and innovation.
Global Impact: Your work will have a direct impact on building a diverse and talented global team.
Dynamic Team: Work with a supportive and enthusiastic team that values collaboration and fun.
If you're ready to bring your unique talents to a role that's as challenging as it is rewarding, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and let's build the future of World Central Kitchen together!
WCK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Join us in being a part of WCK's global talent journey!
