Senior Human Resource and Administration Officer

Main Functions: 

The Senior Human Resource and Administration Officer is responsible for: 

• providing professional human resource services well aligned with human resource policies, strategies, systems and processes to meet the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s goals and objectives. 
• Strategic planning, development, implementation, and daily operations of IORA’s human resource and administration functions. 
• Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, promotion of employee engagement and development, management of organisational protocols and facilities, and supporting IORA's mission through effective people and operational management.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic administration and Organisational Planning

Aligns HR & Administration to IORA's strategic objectives.

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic HR and administration plan in consultation with the Corporate Services Director to support organisational goals.
• Conduct workforce planning and HR forecasting based on financial resources, program needs, and strategic direction.
• Design and regularly review schemes of service and organisational structures to ensure role clarity, efficiency, and alignment with IORA’s evolving mandate.
• Lead succession planning across departments in collaboration with departmental heads.
• Develop and manage the HR and administrative budget.

Human Resource Policy & Compliance Management

Ensures fair, transparent, and legally compliant HR practices.

• Formulate and update HR policies, regulations, manuals, and guidelines in compliance with local laws and international standards.
• Advise on and interpret HR policies, ensuring their consistent application to promote fairness and equity across the organisation.
• Promote adherence to the Workers’ Rights Act and all other applicable employment legislation in Mauritius.
• Represent the organisation in labour tribunals or court cases related to HR matters and ensure proper follow-up.
• Respond to audit queries and maintain compliance-related documentation.

Talent Acquisition, Contracts & Employment Lifecycle

Manages full employee lifecycle with a focus on recruitment, onboarding, and contracts.

• Manage end-to-end recruitment for local staff, including job postings, interviews, and selection.
• Oversee employment contract issuance and termination.
• Conduct onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a positive and compliant employee experience.
• Maintain and update employment terms and conditions for all staff in alignment with HR policies.

Compensation, Payroll & Benefits Administration

Ensures timely, accurate compensation and equitable benefits management.

• Design and maintain competitive salary structures, including performance-based pay systems.
• Oversee payroll processing, deductions, taxes, and reporting; liaise with the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
• Administer employee benefits including pensions, health insurance, travel allowances, per diems, and discretionary entitlements.
• Handle insurance policies for staff and ensure benefit queries are resolved in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage payroll records and ensure strict confidentiality and compliance.

Performance Management & Staff Development

Drives employee development and performance excellence.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Performance Appraisal Management System (PAMS).
• Conduct periodic training needs analysis and implement tailored training programmes.
• Liaise with the Human Resource Development Council of Mauritius for access to training and development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of learning, development, and internal mobility within the Secretariat.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training and performance interventions.

Employee Relations, Discipline & Workplace Wellbeing

Maintains a healthy, safe, and respectful work environment.

• Ensure staff discipline is maintained through fair and documented processes.
• Address grievances and resolve workplace conflicts through constructive dialogue and negotiation.
• Promote initiatives that support staff morale, mental health, safety, and welfare.
• Enforce workplace health and safety standards in accordance with the Workers’ Rights Act.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen internal communication and staff engagement.

Records, Immigration & HR Operations

Maintains data integrity, ensures legal access, and handles international staffing formalities.

• Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and confidential HR records (physical and electronic) for all staff.
• Manage immigration, visa applications, and renewals for international staff based in Mauritius.
• Ensure timely renewal of work permits and compliance with immigration regulations.
• Support audit readiness through proper HR record-keeping and documentation.

Administration, Facility & Asset Management

Supports seamless operations and maintains a conducive office environment.

• Supervise administrative functions including document control, office supply procurement, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
• Manage the IORA library and ensure official records and files are stored and disposed of in accordance with policies.
• Supervise the use, repair, and maintenance of office facilities and vehicles, ensuring all drivers hold valid licenses and vehicles are insured.
• Develop and implement office administrative policies and procedures.

Travel & Logistics Coordination

Coordinates local and international travel for staff and officials.

• Arrange official travel including booking flights, accommodation, transportation, and per diem payments.
• Prepare travel itineraries and ensure proper documentation is in place for all official travel.
• Coordinate logistics and event planning for meetings, conferences, and other Secretariat functions.

Protocol & Diplomatic Liaison

Handles diplomatic formalities and external coordination with Mauritian authorities.

• Liaise with Mauritian Protocol and Transport Authorities on diplomatic matters for seconded and international staff.
• Facilitate VAT exemptions, customs clearance, issuance of diplomatic identity cards, and other privileges for accredited diplomats.
• Assist with official visa processing and diplomatic clearances for incoming and outgoing staff and dignitaries.

Qualifications and skills

Essential requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
• At least 8 years of progressive professional experience in human resource and administration roles.
• Deep knowledge of HR policy development, Mauritius labour legislation, and employee relations best practices.
• Proven experience with strategic HR planning and workforce development.
• Strong leadership, supervision, and decision-making capabilities.
• High-level interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills in English and French.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HR Information System (HRIS).

Desirable qualities/experience/skills:

• Prior experience in an international, regional, governmental, or public policy organisation.
• Familiarity with diplomatic protocol and administrative procedures in intergovernmental contexts.
• Certification in labour law, HR analytics, or project management would be advantageous.

Terms of Appointment

• Employment Type:    Permanent, full-time
• Reporting to:              Corporate Services Director
• Probation:                   6 Months probation period subject to satisfactory performance 
• Location:                     IORA Secretariat, Mauritius
• Salary Range:             MUR 40,300 – 69,800 + mandatory and discretionary benefits

This position is open to Mauritian candidates only.

Candidates must submit cover letter, CV and evidence of experience supported with copies of Certificates to IORA Secretariat, hq@iora.int by 18 September 2025