HR Manager (Asia Pacific Region)

Do you have a passion for seeing isolated people changed by the love of Christ through aviation and other technologies?

Does it excite you to be part of an organisation where every six minutes an aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world, transporting people who live in remote communities and assisting aid and development agencies, missions and churches to share the love of God?

Mission Aviation Fellowship is a unique Christian relief and development charity operating 130 light aircraft in over 30 countries. MAF transports patients, relief workers, produce, medical supplies and Christian workers in the world’s remotest regions. We have operated for over 75 years and have developed into a substantial aviation services charity, delivering help to places of deepest human need where flying is not a luxury but a lifeline.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR Manager to join our international HR team. This is an opportunity to bring your unique skills to be part of a highly skilled team that is compassionate, adaptive, and proactive, delivering exceptional results to our international partners.

Working closely with the Regional Director, Country Directors, operational HR Managers, and other senior management, you will provide guidance on HR policies and practices, and participate in the decision-making process for the region. As such, the role has strategic and day-to-day operational responsibilities for our HR activities in Australia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. With ex-pat staff, from all around the world (many on assignment with their families) and with national staff from various countries, there is an increased complexity to managing the HR function in the region.

Responsibilities:

To be successful in this role, you will bring your expertise by providing strategic HR Business Partner service to stakeholders in the Asia Pacific Region including Resourcing Groups. You will need to be educated to a degree or equivalent level, and ideally, hold a professional qualification in Human Resources. In developing strong working relationships, you will support the Asia Pacific Region through visiting programs regularly, participating in conferences, overseeing workforce and succession planning, and identifying learning and development opportunities for staff.

As a successful candidate, you will be able to demonstrate significant experience in a similar managerial role. Good working knowledge of the Australian “Award” system, “Fair Work” regulations, and other employment legislation are essential. You will also have good negotiation skills, cross-cultural experience, the ability to establish credibility with stakeholders, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to travel.

Project management experience is desirable, along with sensitivity and an ability to relish and instill organisational values. Experience of working overseas in a mission context would also be an advantage given the nature of our organisation and work. Solid involvement with developing and maintaining policies, and standards (as agreed with the CHRO) ensuring operational and legal compliance is essential. Part of this role also includes acting as the global deputy Safeguarding Coordinator to ensure implementation and compliance with safeguarding standards, as well as overseeing all safeguarding officers within the region.

You will establish and maintain a close working relationship with all members of the Asia Pacific HR Team as you provide day-to-day support, regular feedback on performance, objectives, and goals; and by encouraging, providing guidance, and advice as needed.

As part of the HR department in its wider functional activities, you will bring your experience by overseeing the recruitment team, providing guidance, training, and support to programs and the HR team on recruitment and onboarding policy, practices, and processes, providing quarterly report information and working closely with the CHRO on key projects.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia and should also have a strong desire to deliver high-quality support services to our managers and employees. There is an occupational requirement for the successful candidate to be able to align themselves fully with MAF’s Christ-centred vision, mission, and core values.

Due to the global nature of our organisation, there is a requirement for you to be able to travel internationally for 6-8 weeks to visit programs and attend international HR team meetings, as well as a willingness to work outside of normal working hours.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential Criteria:

– Degree qualified with post graduate training in personnel management, preferably CIPD/AHRI qualified or equivalent
– Aptitude in verbal reasoning
– Excellent spoken and written English.
– Able to negotiate persuasively and effectively
– Experience as a HR Manager in a generalist role
– Proven experience in leading and developing a team
– Computer literate
– Previous cross cultural and/or mission experience
– Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures relevant to HR management (incl. change management, remuneration, employee relations, performance management, managing across cultures and managing multi-cultural teams).
– Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
– Is willing and able to be accessible during non-work hours
– Able to demonstrate understanding and acceptance of the Statement of Faith and willing to proactively take part in MAF events and meetings e.g. prayer meetings, away days etc

Desirable Criteria:

– Pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
– Project management skills
– Up to date knowledge of Australian employment law