HR Assistant - Local Hire

Project Hope•Town of Chautauqua, NY

About The Position

The HR Assistant provides administrative and operational support to the Human Resources function in accordance with Project HOPE policies, procedures, and applicable local labor requirements. The position supports day-to-day HR activities, including recruitment, onboarding, personnel records, attendance and leave tracking, payroll preparation, staff documentation, training coordination, and employee lifecycle processes. Working closely with the HR Coordinator, HR Officer, Finance team, and program staff, the HR Assistant helps ensure HR processes are accurate, efficient, confidential, and timely. The role is a first point of contact for routine HR administrative inquiries and contributes to maintaining a professional, organized, and supportive working environment. The position also supports policy and safeguarding awareness, routine office and facility arrangements, HR projects, and other HR-related duties as assigned. The role is based in the State of Palestine. The work environment is typically an office with minimal noise, though emergency deployments may involve resource-deprived environments and austere living conditions. Intermittent international travel may be required, including travel or work in locations classified as hardship.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
Minimum 1–2 years of relevant experience in HR, administration, or a related field.
Basic knowledge of local labor laws and HR practices.
Ability to maintain accurate records and handle confidential information.
Good understanding of basic HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, personnel records, attendance, leave, and employee documentation.
Fluent knowledge of English and Arabic.
Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet applications.
Ability to use standard office equipment and communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to travel internationally; travel or work in countries with hardship working conditions may be required.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with NGOs or humanitarian organizations.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
Good communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff at different levels.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
Strong teamwork and cooperation skills.
Commitment to humanitarian principles and Project HOPE's values.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional integrity.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and work environments.
Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day administrative support to the HR team and respond to routine staff inquiries, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the HR Officer.
Prepare and distribute HR communications, forms, and staff notices; organize HR meetings, orientations, and staff briefings; and maintain confidentiality of employee information.
Support recruitment by posting approved vacancies, organizing applications, assisting with initial screening and shortlisting, coordinating interviews, supporting reference checks, and preparing recruitment files.
Support onboarding by collecting and verifying staff documentation, preparing contracts and onboarding packages from approved templates, coordinating orientation, and tracking mandatory requirements and training.
Collect and review timesheets, attendance, leave, and other payroll information; prepare payroll inputs for review; follow up on missing documentation; maintain related records; and assist with distributing salary slips confidentially.
Support accurate records related to staff benefits and entitlements, coordinating routine payroll and employee documentation with Finance and HR.
Maintain electronic and hard-copy personnel files, HR trackers, staff databases, and HR information systems; support file audits and routine HR reporting; and ensure documents are organized and available to authorized personnel.
Support employee lifecycle processes, including staff movements, contract renewals, transfers, employment-status changes, probation tracking, separation and clearance processes, exit documentation, and exit interviews when required.
Coordinate staff training and learning activities, maintain attendance and completion records, track mandatory training and certifications, share approved development opportunities, and assist with logistics for HR and capacity-building activities.
Promote awareness of organizational policies, the Code of Conduct, safeguarding, PSEA, and other mandatory requirements; track policy acknowledgements and training; and report safeguarding, misconduct, or serious policy concerns through appropriate channels.
Assist with routine administrative arrangements for office and Guest House staff, monitor basic facility support needs, coordinate with cleaners and security personnel when requested, and support a safe, clean, professional working environment.
Provide general HR administrative support, assist with HR projects, surveys, data collection, and reporting, and perform other HR-related duties as assigned by the HR Coordinator or HR Officer.