People and Culture Intern at Mercy Corps

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

The Program / Department/Team

The People and Culture(P&C) department responsible for providing effective HR policies, procedures, and people-friendly guidelines and support within Mercy Corps Kenya, regional and global teams based in Kenya. This includes but is not limited to lead the support on talent acquisition & development; employee engagement coordination; country wide training & learning management; compensation & benefits administration; country wide performance management oversight; disciplinary & grievance handling; staff data management; staff disengagement management and third-party service provision management.

The Position

The Intern – People & Culture will primarily be based in Nairobi, with a focus on supporting and learning of the P&C systems and processes. The intern will ensure People and culture records are accurate, accessible, compliant, and securely managed while supporting efficient People and Culture operations

Essential Job Responsibilities

RECORDS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

• Organize staff files (physical & digital) for easy retrieval.

• Ensure staff files are organized and complete per audit requirements.

• Ensure all statutory documents/policies are signed and in staff files

• Sort, label, and file physical documents (employee records, forms, contracts) in designated personnel files.

• Electronically upload/scanned documents to Mercy Corps HCM or digital repositories with correct naming conventions

• Receive new hire paperwork, benefits enrollment forms, etc., and route for processing before filing.

• Track pending documents requiring signatures/completion.

• Digitally move files to designated archive folders/systems, ensuring accuracy

• Maintain a log (spreadsheet/database) of archived boxes/files with location

• Verify the presence of mandatory documents in personnel files

• Identify missing, misfiled, or outdated documents.

• Accurately input basic in HCM related to filing/archiving.

• Assist with digital file organization within P&C system

• Strictly adhere to data privacy regulations and company policies

ON BOARDING AND OFFBOARDING PROCESSES SUPPORT

• Support the preparation of orientation schedules for new staff members.

• Assists track the onboarding process to ensure it is done to completion

• Ensuring staff receive complete orientation pack on arrival

• Ensuring staff are fully oriented within one month of reporting.

• Any other duties assigned in the People & Culture Department.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.

• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.

• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To:   People & Culture Officer

Works Directly With: The People & Culture Team, Department/Program managers/coordinators,  

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, social sciences or equivalent

• A member of IHMR/Certified Human Resources Practitioner – Kenya is strongly desirable

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications/Computer skills.

• Confident, articulate, detail-oriented and organized

• Team Player, Ability to multi-task, Enthusiastic and ready to learn

• Passionate about serving vulnerable people, especially children

• Able to work within a multi-cultural environment

Success Factors

The successful candidate will have excellent team and interpersonal relationship skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in complex environments. S/he will combine strong communication skills, creativity, initiative, Quick learner, Multitasking, prioritizing, problem solving, simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. S/he must have the confidence and humility to work effectively with a diverse group of people.

Living Conditions/Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Nairobi. Housing for this role is individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).