Location: Rome (Italy)
Closing Date: 22-04-2026

Context

Un Ponte Per (UPP) is an international solidarity association and non-governmental organization established in 1991, immediately after the end of the bombing of Iraq, under the name “Un Ponte per Baghdad.” Its initial aim was to promote solidarity initiatives in support of the Iraqi population affected by the war.

Over time, the organization expanded its activities to other countries in the Middle East and Mediterranean region, as well as to Serbia and Kosovo. UPP’s mission is to prevent armed and violent conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, through awareness-raising campaigns, cultural exchanges, cooperation and humanitarian projects, peacebuilding programs, and the development of networks for social justice.

Un Ponte Per considers practical solidarity and the commitment to building strong connections between Italian civil society and the civil societies of the countries where it operates as inseparable. Over more than 30 years, the organization has implemented health, cultural, and educational projects focused on peace and human rights.

UPP is currently active in Iraq and North-East Syria, including through emergency response, first reception activities, and ongoing aid distribution. In 2011, Un Ponte Per launched a large-scale assistance program for refugees fleeing to neighboring countries, and since 2014 it has been operating in the predominantly Kurdish areas of North-East Syria.

For more information, please visit our website: www.unponteper.it

General Purpose of the Role

The HR Manager collaborates with the Executive Direction in defining the Human Resources strategy of the organization, ensuring its implementation and alignment with the mission and strategic objectives of Un Ponte Per.

The role ensures effective, ethical, and sustainable management of human resources, promoting staff development, well-being, and a safe and inclusive working environment. The position contributes to fostering an organizational culture based on well-being, equity, inclusion, and employer responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Governance

• Under the supervision of the Direction, ensure the development, update, and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and tools for staff management and development across all operational contexts
• In coordination with the Direction and Programme Department, oversee workforce planning, organizational structure, and job architecture
• Provide technical support to HR focal points in UPP missions, ensuring transparency, regular exchanges, and sharing of best practices
• Advise the Direction on people-related risks and HR dynamics within the organization

HR Management and Development

• Coordinate the full recruitment and staff management cycle
• Support the Direction, Heads of Department, and Heads of Mission in people management, including complex or sensitive cases
• In coordination with the Direction, ensure implementation of safeguarding policies and investigation procedures
• Oversee compliance with occupational health and safety requirements (D.Lgs. 81/08), coordinating the work of the Office Manager
• In coordination with the labour consultant, supervise administrative processes related to hiring, payroll, health insurance, and medical checks
• In collaboration with the Direction and Administration Department, contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the HR and Office Management budget

External Relations and Compliance

• Participate in external coordination forums and working groups on HR-related matters

Essential Requirements

• At least 5 years of proven experience in HR management roles
• Strong knowledge of HR processes, labour law, and compliance frameworks
• Demonstrated experience in complex organizational environments (NGOs/international organizations is a strong asset)
• Experience in managing sensitive HR cases and safeguarding-related matters
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work autonomously and advise senior management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in Italian and English (written and spoken)
• Proficiency in HR systems and MS Office

Desirable Assets

• Previous experience in humanitarian or development organizations
• Familiarity with safeguarding, PSEA, and investigation processes
• Experience working in multi-country or mission-based contexts