Experienced HR Mediator/Counsellor (Freelancer or Part-Time)

Introduction
We are seeking an experienced and empathetic individual to serve as an HR Mediator/Counsellor. The ideal candidate will facilitate communication, encourage active listening, and provide a safe space for both employees and management to express their needs and concerns. This role is critical in fostering open dialogue, building trust, and enhancing organizational efficiency. This part-time or freelance position will support approximately 30 employees within our company.

The HR Mediator/Counsellor will help to create an environment where all parties feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and will provide a neutral, objective perspective to de-escalate conflicts. They will collect and analyze feedback, summarize it effectively, and provide actionable insights to both employees and management without making personal judgments.

Please have in mind that this project can be run one time for a 3-month period, or if we find a suitable candidate, we plan to utilize their services on an as-needed basis. Therefore, we request both a project-based fee and an hourly fee to be provided.

Key Responsibilities

1. Employee Communication & Feedback Gathering
• Conduct one-on-one conversations with employees to gather honest opinions about the company, management, goals, vision, mission, and suggested improvements.
• Facilitate anonymous feedback channels to promote transparency.
• Summarize and analyze employee input and present balanced, actionable insights to both management and employees.
2. Mediation & Conflict Resolution
• Act as a neutral party to mediate disputes or misunderstandings between employees and management.
• Provide clear and unbiased reports to support informed decision-making without taking sides.
3. Support for Key Processes
• Assist during the employee evaluation period (conducted quarterly).
• Offer guidance and communication support during sensitive HR discussions, including employee terminations.
4. Job Descriptions, KPIs, and OKRs
• Review and refine job descriptions to align them with organizational goals.
• Develop clear, measurable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for each role within the company.
5. Policy Development and Refinement
• Collaborate with management to review and update company policies to ensure clarity, relevance, and alignment with best practices.
• Propose new policies or enhancements to create a supportive work environment.
6. Reporting and Presentation
• Deliver periodic reports summarizing findings, analyses, and recommendations.
• Present insights constructively and actionably to employees and management.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Proven experience in HR, counseling, mediation, or related fields.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret employee feedback and translate it into actionable recommendations.
• Experience in creating job descriptions, KPIs, and OKRs.
• Thorough understanding of organizational policies and HR best practices.
• Ability to remain neutral, maintain confidentiality, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Availability to work part-time or on a freelance basis, with flexibility to meet employees as needed.

Scope and Deliverables

• Conduct initial and ongoing interviews with employees.
• Provide quarterly reports summarizing employee feedback and recommendations.
• Develop and refine job descriptions, KPIs, and OKRs for all positions.
• Review and enhance company policies to align with best practices.
• Serve as an HR liaison during sensitive events, such as employee terminations or evaluations.

Proposal Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. Resume/CV: Highlight relevant experience in HR, counseling, or mediation.
2. Cover Letter: Explain why you are a good fit for this role and describe your approach to the responsibilities.
3. Proposed Fees: Indicate hourly or project-based rates.
4. Work Plan: Outline your methodology for gathering feedback, mediating disputes, and delivering actionable insights.
5. References: Provide if you have professional references.

Evaluation Criteria

• Relevant experience and expertise.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Proposed work plan and methodology.
• Cost-effectiveness of proposed fees.
• Recommendations or references from past clients.

What is Mediation in HR?         
Mediation in HR is a structured and confidential process used to resolve disputes and conflicts within the workplace. It involves a neutral third party, often an HR professional, who facilitates discussions between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator ensures open communication, identifies common ground, and helps formalize agreements for resolution.

Mediation Process Steps:

1. Introduction and Ground Rules: Explain the process, establish communication rules, and ensure confidentiality.
2. Statement of Concerns: Allow each party to express their concerns clearly.
3. Exploration of Interests: Identify the underlying needs of each party to find common ground.
4. Generation of Options: Facilitate brainstorming for potential solutions.
5. Agreement and Resolution: Formalize mutually acceptable solutions.
6. Follow-Up: Ensure implementation of the resolution and satisfaction of both parties.

Strategies to Foster Collaboration

• Clear Communication: Establish clear guidelines and expectations for effective collaboration.
• Training Programs: Offer workshops on teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Recognition Systems: Implement rewards for collaborative behaviors to encourage teamwork.

By leveraging these strategies, the HR Mediator/Counsellor can foster a harmonious and productive workplace while contributing to the organization's growth and success.