Performance Management & Engagement Specialist

About KIND

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety.

Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.

Position Summary

KIND seeks a Performance Management & Engagement Specialist to work closely with the Director of Learning & Development to lead the day-to-day planning and delivery of performance management at the organization, including goal setting, scheduled check-ins, end-year reviews, and calibration. The incumbent will ensure that each step of the performance management cycle is planned in consultation with the rest of HR and with departments across KIND, and then ensure that each step is delivered according to that plan. In addition, the incumbent will have a key voice in the evolution of performance management through step-by-step changes as well as major developments to align KIND with best practice. The Performance Management & Engagement Specialist will lead the annual employee engagement survey, including agreeing questions with stakeholders, planning and releasing the survey, analyzing the results, communicating the results across the organization, and supporting departments on action planning.

This is a remote position based from any location in Mexico.

• Performance Management:
• Informs the design of the performance management cycle.
• Projects planning the annual cycle.
• Drafts and releases communications associated with the annual cycle.
• Creates training and end-user guides in support of each step in the annual cycle.
• Supports employees through each step of the annual cycle.
• Liaises with the performance management system vendor and be the expert administrator for that system.
• Implements new performance management systems, as needed.
• Runs reports on the annual cycle and briefing key stakeholders.
• Plans and implements performance management steps outside of the annual cycle (e.g. probation appraisals).

• Engagement:
• Projects planning the annual employee satisfaction survey, including agreeing questions with stakeholders.
• Liaises with the survey system vendor and be the expert administrator for that system.
• Implements new survey tools, as needed.
• Analyzes survey results and briefing leaders across the organization.
• Supports leaders on action planning following surveys.
• Utilizes new hire surveys and surveys at other times in the employee lifecycle to provide a more complete picture of employee engagement.

• Undergraduate degree in human resources management or equivalent; Graduate degree or HR certification preferred.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Successful planning and delivery of at least three complete performance management cycles.
• Successful planning and delivery of at least three employee satisfaction surveys.
• Experience in a complex organization or consulting role requiring impeccable judgment, strong analytical skills and exceptional stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong project planning skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple project priorities as part of a collaborative team effort.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, in positions requiring communication with a broad and diverse audience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (such as Teams, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to prioritize tasks and delegate as appropriate.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
• Commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.
• Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.
• Ability to multitask and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
• Experience working and communicating in a remote environment. 

Application Instructions

To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and cover letter.

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.