African Development Bank Group (AfDB) -  the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries).

POSITION : Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer

Description

The role of Occupational health and safety (OHS) Officer is to ensure the overall improvement of working conditions, and the well-being of employees in order to contribute positively to Bank’s productivity.

The primary purpose of the Bank’s OHS framework is to ensure that the Bank provides staff with highest standards for a conducive, safe and healthy working environment.

This includes the inspection and regular monitoring of the buildings and equipment (ergonomic chairs, and key board, computer screens, noise and light hazards, etc.

Selection Criteria

• A Master's Degree or its equivalent in Human Resources Management, Social Sciences, Business Administration or other related disciplines.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant practical working experience of formulating, implementing and revising H&S policies and procedures.
• NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) (General Certificate) qualified or working towards NEBOSH certificate accreditation or NEBOSH Environmental Certificate.
• Experience in handling of H&S investigations
• Ability to initiate and manage innovations and changes.
• Active participation in a staff motivation programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French languages, preferably with a working knowledge of the other.
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications. Knowledge of SAP is advantageous.
• Private sector experience is advantageous
• Operational Effectiveness
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Client Orientation
• Team working and relations

Responsibilities

Employee Relations:

• Liaises with recourse mechanisms such as: Ombudsman, Appeal Committee, Ethics and Staff Council
• Builds employee relations capacity and enables management effectiveness through the execution of proactive employee relations initiatives and the delivery of targeted training programs.
• Implements proactive employee relations initiatives and responds to Staff Council organizing activity
• Establishes and maintains good relationships between Managers and staff
• Assists in the resolution of specific disciplinary or grievance cases, including acting as an arbiter between the staff and the Manager
• Ensures that grievance handling and disciplinary proceedings are carried out in line with Bank rules
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Handling Workplace Harassment, Conflict resolution and Investigation:

• Ensures that grievance handling and disciplinary proceedings are carried out in line with the Bank policy and national legislation
• Helps employees, supervisors and departmental heads to settle work related conflict through advice and recommendation
• Explains and provides advice to staff about the Bank and governing rules, regulations and procedures and need for compliance.
• Provides counsel and advice to Managers and staff regarding Bank policies and procedures.
• Responds to and resolves all types of discrimination charges and grievance
• Interviews staff members and discusses with them human relations and work related problems that adversely affect morale, health and productivity.
• Evaluates and resolves human relations and work related problems and meets with management to determine appropriate action.
• Investigates problems such as working conditions, disciplinary actions, and employee and applicant appeals and grievances. According to circumstances, provides guidance and recommendations for problem resolution to departmental officials and individuals.
• Assists in the resolution of specific disciplinary or grievance cases, including acting as an arbiter between the staff and the Division Manager
• Ensures that all employee matters are handled with consistency and fairness without discrimination
• Develops, schedules, and conducts technical, management and interpersonal skills training to improve employee performance
• Prepares Newsletters and other reports to communicate information about employee concerns and comments and organisational actions undertaken
• Conducts exit interviews with staff to determine if corrective action may retain valued staff
• Handles case management.

Health and Safety Services:

• Work with General Service Department (CHGS) and arrange for the purchase of suitable equipment and accessories for staff
• Ensure that all accidents are documented, investigated and recommended improvements implemented.
• Ensure that safety inspections are carried out, fire drills and fire alarms are correctly reported, safety inspections, risk assessments and lone working procedures are managed and employees are aware of their responsibilities.
• Establish a full programme of documented health & safety inspections, audits and checks.
• Establish a structured programme of health & safety training throughout the Bank. Liaise with external health & safety consultants in the provision of training programmes and health and safety services.
• Keep up to date with all aspects of relevant health, safety & welfare at work legislation and communicate relevant changes to the Bank.
• Provide regular reports to the Head of Unit, Human Resources Manager, and Board of Directors/Senior Management Team on relevant health and safety activities.
• Ensure a safe workplace environment without risk to health.
• Develop Bank policies, guidelines and procedures relating to health and safety work environment
• Ensure that all Health & Safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to and are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated.
• Ensure the Bank meets its statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to health, safety and welfare at work, including statutory training and reporting
• Ensure the completion and regular review of risk assessments for all work equipment and operations.
• Liaise with suppliers i.e. Insurers, solicitors etc. Any other reasonable duties which may be required by management from time to time.