Shams Abdulkareem
HR, Capacity Building, and Safeguarding Specialist
Erbil,
Summary
Versatile HR and Safeguarding professional with extensive experience in driving HR strategy, leading safeguarding initiatives, and managing complex investigations. I am dedicated to creating safe, inclusive workplaces and implementing effective policies. My expertise includes HR management, capacity building, and protection mainstreaming, with a solid background in QHSE Management Systems. A proactive problem solver and strategic planner, I excel in managing change and delivering results.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Country Human Resources and Safeguarding Manager
Mines Advisory Group (MAG)
05.2024 - Current
- As the Country HR and Safeguarding Manager at Mines Advisory Group (MAG), I oversee all HR and safeguarding activities for a country programme of over 500 staff, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and local labor laws.
- Develop and implement long term HR strategies to support the organization's mission and objectives.
- Provide leadership and guidance on safeguarding policies and practices to ensure the safety and well-being of staff.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement in HR and safeguarding processes.
- Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement strategic plans for HR and safeguarding initiatives.
- Lead and manage a team of HR and safeguarding professionals, providing mentorship and support for their professional development.
HR, Admin and Safeguarding Manager
Women for Women International
07.2023 - 03.2024
- As the Country HR and Safeguarding Manager at Women for Women International, I led and managed the day-to-day Human Resources and Administrative functions for the Iraq Country Office and its sub-offices.
- My role involved overseeing recruitment, retention, compliance, compensation, benefits, learning and development, staff engagement, and safeguarding processes.
- In addition to my HR responsibilities, I was an integral member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), providing strategic guidance on HR and safeguarding matters.
- I ensured adherence to both global HR and safeguarding policies and local regulations.
- During the absence of the Country Director, I assumed the role of Acting Country Director, managing the administration, programs, and the overall implementation of the organization’s mission.
- I also represented the organization in external forums and networks focused on HR and safeguarding practices.
Country HR Coordinator – Employee relations and L&D
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
03.2022 - 07.2023
- As a senior HR employee at NRC Iraq, I was instrumental in developing and implementing Learning and Development (L&D) plans aligned with regional and global strategies.
- I was also responsible for establishing procedures and conducting assessments to enhance capacity building.
- Managed HR functions including recruitment, development of HR tools, and generating analytical reports.
- Acted as the safeguarding and duty of care focal point, handling concerns, conducting investigations, and resolving conflicts.
- Served as Acting HR Manager during the Country HR Manager’s absence, ensuring continuity and upholding HR and Safeguarding standards.
Capacity Building and HR Coordinator
HAMAP-Humanitaire INGO
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Responsible for planning and implementing organizational capacity-building initiatives for the local partner, focusing on developing and enhancing their Quality Management System (QMS).
- This included reviewing existing documentation, conducting gap analyses, and establishing necessary policies, procedures, and tools to bridge identified gaps.
- I also provided continuous training sessions and workshops to the partner’s personnel.
- Additionally, I conducted regular audits to monitor the implementation of the management system, identified errors, and enforced corrective actions to ensure compliance and improvement.
Capacity Building and HR Officer
HAMAP-Humanitaire INGO
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Responsible for planning and executing capacity-building activities for the HR and safeguarding departments of the local partner.
- This involved identifying gaps within their HR management system, developing plans to address these gaps, and establishing relevant policies, procedures, tools, and forms.
- Additionally, I conducted regular training sessions on various HR topics to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.
HR Manager and QMS Consultant
Globridge Solutions
09.2018 - 03.2021
- As an HR Manager I was responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies, managing recruitment process, oversee and manage employees’ key performance indicators, assess training needs and establish training plans, I was also responsible for developing HR Policies, procedures and manuals.
- As a Management Systems consultant I was responsible on establishing Quality, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Management System documents (such as manuals, policies, procedures and SOPs, and tools, forms and general working templates) for the company’s clients in addition to training all of the key personnel of the clients on the Management Systems.
HR and Administration Manager
Lafawe Bahez for Construction
02.2018 - 09.2018
HR officer, Administrator and Graphic Designer
Hardland Company
10.2017 - 02.2018
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Koya university
01.2013 - 1 2017
Skills
- Proficient in Excel functions
- Database management with MS Access
- Creative design using Adobe Photoshop
- Experienced with Adobe Illustrator
- Advanced project management skills
- Collaborative team management
- Strategic planning and decision-making skills
- Human resources development
- Safeguarding and internal investigation
- Training design and delivery
- Skilled in managing HRIS systems (Oracle, BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors)
Certification
Risk Management Diploma, 2019
Timeline
Country Human Resources and Safeguarding Manager
Mines Advisory Group (MAG)
05.2024 - Current
HR, Admin and Safeguarding Manager
Women for Women International
07.2023 - 03.2024
Country HR Coordinator – Employee relations and L&D
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
03.2022 - 07.2023
Capacity Building and HR Coordinator
HAMAP-Humanitaire INGO
08.2021 - 03.2022
Capacity Building and HR Officer
HAMAP-Humanitaire INGO
03.2021 - 08.2021
HR Manager and QMS Consultant
Globridge Solutions
09.2018 - 03.2021
HR and Administration Manager
Lafawe Bahez for Construction
02.2018 - 09.2018
HR officer, Administrator and Graphic Designer
Hardland Company
10.2017 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Koya university
01.2013 - 1 2017
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