HR Manager

Barnabas International is a large family of Christian ministries and charities focused on giving practical support to suffering, abandoned and persecuted Christians around the world. The ministry was founded in 1993, and since then, it has funded projects in more than 100 countries, providing hope and help to millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of our key projects include supplying food aid, medical supplies, educational and vocational training, Bibles, micro-enterprise, disaster relief, help for victims of violence, and support for pastors and church leaders. Barnabas Aid also provides advocacy for religious freedom, especially for persecuted and suffering Christians.

Barnabas is primarily a Christian ministry and a charity. Employees are expected to subscribe to the Vision, Mission, Value and Statement of Faith, and their work may be viewed as being vocational. There is an occupational requirement for applicants to be practising Christians, who are engaged in their local church, in order to be able to carry out our roles.

Overview of the role:

This is a generalist role with particular responsibility for managing international payroll operations, including Employer of Record (EOR) and Contractor of Record (COR) arrangements. The postholder will also take the lead in reviewing, developing, and implementing HR policies, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation across jurisdictions.

The role will provide professional HR guidance across all areas of the employee lifecycle, supporting managers and staff with recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and organisational development.

Main duties and responsibilities

International Payroll and Contracts

• Oversee monthly payroll operations across multiple countries, liaising with external payroll providers and EOR/COR partners to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment regulations in countries where we operate and ensure contracts and payments are legally compliant.
• Manage contracts for international staff, workers, and consultants, including advice on terms and conditions and engagement routes.
• Support finance in reconciling payroll costs, pensions, and statutory deductions internationally.

Policy Development and Compliance

• Lead the review and creation of HR policies, handbooks, and templates across all global locations.
• Ensure policies reflect best practice, are legally compliant in relevant jurisdictions, and aligned with Barnabas Aid’s Christian ethos and values.
• Provide training and guidance to managers on applying policies consistently.

Generalist HR Support

• Support the recruitment and onboarding of staff internationally, including job design, interviewing, and right-to-work checks.
• Provide advice and support on employee relations issues, including grievances, performance, and absence management.
• Maintain accurate HR records and reporting, ensuring GDPR and data privacy compliance.
• Contribute to HR projects including diversity, wellbeing, learning and development, and staff engagement.

Person profile

Essential

• Proven experience in an HR generalist role with international exposure.
• Experience managing payroll, ideally across multiple countries, including use of EOR/COR providers.
• Strong understanding of HR compliance, policy development, and employment law.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships across cultures.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong IT skills including HRIS, Excel, and document management.
• Bible-believing follower of Jesus:  Demonstrates a personal commitment to discipleship and growing in faith. In good standing with their Church, actively participating in its life and community. Committed to affirming and signing Barnabas Aid’s Statement of Faith. 

Desirable

• CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent experience).
• Experience working in the charity, international development, or faith-based sector.
• Familiarity with safeguarding, safer recruitment, and staff wellbeing initiatives.

Personal Qualities

Barnabas Aid provides our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and to do their best work collectively and individually. Join us and you will find a friendly and vibrant workplace with a positive outlook on the future.