HR Specialist

The HR Specialist position is with Islamic Relief Canada, a Muslim faith-based humanitarian charity focused on mobilizing Canadians to address global humanitarian crises. This is a permanent, full-time hybrid role based in Burlington, Ontario, reporting to the Senior Manager of People & Culture. The role is an additional headcount created to strengthen the department as the organization grows and scales its people programs.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Operations: Identify and implement process improvements, administer HR policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance, manage employee benefits enrollment and inquiries, oversee timely contract renewals, maintain accurate employee records, provide guidance on HR questions, help develop HR initiatives and policies aligned with strategic objectives, and support a safe, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Support recruitment and selection processes, coordinate seamless onboarding experiences, collaborate with managers on staffing needs, workforce planning, and new role proposals.
• Employee Relations & Engagement: Foster a positive and inclusive environment through effective communication and conflict resolution, assist with personnel issues and grievances in a timely, confidential, and fair manner including escalations, and support engagement surveys and needs assessments.
• Performance Management & Training: Support the Performance & Development Review process and salary changes, guide managers on performance improvement plans, identify training needs, coordinate training delivery, and support career development.
• Compensation, Benefits & Payroll: Administer benefits (GroupHEALTH, RRSP, fitness rebate, Eau therapy), PTO, and leaves of absence; support the annual compensation review; manage employee loans and educational agreements; and assist with payroll processing, timesheets, T4s, and Records of Employment.
• Compliance & HRIS: Ensure compliance with Ontario employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, accessibility, privacy, and workplace policy requirements; support Workday rollout, adoption, and maintenance.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Organizational Development (CHRP designation or candidate status preferred).
• Minimum 2–3 years of related HR experience, preferably in the NGO or charity sector.
• Strong command of Canadian employment legislation, case law, and best practices.
• Proven ability to draft clear, practical HR policies.
• Hands-on Workday experience (strong asset).
• Exceptional interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and follow-through abilities.
• Collaborative, motivating team orientation.
• Sound discretion with confidential information in deadline-driven environments.

What's Offered

• Permanent, full-time position (requisition JR100245).
• Competitive starting salary of $60,000 CAD (adjustable upward based on qualifications).
• Hybrid work arrangement with in-office attendance ranging from two days a week to one day a month, depending on distance from Burlington headquarters or regional offices in Surrey, Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa.
• Accommodations available at all recruitment stages.