Leading, appraising and caring for the team

1Objectives and performance

• SMART objectives linked to the work plan, set jointly at the start of the year or contract.
• Regular one-to-one meetings (for example every two weeks): progress, difficulties, support needed.
• Constructive feedback: describe a specific fact, its effect, and what is expected ("The report arrived three days late and the donor noticed; for the next one, send me a draft on the 25th.").
• A written annual appraisal with no surprises: it summarises what has been said during the year.
• Development plan: training, support missions, new responsibilities.

2Conflicts, discipline and grievances

• Conflict between colleagues: listen to each party separately, focus on facts and interests, seek agreement, document.
• Disciplinary procedure: in line with the HR manual and local law: established facts, a hearing where the person can explain themselves (with a companion if the law provides for it), a proportionate and progressive sanction (verbal warning, written warning, then further steps), a written decision.
• Gross misconduct (fraud, harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse): reporting through dedicated channels and investigation by trained people; the manager does not investigate alone.
• Grievances and whistleblowers: confidential channels known to everyone, protection against retaliation.

3Well-being and duty of care

• The organisation has a duty of care towards its staff: security, health, insurance, reasonable workload, psychological support.
• Signs of burnout to look out for: persistent fatigue, irritability, withdrawal, unusual mistakes, increased alcohol consumption.
• Measures: leave actually taken, limited working hours, rest and recuperation (R&R) in difficult contexts, confidential psychosocial support, debriefing after a critical incident.
• National staff, often themselves affected by the crisis, must have access to the same support.

Remote management: very clear objectives and responsibilities, regular check-ins by phone or video, trust and autonomy, shared tools, particular attention to isolation.