TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND ACQUISITION IN INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ORGANISATIONS: THE CASE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES IN SOUTH SUDAN

Abstract

The article explored the identification and acquisition of talent in international humanitarian organisations in South Sudan. The study is premised on the argument that superior talent identification and acquisition strategies are vital to achieve competitive advantage in South Sudan. This is fundamental to satisfy both donor and host government and community requirements. The study aimed to establish methods of talent identification and acquisition in South Sudan. The competence conceptual framework was used to guide the study. The study utilised a qualitative methodology towards the direction of a case study design. It used a population of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) employees for this study. To understand talent identification and acquisition in South Sudan, a sample of 13 supervisors was used. The study used thematic data analysis to analyse the data findings. It was found that for humanitarian organisations use the referral method due to the lack of talent in South Sudan because of talent exodus. The findings indicated that employer branding and employee value proposition are key factors in talent identification and acquisition in IFRC in South Sudan. The study revealed that good remuneration and manpower development are also other talent acquisition methods. The study concludes that methods used for talent identification and acquisition in South Sudan are more linked to internal organisational policies. The study recommends a policy-based framework for talent acquisition and identification.