HR Officer

Human Resources Officer – Kenya Country Office

About the Role

In close collaboration with the Somalia and Kenya HR Manager, the Human Resources Officer supports the Country Office HR function by providing both strategic and operational guidance across staffing, employee relations, grievances, and end-to-end disciplinary processes. This role works closely with Programme Managers to strengthen contingent workforce recruitment, ensures full compliance with the Employment Act and internal policies, and coordinates HR audits, partner capacity building, payroll administration, and staff welfare initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Country Office HR function in collaboration with the Somalia and Kenya HR Manager, providing strategic and operational guidance on staffing, employee relations, grievances, and end-to-end disciplinary processes.
• Work closely with Programme Managers in the field to review and strengthen contingent workforce recruitment SOPs, offering HR and legal guidance on contractual engagements in full compliance with the Employment Act and internal policies.
• Oversee end-to-end recruitment and talent acquisition processes, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant hiring aligned with approved workforce plans. Design and implement structured onboarding and orientation programs that effectively integrate new hires into organizational culture, policies, and systems.
• Oversee interim and annual HR audits and compliance reviews, ensuring timely follow-up and closure of corrective actions.
• Coordinate and facilitate partner onboarding and training on policies, procedures, compliance, and operational guidelines. Liaise with the Finance team to review partner payroll processing and statutory compliance, and design targeted training and awareness sessions to strengthen partner capacity.
• Manage payroll administration in close collaboration with Finance, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and statutory compliance. Oversee benefits administration including medical insurance, WIBA, pension schemes, and ensure timely contract renewals for HR-related consultancies and service providers.
• In close collaboration with the Somalia and Kenya HR Manager, work with P&O partners, Regional HR Managers, and HR Coordinators to discuss critical HR tasks and areas for improvement, ensuring the Country Office is fully informed and aligned with HR priority areas and meets annual Balanced Scorecard (BSC) objectives.
• Collaborate with Programme teams through weekly Programme Review Meetings to provide strategic and operational support on workforce planning, resourcing, and the recruitment of critical talent required to achieve project objectives.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and administering staff training and capacity-building initiatives to support employee development and organizational objectives. Provide administrative and logistical support for staff welfare programs and initiatives, including employee engagement activities, wellness programs, recognition events, and other staff well-being interventions.
• Coordinate and monitor staff clearance processes to ensure all exiting employees complete required clearance procedures in a timely and compliant manner.
• Manage new staff onboarding by scheduling inductions with various departments and following up to ensure new staff are properly inducted before starting work.
• Manage HR administrative functions, including maintaining and updating personnel files to ensure all employee documents, Code of Conduct forms, and other HR records are accurately filed and securely stored in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of the staff performance management cycle by tracking key timelines, following up on completion of performance reviews, and ensuring adherence to the performance management schedule.
• Manage the registration and onboarding of new national employees into the NRC People System, ensuring accurate and timely entry of employee data. Keep track of the monthly staff list and updated organograms, and ensure preparation of the Kenya Country Office monthly report is submitted timely to the Head of Support.
• Provide guidance to managers and employees on labour law requirements, HR policies, and statutory obligations, and support the implementation of compliance-related initiatives and audits. In liaison with the Finance team, ensure monthly statutory deduction remittance (NSSF, SHIF, NITA, PAYE, HELB) and timely payment of payroll check-off (Sacco deductions and pension remittances).
• Perform any tasks delegated by the line manager, including partner support.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) qualification or a Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in Human Resource Management, preferably within an international NGO, humanitarian, development, or recovery context.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of Human Resource Management Information Systems (HRMIS), with strong proficiency in payroll administration, statutory deductions, and remittances.
• Previous experience working in complex, dynamic, and volatile operational environments, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances.
• Solid understanding of HR policies, procedures, employment legislation, and HR best practices.
• Membership in good standing with the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), Kenya.
• Strong self-awareness and understanding of own competencies, strengths, and areas for professional development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.