Senior People & Culture Officer - East Africa Regional Office

Role Overview

This regional People and Culture role connects the East Africa Regional Office and country offices with the Global Centre, translating organisational standards into practical HR support. You will oversee core employee processes, systems, compliance, payroll and workplace relations, helping offices manage people consistently while meeting local legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate regional HR process-improvement initiatives, conduct planned and responsive audits, track corrective actions and advise leaders on ways to reduce people-related risk.
• Maintain regional HR policies and guidance in line with organisational standards and applicable labour laws, and provide managers and employees with practical advice on their application.
• Act as the regional HRIS contact, support users, safeguard accurate employee records and coordinate system changes and digital HR projects with global and country-office teams.
• Prepare and interpret HR reports and workforce data, identify useful measures for decision-making, and recommend improvements to HR processes and reporting.
• Manage regional recruitment and selection, coordinate new-starter induction with hiring managers, and oversee employee exits, including exit discussions and recommendations arising from feedback.
• Coordinate compensation, benefits and payroll activities, including market data analysis, statutory compliance and administration of medical, insurance and pension arrangements with service providers.
• Support the timely handling of employee grievances and disciplinary matters, facilitate mediation and investigations, and promote understanding of conduct standards and reporting channels.
• Coordinate work permits and residence documentation for international assignees, maintain permit records and liaise with relevant government authorities on staffing matters.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least five years of broad human resources experience in a large, complex or fast-moving organisation, including prior management or supervisory responsibility.
• Experience in a multicultural setting and with an international non-governmental organisation.
• Practical background in HR compliance and risk, process improvement or project management, HR information systems, recruitment, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, payroll, and HR reporting or analytics.
• Experience with HRIS platforms is required; familiarity with Workday is an advantage. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and databases is also expected.
• University degree in Human Resource Management or a related discipline. A master’s degree, recognised HR certification or other professional HR qualification is an advantage.
• Membership in a recognised human resources professional body and sound knowledge of local and international labour legislation.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving and negotiation skills, with clear communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work across cultures, build relationships with stakeholders, understand organisational needs and provide responsive, practical HR service while managing competing priorities.