Human Resources Manager

Action Africa Help - International (AAH-I) is a non-governmental organization with over 20 years experience of working with livelihood challenged communities in Africa.

AAH-I facilitates programmes in primary health care, education, food and income security, civil society and peace building in South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Somalia, and Kenya.

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to join our Programme Management Team in Kenya (Nairobi).

The main purpose of the job is to plan, direct and advise the human resource, organizational development and administration functions in line with AAH-I’s strategic framework and labour Laws in countries of operation.

As part of the senior management team, the position holder will be responsible for compliance and adherence to local legal requirements and will advise the Finance and Administration Director and Country Directors on all areas of recruitment, retention, training and discipline of staff.

The post requires periodic travel to Country sites in Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Applicants should be educated to degree level with proven professional work practice and have an understanding of relief and development environments.

We are looking for an excellent developer of people with strong organizational, negotiation and representation skills. Excellent written and spoken English is essential.

The successful candidate will be competent at working independently and to tight and changing deadlines, under pressure and in difficult circumstances.

Applicants must be committed to AAH I's Vision and Mission.

Reports to: Finance and Administration Director

Staff reporting to this post: None

Liaises with: Executive Director, Technical Director, Country Finance Managers, Regional Procurement Manager, and Country Directors.

Duty Station: Nairobi

Job Summary:

To plan, direct and advise the Human Resource, organizational development and Administration functions in line with AAH I strategic framework and Labour Laws in countries of operation.

Duties & Responsibilities

* Provide technical advice and support on Human Resources and administration to AAH-I leadership team.
* Support country teams to put in place appropriate employment policies and procedures to recruit staff and ensure that new employees receive proper instructions regarding their duties and terms of employment.
* Train and support country HR managers to co-ordinate the performance management process and all related functions including staff appraisal, training planning and implementation and incentive schemes.
* Design and initiate succession plans that ensure the continuous availability of internal candidates, to fill vacancies within the supervisory and management grades.
* In liaison with the Country Directors and Country HR & Administration Managers, identify and implement staff development programs, promotions and career progression.
* Manage industrial and employment relation matters and offer training, advice and general guidance to managers and supervisors on labour laws and related market practices so as to ensure a harmonious work environment.
* Oversee and coordinate all HR and Admin activities including the welfare and disciplinary matters across the countries.
* Design mechanisms for handling staff grievances in a prompt, conscientious manner while paying heed to the country programme needs and policies.
* Continually review pay and reward systems that are in place within the project budget lines so as to ensure that the employee’s are retained and motivated.
* Provide direction, leadership, capacity building and coaching interventions to members of the headquarters and Country Program management teams.
* Design and conduct organizational development studies that support change management in line with AAH -I strategic guidelines
* Identify cost effective areas and drive process changes through effective communication and enforcement of new ways of working
* Prepare and submit periodic HR and Admin reports; selected documentation and other briefs to the Finance and Administration Director that will support development of the function.

Expected Results

* HR and Administration management policies and procedures developed and implemented
* All new employees have contracts, job descriptions and are properly oriented in to the new roles.
* Performance management is built into the culture of the organization and run according to the timelines
* Key staff/positions identified and succession plans developed and maintained for supervisor and management positions
* Workforce plans for existing and new projects developed and gaps addressed
* Managers and supervisors are made aware of the legal provisions guiding employment relations, disciplinary issues closed first time right with minimal or no risk.
* Periodic reviews on terms and conditions of employment and administrative issues are conducted, outcomes clearly communicated and an implementation plan put in place
* HR and Admin team is strengthened through coaching and planned capacity building interventions
* Offices run with minimal or no interruptions of the essential services
* HR and Admin reports delivered within agreed times and corrective actions implemented.

Required Qualifications

* Postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration with a major in Human Resource management or a related discipline, preferably within an NGO setting.
* Must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, Power-point and other programs.
* Experience in statistical packages like SPSS, EPI Info, STATA, etc is added advantage.
* Demonstrated Performance Management and monitoring skills
* Knowledge of labour laws and employment legislations
* Strong communication and listening skills
* Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
* Flexible and adaptable with the ability to produce creative solutions to HR problems
* Strong industrial and employee relations skills
* Training planning/ management skills
* Strong leadership skills with ability to provide innovative solutions to problems
* Proven ability to plan, organize and prioritize work, together with the ability to remain calm under pressure often in difficult circumstances and not lose sight of strategic priorities.
* Ability to meet targets within specified timeframes.
* Willingness to travel within the country programme areas.
* Requires cross-cultural experience, understanding and sensitivity.
* At least 5 years’ experience in Human Resource Management, one of which must be at leadership level.

If you feel that you meet the above criteria, send your applications to recruitke@actionafricahelp.org by 11/11/2011.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.