About IRRI

Job Purpose

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), through its partner center, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), seeks to recruit a Human Resource – Business Partner to provide professional human resources services to IRRI Africa Regional Office as well as effectively communicate and provide training and information on HR policy, the Code of Conduct, compensation and benefits, IRRI’s Gender Strategy, career development, etc. Ensure the daily delivery of high quality and timely services to all employees.

ILRI works to improve food security and nutrition and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 11 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, ILRI has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

ILRI hosts the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Nairobi (www.irri.org) with its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna in the Philippines. IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations.

This position will be based at the IRRI Kenya Office in Nairobi, and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Kenya.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, administration and analysis of the human resource policies, procedures and programs to ensure high quality services and promote positive workplace relations for nationally and globally recruited staff. Should also identify the current and future needs, proactively design plans and interventions, proactively update, implement and suggest improvements on existing HRS policies and procedures and benchmark HR processes and performance metrics to best practices from other organizations in the region, in consultation with HQ HROD
• Establish and provide overall guidance in the end to end recruitment process for both staff and short-term appointments, learning and development, and workplace relations to ensure IRRI Offices HR processes clearly reflects IRRI’s commitment to gender and diversity and develop IRRI Africa Regional Office awareness and commitment to Gender Strategy (Provide the strategic interface between HRS and line managers to ensure a more effective front line delivery, pre-empt issues and identify and implement possible solutions, provide high level advice and guidance to line managers and on the implementation and interpretation of IRRI related policies and procedures, ensure an efficient and effective administration and documentation of IRRI Africa Regional Office plans and programs)
• In coordination with IRRI HQ, Implement and sustain an equitable and competitive pay philosophy and benefits structure to attract and retain quality staff
• Prepare MOUs for HR related works and develop agreements with service providers
• Liaise with headquarters (HQ) HR to ensure all IRRI Africa Offices HR processes related to recruitment, work places relations, HQ driven learning events and audits are efficient and effective and in line with IRRI HR guidelines, the IRRI Africa Offices’s NRS Supplements, and labor laws within IRRI Africa Regional Office scope
• Coordinate with government bodies as required, such as Ministry of Labor& Employment etc. to ensure that HR policies and guidelines are in accordance to local labor laws and inform HQ HROD accordingly for any changes
• Update staff members on current HR issues and provide access to HR related materials
• Effectively communicate and facilitate HR programs and training on HR policy, the Code of Conduct, compensation and benefits, IRRI’s Gender Strategy, career development, performance management, health and wellness seminars, etc, motivation, and efficiency
• Identify work objectives, provide performance feedback to the immediate supervisors, and suggest development initiatives to optimize productivity and achievement of goals in consultation with HQ HR Manager
• Update and maintain confidentiality of all employee files including efficient documentation of disciplinary proceedings and completion of salary increase processes and transactions
• Prepare on-boarding program and arrange induction meetings to ensure ease for new employee arrival and proper access to benefits
• Provide focused counselling to staff and coordinate grievance procedures and performance-related concerns to handle complaints arising from employees/supervisors and provide dispute resolution services as required
• Conduct interviews with exiting employees, coordinate smooth exit process, and provide written feedback to HQ HR office regarding trends revealed in the exit interviews
• Provide stakeholders with staffing reports including exit interviews and prepare HRS annual budget for discussion
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Personnel Management, Industrial Psychology, or another discipline which provides suitable basic knowledge; and minimum 8 years relevant practical work experience acquired in an international setting; OR
• Master’s degree in human resource management, Personnel Management, Industrial Psychology; and 5 years relevant work experience acquired in an international setting

Skills Required

• Experience in supervising with strong interpersonal relations skills
• Excellent communication skills – oral and written
• Excellent organizational skills sills, sound analytical and problem-solving ability together with high drive
• Has significant experience in policy interpretation and in labor law compliance
• Consistently maintains confidentiality
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Can effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, experienced in using a database system
• Excellent report writing skills
• Experience in process improvement and has the ability to operate optimally in a fast paced and demanding environment
• Has sound analytical and problem-solving ability together with high drive and self motivation
• Ability to work independently and provide strategic advice and support to clients
• Experience working in an international work environment, non-government sector and/or agricultural sector
• Experience in using ERP system
• Excellent English writing and speaking abilities with strong oral and written communication skills; good verbal and written communication in French

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 16 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 3 years contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our recruitment portal ilri.simplicant.com on or before 20 February 2024. The position title and reference number REF: IRRI/HRB-02/2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.