About IRRI

Job Purpose

Under the general direction of the Regional Corporate Services Manager (CSM) with dotted line to HQ HR Manager, and in close coordination with the host Country Representative and other Country Representatives in the region, administers human resource policies and procedures and ensure the highest quality of services for all IRRI country offices in Africa. Lead in the implementation, administration and analysis of the human resource program. 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, while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality. Build and maintain relationships with partners and outside stakeholders such as local healthcare providers to promote smooth and timely services. Generate data and reports on issues related to human resources for the CSM, IRRI Country and Regional Representatives or project leader/manager.

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will provide professional human resources services to IRRI Africa Regional Office. This may only be filled by permanent citizens/residents of 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 HR 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 HR 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 counseling 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 HR annual budget for discussion.

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

Mandatory

• 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

Preferred

• Has experience working in and international work environment, non-government sector and/or agricultural sector
• Experienced in using an ERP system

Terms of Appointment

ILRI hosts the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) local staff in Nairobi.

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 portal https://ilri.simplicant.com on or before 16 July 2023. The position title and reference number REF: IRRI/HRB-07/2023 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.