Senior HR Specialist at TechnoServe Kenya

Position Description:

• The Senior HR Specialist will be responsible for providing human resource support for the LFS program funded by USAID. She / He will lead all aspects of HR which will include recruitment, onboarding, performance management, contract drafting and renewals and exit processes. He / She will be the primary HR focal point within the program.
• He/she will work with project management and leadership to create and maintain a productive work environment where all staff perform effectively and efficiently and will advise project management and staff on HR-related issues and conflicts. The incumbent must exhibit have experience with Kenyan local labor laws and employee relations.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Recruitment 

• Manage the recruitment and selection process based on the project’s HR needs. This will include advertising positions, scheduling interviews, sourcing candidates, adapting interview questions, conducting reference checks and negotiating salary offers.
• Work with hiring managers to create job descriptions.
• Participate in job interviews and make hiring recommendations, communicate recruitment policies with the hiring manager to ensure the effectiveness of selection techniques and recruitment programs, ensure a transparent and bias-free recruitment process. 

Onboarding

• Lead the onboarding process with the hiring manager and operations team to ensure a smooth integration.
• Prepare the onboarding schedule and finale the first-day agenda.
• Conduct HR onboarding for all new staff.
• Work closely with the program assistant to ensure working tools and the necessary office equipment are available before the new staff joins.

Performance Management

• Coordinate the performance management cycle.
• Notify line manager when probations are due and ensure the forms are sent on time and completed.
• Train staff on how to do their performance evaluations and monitor compliance with the process.
• Notify the Senior HRM on any staff who haven’t passed probation and work to ensure poor performance is well managed.

Employee engagement and culture

• Collaborate with program leadership and SHM to address employee feedback and continuously improve the work environment.
• Organize employee engagement activities eg coordinate all staff monthly calls, wellness activities etc
• Establish and maintain effective work relationship with all staff at all levels.

Other duties

• Work with Finance, Admin and Operations staff in the development of the program field manual, and that relevant policies are communicated effectively and regularly the full LFS team; that LFS policies are aligned across sub-awardees as feasible in regards to HR functions
• Ensure all new employees are enrolled onto medical insurance, group life and pension.
• Maintain a tracker of project-wide staff contracts, extensions and terminations.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee inquiries and concerns related to HR policies, procedures, and benefits.
• Maintain accurate records related to employment, such as personnel files and HR databases.
• Manage all steps and paperwork involved in the exit process for departing staff
• Any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ experience or Master's degree with 3 years’ experience in human resource management preferably in an international development context.
• Solid experience in the employee’s life cycle (hire, onboard, performance management, employee relations and exits).
• Recent experience with USAID programming, and a strong understanding of USAID rules and regulations regarding human resources, compensation, and recruitment is required; this includes full understanding of pertinent USG governing policies and practices, (e.g. DSSR, ADS).
• Ability to identify time-sensitive demands & inquiries and respond effectively
• An articulate individual who possesses excellent communications and people skills, strong operational focus, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and who can relate to people at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion