Senior Human Resources Officer at Embassy of Switzerland

• For the Operations Management Division, responsible for Finance, Personnel and Administration of the Embassy, we are looking for a Senior Human Resources Officer. She/He is the Team Leader of the HR and Admin Services Unit. The Senior HR Officer is responsible for ensuring overall strategic support, coordination and evaluation of human resources plan in a manner that allows proper implementation of the organizations mission, guiding principle and values. She/He reports directly to the DCFPA.

Main Tasks:

• Supervision, leave, absence and performance management, appraisal, assurance of personal development incl. training and coaching and mentorship support to the Administration Officer and the Receptionist;
• Recruitment and selection: ensure staff hiring, retention and internal promotions are done professionally and with due diligence in compliance to HQ guidelines, internal policies and with Kenyan labour laws;
• Onboarding; contract and documentation management and coordination of orientation for new joiners;
• Performance management: administration and documentation;
• Administer and oversee staffs benefit program;
• Based on regulations, spearhead the review and implementation of compensation program to ensure effectiveness, compliance and equity;
• Identify legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting HR functions and ensure policies, procedures and reporting are compliant;
• Bridge management and employees’ relations by addressing demands, grievances or other issues;
• Training and development: assess and regular update of trainings needs lists for budget decisions while constantly monitoring to ensure compliance;
• Develop, review and update HR policies and procedures manuals in consideration of HR guidelines and local laws;
• Spearhead efforts towards creation of continuous employees’ engagement and high-performance culture to keep staffs motivated and proactively support retention efforts;
• HR administration: leave/absence management, assure completeness of all existing contracts and personnel files: hard & soft; notification of changes of staff info/data to HQ, social security and insurances registration as applicable and related tasks;
• Separation management in compliance with legislation and as per exit procedures, policies and processes (exit clearance/interviews etc.);
• Interpretation of employment legislation and advice on updates/changes in labour laws.
• Review of all the staff benefit contracts signed in the embassy
• On boarding and off boarding support to all transferable staff, organizing their welcome package, accommodation, pick up etc.
• Other tasks according to supervisor.

Professional qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in HR or business-related field from a reputable institute;
• Registered member of IHRM;
• Master’s degree and Certified HR practitioner (CHRP-K) is an added advantage;
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in HR management preferably in an international/diplomatic organization;
• At least 2 years team management/leadership experience;
• Knowledge of Kenyan labour laws;
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement an HR strategy;
• Solution oriented, ability to handle complex cases proactively;
• Ability to effectively balance management and employees demands in a fair way as per policies;
• Experience working with human resource management systems is an added advantage;
• Proficiency in full Microsoft office suite;
• Fluency in English language, written and spoken;
• Knowledge of a Swiss national language (German, French or Italian) is an asset;
• Working experience in an embassy or an international organization is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Highly motivated, committed and able to work in a team;
• Ability to deal effectively and in a diplomatic manner at all levels;
• Ability to work independently, under pressure and with minimal supervision;
• High degree of adaptability and capacity to learn;
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills;
• Credible and trustworthy advisor to different stakeholders;
• Good negotiator, great leadership skills and mediator;
• Precise, dynamic, confidential and high level of integrity and loyalty;
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Strong service and customer orientation.