Regional Human Resources Manager- Africa CIMMYT

CIMMYT is looking for a:

Regional Human Resources Manager- Africa

• The Regional HR Manager will play a critical role in strengthening operational efficiency across country offices within the region for Human Resources. This position ensures that country offices are aligned with organizational goals, adhere to policies, and operate effectively within their strategic mandates. The role involves regular monitoring, capacity building, and strategic advisory to enhance overall performance and accountability.

• This position will support the Regional Director and Management by providing strategic leadership, aligning country/ regional activities with institutional goals, facilitating coordination between HQ and country/regional offices, and making localized decisions to address specific challenges and opportunities. Oversight, monitoring/ assurance and compliance are essential aspects of this function.

• Collaborate closely with other Regional Managers and focal points of the Operations Chapter to ensure the seamless adaptation and implementation of policies, procedures, and new system architecture (e.g., ERP and contract systems), focusing on process improvement while maintaining business continuity during the transition.

  Objectives of the Position

  • Align country offices with organizational strategic objectives, policies, and compliance frameworks.
  • Support effective and transparent management practices within country offices.
  • Foster collaboration and identify support needs between country offices and HQ teams.
  • Assist in identifying and mitigating risks, while enhancing internal controls to ensure operational resilience and sustainability.
  • Manage employee labor relations, including conflict resolution and disciplinary actions.
  • Develop and implement annual training plans in line with the 2030 strategy.
  • Oversee HR initiatives, including OHS Programs and environmental well-being efforts

Summary of responsibilities

Strategic Support and Alignment

• Conduct regular assessments of country office operations to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and regional priorities.
• Review and provide insights on the impact of country office activities and initiatives.
• Coordinate strategic planning and execution between country offices and HQ.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to organizational policies, DOA, and compliance standards.
• Conduct reviews and spot checks to ensure compliance, recommending corrective actions for HR processes and activities.
• Collaborate with Legal and other departments to review compliance and address irregularities.
• Monitor ongoing compliance through regular reporting and data analysis.

Operational Effectiveness

• Monitor operational performance, identifying inefficiencies in key HR processes at the regional level. Implement process improvements and training initiatives.
• Ensure effective resource utilization and alignment with cost management strategies (structure, staffing, and work allocation).
• Work with the regional Director and Country Offices, to include HR management, training, support, well-being, and other relevant aspects in operational plans and budgets.
• Contribute for HR to the opening or closing of country Offices in the Region.

Workforce and Talent Development

• Evaluate and promote/ support leadership and management practices to enhance team engagement and morale.
• Support talent development initiatives, focusing on building local/ regional capacity.
• Work with relevant areas to address workforce gaps and strengthen team cohesion.
• Develop and implement annual training plans with program leads/managers and HQ.

Risk Management and Compliance in HR processes

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures (e.g., DoA for contracts).
• Identify significant risks regarding staff relations/ management and coordinate actions to mitigate them.
• Implement best practices in staff relations/ management across country/ regional offices.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Strengthen partnerships with external recruitment companies and networks to boost the organization’s reputation and enhance talent attraction and retention.
• Act as a representative of the Regional/HQ team in country offices, ensuring effective communication and coordination.

Environmental, Health and Safety Management

• Oversee the implementation of Environmental, Health and Safety Programs.
• Collaborate with OHS specialists to train staff in health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Collaborate with HR HQ to develop and implement environmental, health and safety strategies and well-being initiatives that address country and regional needs and priorities.

Compensation and Benefits Management

• Develop and implement a global compensation and benefits strategy, including salary evaluation, job grading, and compliance with local regulations.

Internationally Recruited Staff Management

• Coordinate on and off boarding of IRS with Programs, Country Offices and HQ HR. Provide adequate level of administrative support to IRS and dependents**.**

Audit and Compliance Support

• Support all audit efforts on HR matters for staff and projects in all country offices.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and update HR policies and procedures accordingly.

Tools and Systems Management

• Collaborate with HR HQ to develop, implement, and manage internal tools and systems for HR reporting, and data analysis as well as staff management at the country/ regional level.

Monitoring and Oversight

• Conduct ongoing monitoring and oversight of country office operations, ensuring they meet HQ standards.
• Provide regular updates to HQ on the status of country offices, including KPI’s.
• Coordinate with HQ to address issues identified during monitoring activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, including regional or multi-country management.
• Experience in human resources governance, compliance, and strategy alignment.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Ability to align HR activities with organizational goals and policies.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop HR teams across regions.
• Experience in driving change management initiatives and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Strong understanding of labor laws, internal controls, and audits.
• Experience developing and implementing training and capacity-building plans.
• Experience working in a regional or multi-site capacity, ideally within an international organization.
• Proven experience in workforce planning, recruitment practices, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with cultural sensitivity for diverse, multi-lingual teams.
• Proficiency in presenting HR data and insights to senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across regions with high attention to detail.
• Expertise in planning and implementing HR initiatives effectively.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity for working in diverse regional contexts.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment will be for two (2) years, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.