Human Resource Manager at Nairobi Waldorf School Trust

• Job Title: Human Resource Manager
• Location: NWST Karen Campus
• Reports To: Administrative Director
• Type: Full Time, On Site

About Nairobi Waldorf School Trust

The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust (NWST) is a unique school in Kenya and all of East Africa. Our approach nourishes the intellectual, physical, and artistic development of the child; cultivating each child’s unique contribution for the future through the unfolding of courage, compassion, and truth. NWST is dedicated to providing education inspired by the Waldorf philosophy.

This foundation maximizes the potential for learning, loving, and creating to unfold naturally in children while helping to remove obstacles in their paths. Academics, art, music, and movement are interwoven to meet the developmental needs of the whole child. Through a Waldorf education, we are preparing children to be conceptual thinkers whose self-understanding, compassion, expressiveness, and creative problem-solving skills equip them to take on life to its fullest potential.

This is a pivotal time in the growth of the school as it recently launched its high school, which is currently the only Waldorf school in East Africa offering a high school education through the Waldorf curriculum. From 4 students in 1999, NWST has grown to a total population of 510 students across the kindergarten, primary, and high school departments and two campuses.

Position Overview

The Human Resources Manager will play a critical role in supporting the school’s mission and values by managing all aspects of human resources. This includes recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, performance management, compensation, policy implementation, benefits, and professional development. The HR Manager will ensure the school attracts and retains highly qualified staff while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment aligned with Waldorf educational principles.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Talent Leadership

• Develop and execute long-term workforce planning aligned with the Trust’s vision and growth trajectory.
• Develop and implement HR policies aligned with the school’s mission and labour laws.
• Lead high-level recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for teaching, administrative, and support staff.
• Ensure succession planning is carried out to secure top-tier faculty, administrators, and professional staff.
• Shape a compelling employer brand that attracts and retains exceptional talent.
• Provide strategic oversight on compensation and benefits to ensure competitiveness and equity.
• Manage payroll, pensions, medical schemes, and ensure compliance with statutory deductions.
• Develop and execute an annual training calendar.

2. Culture & Organizational Development

• Champion a high-performance culture rooted in Waldorf values of respect, collaboration, inclusivity, and holistic development.
• Serve as a culture architect to inspire trust and engagement.
• Guide leadership in organizational design and change management.
• Foster a positive work environment, handle grievances, and ensure transparent processes.
• Support staff welfare and occupational health initiatives.

3. Performance, Growth & Leadership Development

• Integrate a performance management framework that drives accountability and growth.
• Design leadership and development pathways to cultivate internal talent.
• Align staff capability development with strategic priorities.
• Oversee appraisals, career development, training programs, and succession planning.
• Maintain accurate employee records, contracts, and HR information systems.

4. Governance, Risk & Compliance Leadership

• Ensure full compliance with labour legislation, regulatory frameworks, and HR best practices.
• Serve as the principal HR liaison with regulatory and legal bodies.
• Advise the Board on workforce-related risks and governance matters.
• Ensure adherence to Kenyan labour laws, Teachers Service Commission requirements, and school policies.

5. Succession Planning

• Develop and implement succession planning strategies for leadership continuity.
• Identify key positions and potential successors within the organization.
• Design career development programs to prepare high-potential employees for advancement.
• Collaborate with department heads on talent needs and development plans.

6. Learning & Development

• Conduct training needs assessments across departments.
• Liaise with external training providers to enhance development programs.
• Lead implementation of learning and development strategies.
• Manage the learning and development budget.

7. Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the school in HR-related forums, networks, and policy dialogues.
• Develop partnerships supporting staff wellbeing and organizational growth.
• Advise leadership and the Board on staffing structures and workforce optimization.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management; a Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Full member of the Institute of Human Resource Management.
• Certified Human Resource Practitioner (CHRP).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience, three in leadership positions, preferably in an international school.
• Ability to manage 100+ staff.
• Strong decision-making ability in dynamic environments.
• Strong knowledge of Kenyan employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience in education or non-profit organizations is an added advantage.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with routine HR operations.

Application Process

For more information and to apply, kindly open and fill the form below: Application Deadline: 20th November 2025