Head of Human Resources HEO at British High Commission Nairobi

Job Description

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

Main purpose of the job:

The British High Commission (BHC) Nairobi is a large, complex and diverse organisation of around 400 people, including diplomats and country-based staff. As well as managing all aspects of the UK-Kenya bilateral relationship, BHC hosts staff working for British Embassy Mogadishu and several staff with regional remits.

The Head of HR will lead our HR function in support of every team working on the BHC platform. They will oversee delivery of high quality HR services from recruitment to retirement to around 250 country-based staff. They will also provide an effective business partner function to managers and team leaders. Their principle objective is to ensure BHC gets the most out of its staff, and that staff get the most out of their time at BHC.

The Head of HR reports to the Director of Corporate Services. The job holder has the potential to improve materially the impact of BHC and the experience of those who work here. The successful candidate will be committed, dynamic, energetic, compassionate, discreet and efficient. They will have a solid track record in HR management, and take full ownership of service delivery.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Head of HR will:

• Be accountable for delivery through their team of quality, efficient HR services;
• Act as a visible and accessible business partner for managers and team leaders who need HR support;
• Project a positive profile to BHC colleagues, earning a reputation for approachability and fairness;
• Liaise regularly with the FCDO’s regional corporate services hub in Pretoria, which undertakes some transactional services on BHC’s behalf (including recruitment logistics), as well as offering advisory services;
• Cooperate with BHC’s People Action Group on various people-related initiatives to make BHC the happiest, most rewarding workplace it can be, supporting various thematic staff champions, and learning from best practice;
• Cooperate with various colleagues on initiatives (led by HQ and locally inspired) to promote an organisational culture that is in line with our values;
• Support BHC’s efforts to stamp out bullying, harassment and discrimination and to promote fair and respectful treatment of staff;
• Keep up-to-date with changes to Kenyan labour law, and UK best practice, to ensure BHC remains compliant;
• Coordinate regular reviews of terms and conditions of service for country-based staff;
• Lead on complex or sensitive individual casework, including HR-related legal cases;
• Act as the key point of contact between BHC and its staff, specifically through cooperation with our country-based staff association;
• Maintain and report on HR metrics, including for BHC’s senior leadership team;
• Apply innovation and continuous improvement principles to ensure that the team is delivering as effectively and efficiently as possible;
• Lead on pay issues with the Corporate Services Director and Head of Finance, including the process of annual pay settlements and performance-related pay, and managing the local pay budget;
• Manage HR-related contracts (specifically medical and pension provision for country based staff), maintaining good working relationships with providers, and leading on procurement when contracts come up for renewal;
• Manage the HR team, including supporting team members’ personal and professional development, allocating tasks, and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all HR functions.

Resources managed:

• 1 x Learning, Development and Performance Manager (grade EO)
• 1 x HR officer (grade AO)

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management or a related field; a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related discipline will be an added advantage.
• Certified Human Resource Professional – Kenya (CHRP-K) qualification.
• Full membership of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) with a valid practicing certificate

Experience

• A minimum of five years’ relevant human resource management experience, including at least three years in a managerial role.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of Kenyan employment and labour laws, HR policies, and best practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports, policies, and correspondence. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with employees and stakeholders at all levels.
• Sound problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Track record of owning service delivery and taking accountability for delivery.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in HR processes, records, and documentation.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Good working knowledge of Kenyan employment legislation and HR regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret HR data, generate insights, and prepare management reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and contribute effectively to organisational objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including team management, coaching, and staff development.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Experience in an international working environment, such as an embassy, multinational corporation, international non-governmental organization, or development partner
• Understanding of, or practical experience in, Human Resource Management within the UK or UK Government context.
• Budget management skills.
• Contract management skills.