Senior People & Culture Officer

Job Title: Senior People & Culture Officer
Department: People & Culture
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting To: COO

Employment Type: Full-Time

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Senior People & Culture Officer coordinates and delivers human resource activities across Sentinel Africa’s operations in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, covering the employee lifecycle, HR administration and compliance with applicable employment laws.

The role provides practical HR guidance to management and ensures consistent implementation of people policies and processes across the Group.

The successful candidate will be a proactive HR professional who can work independently and provide practical support across the Group.

2. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Recruitment and Onboarding

• Coordinate end-to-end recruitment and selection.
  
• Develop and update job descriptions.
  
• Manage employee onboarding and induction.
  
• Coordinate probation reviews and confirmations.
  
• Maintain recruitment plans and records.
  

2.2 Performance Management

• Coordinate performance planning, KPI setting and appraisals.
  
• Monitor completion of performance reviews.
  
• Track performance improvement plans.
  
• Support managers in addressing underperformance.
  
• Maintain performance management records.
  

2.3 Employee Relations and Engagement

• Address employee queries, grievances and concerns.
  
• Coordinate disciplinary and grievance procedures.
  
• Advise managers on employee relations matters.
  
• Coordinate employee engagement and welfare initiatives.
  
• Conduct exit interviews and support conflict resolution.
  

2.4 HR Administration

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records.
  
• Administer employment contracts, renewals and staff movements.
  
• Manage leave, attendance and absence records.
  
• Maintain HR systems, trackers and calendars.
  
• Coordinate employee separation and clearance processes.
  

2.5 HR Compliance and Policies

• Monitor compliance with employment laws in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
  
• Develop, review and implement HR policies and procedures.
  
• Maintain required employment and statutory documentation.
  
• Ensure compliance with employee data protection requirements.
  
• Identify and report HR compliance risks.
  

2.6 Learning and Development

• Coordinate training needs assessments.
  
• Develop and implement employee training plans.
  
• Organise training and development programmes.
  
• Maintain training records and evaluate effectiveness.
  

2.7 Compensation, Benefits and Payroll

• Coordinate and validate monthly payroll inputs.
  
• Administer employee benefits and welfare programmes.
  
• Maintain compensation and benefits records.
  
• Address payroll and benefits queries in liaison with Finance.
  
• Support salary reviews and compensation benchmarking.
  

2.8 Organizational Development

• Maintain organisational structures and reporting lines.
  
• Support workforce planning and staffing assessments.
  
• Develop and improve HR systems and processes.
  
• Support organisational change initiatives.
  
• Promote a positive, accountable and high-performance culture.
  

2.9 HR Reporting and Regional Coordination

• Coordinate HR activities across Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
  
• Prepare monthly HR reports and dashboards.
  
• Track HR performance indicators and action plans.
  
• Provide HR guidance and support to country managers.
  
• Escalate significant HR risks and employee matters to management.
  

Requirements

3. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences or a related field.
  
• A recognised professional qualification in Human Resource Management, such as CHRP or an equivalent qualification.
  
• Good understanding of employment legislation and HR best practices.
  

4. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in Human Resource Management.
  
• Proven generalist HR experience covering recruitment, performance management, employee relations, HR administration and advisory support to management.
  
• Experience supporting HR operations across multiple entities, locations or countries is an added advantage.
  
• Experience in a professional services, consulting or service-oriented organisation is desirable.
  

5. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Integrity and Confidentiality: Demonstrates high ethical standards and discretion in handling sensitive information.
  
• Ownership and Accountability: Takes responsibility for deliverables and follows through on commitments.
  
• Planning and Organisation: Effectively prioritises work, manages deadlines and maintains accurate records.
  
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Builds positive working relationships and communicates effectively at all levels.
  
• Sound Judgment: Handles sensitive employee matters objectively, fairly and professionally.
  
• Problem-Solving: Identifies challenges and develops practical solutions.
  
• Initiative and Independence: Works proactively with minimal supervision.
  
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy in documentation, reporting and HR administration.
  
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Responds effectively to changing organisational priorities.
  
• Business Acumen: Understands the relationship between people management and organisational performance.