Human Resources Manager at Water Mission

Position Summary

The Human Resources Manager (HRM) provides strategic and operational leadership for all HR functions within Water Mission Kenya. In collaboration with the Regional HR Director and Country Director, the HRM ensures that all HR strategies, policies, and practices align with Water Mission’s global standards and Kenyan labor regulations.

This role oversees the full employee life cycle, including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, and staff development. The HRM also plays a vital role in cultivating a workplace culture that reflects Water Mission’s Christian mission, values, and organizational standards.

This is a full-time position based in Kitale, Kenya, requiring residency in or near the office and regular field travel.

Our Culture

Water Mission Kenya fosters a biblical worldview culture that pursues God-honoring excellence. As a leader, the Human Resources Manager promotes accuracy, encourages learning from challenges, and empowers staff to deliver solutions aligned with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Model servant leadership and maintain a strong Christian witness to staff, partners, and communities.
• Lead and participate in prayer and biblically based devotions.
• Promote Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect.
• Partner with regional and country leadership to develop and implement the Kenya HR Strategy and Annual Staffing Plan.
• Advise leadership on workforce planning, talent management, retention, and organizational development.
• Support change management initiatives and guide leaders on HR best practices.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment, including advertising, interviewing, background checks, and onboarding.
• Oversee employment contracts, documentation, and compliance.
• Manage onboarding, staff development, and offboarding.
• Maintain a strong talent pipeline.
• Implement the performance management system.
• Equip managers to conduct effective reviews, feedback, and coaching.
• Coordinate training, development, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Facilitate HR-related workshops.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee relations, conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• Conduct investigations in collaboration with the Regional HR Director.
• Support staff welfare, engagement, morale, and recognition programs.
• Administer compensation and benefits programs.
• Conduct market benchmarking.
• Ensure compliance with Kenyan labor laws and HR audits.
• Update and maintain the Kenya HR Manual.
• Oversee visa, work permit, and immigration matters.
• Prepare HR reports and analytics for leadership and headquarters.
• Maintain accurate HR records, systems, and HRIS data.
• Uphold high standards of confidentiality and data protection.
• Supervise support and auxiliary staff as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in NGOs or international development.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of Kenyan labor laws and HR compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Legally authorized to work in Kenya without sponsorship.

Skills & Competencies

• A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• High attention to detail and analytical capability.
• Sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.