People and Culture Manager at Ruben Centre

JOB PURPOSE

The People & Culture (P&C) Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership in developing, implementing, and sustaining people-focused systems, policies, and practices that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture. The role holder shall ensure that Ruben Centre attracts, retains, and develops talent while promoting staff well-being, equity, and compliance with Kenyan labor laws.

Key Responsibilities

1. People & Culture Strategy

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and frameworks aligned with organizational goals and Kenyan labor laws.
• Champion initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, values, and behaviors fostering inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Provide strategic advice to leadership on workforce planning, talent management, and organizational development.

2. HR Systems and Compliance

• Administer and continuously improve the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) to ensure data accuracy and accessibility.
• Maintain up-to-date HR manuals, handbooks, and tools that reflect current laws and organizational policies.
• Ensure compliance with all labor regulations, health and safety standards, and internal governance policies.

3. Talent Management and Development

• Oversee the full employee life cycle from recruitment and onboarding to development, performance management, and separation.
• Lead recruitment and selection processes to ensure the organization attracts mission-driven and skilled talent.
• Coordinate employee induction and capacity-building programs to support staff growth and retention.
• Support line managers in implementing effective performance management systems and feedback mechanisms.

4. Employee Engagement and Well-being

• Promote a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace that supports employee well-being and mental health.
• Develop and oversee staff welfare programs including medical, pension, and insurance schemes.
• Coordinate initiatives that foster teamwork, recognition, and employee engagement.
• Handle staff grievances with empathy, confidentiality, and fairness while maintaining compliance with due process.

5. Culture and Organizational Development

• Partner with program and departmental heads to embed people and culture principles in all projects and operations.
• Facilitate organizational change and transformation initiatives that enhance effectiveness and collaboration.
• Support initiatives geared toward creating a positive, values-driven, and high-performing organizational culture.

6. Administration and Payroll

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll administration in collaboration with the finance team.
• Maintain complete and secure personnel files and staff records.
• Manage leave tracking, contract renewals, and other administrative HR processes.

Required skills/qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Human Resource Management or related work, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership position. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an added advantage. 
• Certified Human Resource Professional – Kenya (CHRP-K), demonstrating solid technical grounding in HR practices and compliance. 
• Member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), in good standing
• Proven experience in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational goals. 
• Strong knowledge and experience in Kenya Labour Laws, employee relations, performance management, recruitment, talent development, and organizational culture.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• High proficiency in HR Information Systems (HRIS); familiarity with Wingubox HR system, payroll systems, and digital performance management systems is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all organizational levels. 
• Experience working in NGO or development sector settings and exposure to cross-cultural work environments is highly desirable.