Human Resources Manager, Africa

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.  

About the Role

The HR Manager, Africa, is a key member of the Africa Leadership Team and serves as the senior-most HR professional for the Africa region. This position plays a pivotal role in driving GEAPP’s mission through its people. Reporting to the Chief People Officer (CPO) and with matrix accountability to the VP, Africa, the role works closely with regional and global leadership to execute the Africa strategy and operating plans through effective talent, culture, and organizational development initiatives.

The role is responsible for leading all aspects of the HR function in Africa, including talent acquisition, performance management, organization effectiveness, employee engagement, compliance, and HR operations. It also supports the implementation of global HR programs - including performance management process, ongoing HRIS management and optimization, and learning & development - across the broader GEAPP organization.

This position requires frequent handling of sensitive and confidential information and is integral to maintaining HR compliance, consistency, and integrity across the Africa team and GEAPP’s global operations.

Accountabilities

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruitment across the Africa region, from workforce planning, job design, and approval to sourcing, interviewing, selection, offer negotiation, and onboarding.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop competency-based recruitment strategies aligned with current and future organizational needs.
• Manage applicant tracking systems and ensure accurate documentation and compliance with internal policies and data integrity.
• Innovate sourcing strategies including leveraging social media, talent pools, direct outreach, referrals, and inclusive hiring practices.
• Support the design and delivery of smooth and welcoming onboarding experiences for all new hires.

HR Operations & Compliance 

• Manage all HR administrative processes across Africa, including contracts, payroll inputs, benefits administration, leave tracking, and visa/work permit coordination for international staff.
• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for the Africa region, ensuring full compliance with local employment laws and statutory requirements.
• Develop and maintain HR metrics, dashboards, and reports to support data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure accurate records management and coordination of audit-ready HR files.

Employee Relations & Engagement 

• Act as a trusted advisor to employees and managers, providing guidance on employee relations, policy interpretation, conflict resolution, and well-being support.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives, culture-building efforts, and communication strategies to enhance morale and connection across dispersed teams.
• Drive the implementation of engagement surveys, analyze trends, and propose action plans to leadership.

Performance & Development 

• Oversee the performance management process in line with global frameworks, ensuring timely goal-setting, mid-year reviews, and year-end evaluations.
• Identify learning needs, coordinate training opportunities, and partner with global HR to deploy talent development initiatives.
• Champion leadership and capacity development efforts across the Africa team.

Strategic HR Projects 

• Lead and contribute to global HR projects such as HRIS implementation, L&D, performance management redesign, policy development, and culture transformation.
• Support change management initiatives during periods of organizational transformation, including restructuring and leadership transitions.

Consultant & Contracted Staff Management 

• Manage HR engagement for regional consultants and contractors, ensuring clarity in terms of reference, onboarding, documentation, and performance expectations.
• Serve as the liaison between contracted staff and internal teams for seamless integration and support

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree or HR certification (e.g. CIPD, SHRM) is an added advantage.
• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in a regional or multi-country context.
• Experience working in a global company and a matrix environment will be highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Kenya labor laws; experience supporting operations in other African countries is an asset.
• Proven experience in leading end-to-end recruitment, employee relations, and HR operations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A data-driven, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for building inclusive workplaces.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, mission-driven international organization is desirable.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-making; Able to distil key insights from a large amount of information and frame distinct choices; Is able to think creatively and bring new ideas to the table; Has the ability to evaluate risks and opportunities; Uses analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Execution: Takes initiative and drives for results; Has strong project management skills; manages their own time well and provides the necessary guidance and direction to others; has a sense of urgency and takes responsibility for their work; is able to multi-task and works well under pressure; employs attention to detail with their work and has high standards for accomplishing their work.
• Influence and Communication: Excellent communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to frame complex topics for executive discussion and act as a credible representative of the Alliance’s work and values both internally and externally.
• Partnership and Relationship Building: Has strong professional presence and can act as a key representative of the alliance; has intercultural knowledge and appreciation; and possesses strong strategic partnership-building skills.
• People Management: Strong project and people management skills and the ability to be flexible, and adaptable under uncertain and changing conditions.  Approaches managing people as one that employs team building, skill building and overall staff development and engagement.

We operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. We expect all GEAPP employees to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.  

 GEAPP LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the organization ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.  

GEAPP LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.