Assistant Manager, HR Operations & Governance

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager, HR Operations is responsible for supporting the delivery of efficient, compliant, and high-quality HR operations across FSD Africa. The role ensures the effective implementation of HR processes, systems, and policies across key areas including compensation and benefits administration, HR policies and procedures, employee wellbeing, occupational health and safety, and HR data management, while maintaining strong operational controls and service standards. The role acts as the primary execution layer for HR operations, ensuring that processes run efficiently, records are accurate, and staff and managers are supported in day-to-day HR matters.

Job Details

Reports directly to - Manager, HR Operations & Governance

Contract Type - Full-time

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

HR Operations Delivery & Administration
To ensure the consistent, accurate, and timely execution of HR operations processes, supporting
efficient service delivery and adherence to organisational standards. Works under the direction of the Manager, HR Operations & Governance to ensure alignment with approved processes, standards, and service delivery expectations.

• Execute day-to-day HR operations processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Support implementation of standardised HR procedures across the organisation
• Maintain high service levels in responding to staff and manager queries
• Track and monitor HR operational activities to ensure deadlines are met

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Administration.
To ensure the accurate and compliant administration of payroll and employee benefits, supporting
staff experience and financial integrity. Implements processes under the supervision of the Manager, who retains accountability for policy, cost governance, and strategic decision-making.

• Support administration of salary reviews, payroll processing, and benefits schemes
• Ensure timely processing of payroll and statutory payments
• Liaise with benefits providers to ensure effective service delivery
• Maintain accurate benefits and payroll records and respond to staff queries

HR Risk, Policies, Procedures, Compliance & Controls
To ensure strong operational control in supporting compliance, audit readiness, and risk mitigation. Operates within control frameworks defined by the Manager, escalating risks and ensuring issues are tracked and resolved. To ensure HR policies and procedures are properly implemented, communicated, and adhered to, maintaining compliance with legal and organisational requirements. Supports implementation under the Manager’s oversight, with escalations on policy interpretation, governance issues, and compliance risks.
 

• Support the rollout and communication of HR policies and procedures
• Maintain policy trackers and ensure documentation is current
• Monitor adherence to HR policies and flag compliance gaps
• Maintain accurate HR compliance trackers
• Monitor contract renewals, permits, and policy timelines
• Identify and escalate compliance issues and risks
• Support implementation of internal controls across HR processes

HR Systems, Data & Reporting
To ensure accurate HR data management and effective use of HR systems, supporting reliable
reporting and operational decision-making. Provides data and reports under the Manager’s guidance, who leads on analytics, insights, and reporting to senior leadership.
 

• Undertakes routing audits of the HRIS and employee data, ensuring accuracy and
  completeness
• Generate routine HR reports (headcount, demographics, gender pay gap, compliance metrics)
• Support data collation for HR analytics and reporting
• Ensure data confidentiality and compliance with data protection standards

Employee Wellbeing & Engagement Support
To support the delivery of employee wellbeing initiatives that enhance staff experience, engagement, and productivity. Implements programmes designed by the Manager, providing feedback and operational insight to inform improvements.
 

• Coordinate implementation of wellbeing programmes and activities
• Support engagement initiatives and employee feedback mechanisms
• Track participation and gather feedback on initiatives
• Respond to staff queries related to wellbeing programmes
• Support the Employee Resource Groups (ERP) implement wellbeing aspects of their
  operational plans

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), & Safeguarding
To support the organisation in maintaining safe, compliant, and well-managed working
environments, in line with OSH and safeguarding standards. Executes processes under the
Manager’s supervision, who retains accountability for risk oversight and compliance assurance.
 

• Support implementation of OSH and safeguarding programmes in coordination with the
  Safeguarding Officers
• Maintain safety records, compliance documentation, and incident logs
• Coordinate audits and compliance checks
• Support awareness and training initiatives

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Support
To support the embedding of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in HR operations, ensuring fairness and consistency. Supports implementation of EDI and Staff Welfare priorities set by the
Manager and broader HR strategy.
 

• Support data collection and reporting on diversity metrics
• Assist in coordination of Staff Welfare and EDI initiatives
• Facilitates the EDI data collection for reporting
• Support EDI champions implement EDI specific initiatives at pillar level
• Ensure HR processes reflect inclusive practices

Multi-Jurisdiction & Employment Administration
To support the administration of multi-country employment arrangements, ensuring documentation and processes are compliant and well managed. Supports execution under the Manager’s leadership, who oversees legal, cost, and governance aspects.
 

• Work with the Manager Operations and EORs to support contract management, novation,
  work permit applications, alternative work arrangements and onboarding employees to EOR
• Support management of multi-jurisdiction employment records and contracts
• Assist in coordinating processes with Employers of Record (EOR) providers
• Track deliverables, documentation, and service performance of EORs
• Maintain accurate records for staff across jurisdictions
• Trigger payroll actions for employees with EORs

Stakeholder Support & HR Advisory
To provide responsive and professional HR operational support to staff and managers, ensuring clarity and smooth execution of HR processes. Escalates complex or sensitive matters to the Manager, who provides higher-level advisory and decision-making.
 

• Act as first point of contact for HR operational queries
• Provide guidance on HR processes, policies, and systems
• Support communication of HR updates and initiatives
• Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, and Corporate Services teams
• Handle confidential matters with discretion

Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management.

COMPETENCIES
Competencies describe the key behaviours that drive success in all of FSD Africa’s roles, regardless of technical specialism. They have been derived from systematic research correlating performance with personal attributes. 

Competency Levels 

• Level 1: Basic
• Level 2: Foundation   
• Level 3: Specialist
• Level 4: Senior Specialist      
• Level 5: Leading Expert          
• Level 6: Executive

This position requires competency at Foundation Level for all the competencies listed below:

ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS
Commitment & Alignment
Demonstrates commitment to serving our partners and alignment with the values and vision of FSD Africa
Change & Challenge
Has a strong sense of ownership that leads to learning, self-starting, taking initiative, driving change and leading development
 

ACHIEVEMENT COMPETENCIES
Situational Awareness & Thinking
Thinks clearly and intentionally, analysing information objectively, understanding issues, solving problems, and making decisions
Drive for results
Is keenly motivated to achieve goals & act with accountability to deliver quality results
 

PEOPLE COMPETENCIES
Relationships & Collaboration
Discerns and appreciates the values, viewpoints, or abilities of others; effectively reconciles different interests and displays emotional intelligence
Communication & Influencing
Deliberately adjusts behaviour to accommodate others; communicates clearly, confidently, and appropriately to influence others
 

Requirements

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• A master’s degree with at least 3 years’ experience in Human Resources, or a bachelor’s degree
  with at least 4 years’ experience in Human Resources
• Either professional membership of Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development or other
  certificating body OR the degree is in Human Resource Management
• Excellent written and spoken English

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Strong understanding of HR operations processes, including payroll, benefits administration,
  employee records, and compliance requirements
• Working knowledge of labour laws and statutory obligations relevant to employee
  management
• Understanding of HR policies, procedures, and governance frameworks, and how they are
  applied in practice
• Familiarity with HR systems (HRIS) and data management principles
• Basic understanding of multi-jurisdiction employment arrangements and compliance
  considerations
• High attention to detail and accuracy in managing HR data related to the role e.g. for payroll
• Strong organisational and process management skills, with the ability to manage multiple
  activities simultaneously
• Analytical skills to compile, track, and interpret HR data and reports
• Effective communication and stakeholder support skills to respond to staff queries and
  coordinate across teams
• Ability to apply policies and procedures consistently and identify when to escalate issues
• Proficiency in HRIS, Excel, and reporting tools
• Experience supporting HR compliance, audits, and documentation control
• Experience working in a structured, process-driven environment (ideally multi-country or
  donor-funded)
• Exposure to HR systems and digital tools for managing employee data and reporting

Key Success Measures

Accuracy & Timeliness of HR Operations

• Payroll, benefits, contracts, and HR records are processed accurately and on time, with
  minimal errors
• Holds the HR Assistant to deliver HRIS data that is consistently complete, up to date, and
  reliable

Compliance & Audit Readiness

• All HR policies, and processes are fully compliant with legal and organisational requirements
• Audit requirements are met with minimal findings and timely closure of issues

Quality of HR Data & Reporting

• Regular HR reports (headcount, benefits, compliance trackers) are accurate, timely, and
  decision-useful
• HR data supports effective monitoring of workforce and operational risks

Service Delivery & Stakeholder Satisfaction

• Staff and managers receive responsive, reliable, and professional HR support
• Positive feedback on HR operations service (queries resolved quickly, processes clear and
  efficient)

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity: 

FSDAi is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of equity and inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We will ensure that all applicants are provided a fair chance to compete for available job opportunities.

About Company

FSD Africa

https://fsdafrica.org/

FSD Africa is a specialist development agency working to help make finance work for Africa’s future. Based in Nairobi, FSD Africa’s team of financial sector experts work alongside governments, business leaders, regulators, and policymakers to design and build ambitious programmes that make financial markets work better for everyone. FSD Africa Investments, provides early-stage, risk-bearing, catalytic and patient capital to inventive commercial organisations in order to stimulate capital flows in support of green economic growth benefiting people and planet. Established in 2012, FSD Africa is incorporated as a non-profit company limited by guarantee in Kenya. It is funded by UK aid from the UK government.