Regional Human Resources Manager- Africa

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. The CIMMYT Regional office for Africa is located at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) at Gigiri, Nairobi, with country offices in Ethiopia, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

In Kenya, CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi.

We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org

CIMMYT is looking for a: Regional Human Resources Manager- Africa

Position Overview

The Regional HR Manager supports the effective functioning of country offices in Africa by promoting alignment with organizational policies and strategic objectives. The role provides strategic HR guidance, fosters compliance and good governance, and supports workforce development. This position works in close collaboration with HQ to ensure consistency, share best practices, and adapt global priorities to regional needs.

Key Responsibilities

All duties are carried out in close collaboration with HQ (Mexico) and relevant global functions.

1. Strategic HR Leadership & Alignment

• Support alignment of HR activities with organizational objectives, policies, and compliance frameworks.
• Contribute to strategic HR planning, change management, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Support leadership development and workforce planning.

2. Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Support adherence to HR policies, Delegation of Authority, and local labor laws.
• Assist in audits, spot checks, and corrective actions.
• Identify HR risks and support mitigation strategies.

3. Operational Efficiency & Talent Management

• Support improvement of HR processes, systems, and resource allocation.
• Assist in recruitment, performance management, retention, and staff development.
• Support planning for office openings/closings and structural changes.

4. Employee Relations, Well-being & Safety

• Support management of labor relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes.
• Assist in implementing OHS, environmental, health, safety, and well-being programs.

5. Compensation, Benefits & HR Systems

• Support HQ in implementing compensation, benefits, and job evaluation frameworks.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Collaborate with HQ to manage HRIS, reporting, and data analysis systems.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Act as HR representative for regional offices and liaise between HQ and country teams.
• Build external partnerships to strengthen recruitment and organizational reputation.

Reporting & Supervision

• Reports functionally to the Global Director of HR & to the Regional Director Africa.
• Works closely with HQ and country office leads to ensure alignment and delivery.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in HR, Business Administration, or related field.

• 15 to 20 years of HR experience, including regional or multi-country roles.

• Proven expertise in HR governance, compliance, workforce planning, and change management.

• Strong leadership, communication, and cultural sensitivity skills.

• Knowledge of labor laws, audits, HRIS, and data-driven HR reporting.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in diverse contexts.

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.

• The appointment will be for two (2) years, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.

• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya: PLease visit http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies

• CV and Cover Letter should be in PDF and Labelled with the applicants First and Second Names.

We invite you to formally apply to this position by following this link: https://recruit.cifor-icraf.org/jobs/Careers/206844000046122112/Regional-Human-Resources-Manager--Africa-Readvertisement--CIMMYT?source=CareerSite

• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.