African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is Hiring: Operations and Systems Assistant – People and Culture

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Division: Finance and Administration
Contract Type: Temporary (6 months)
Application Deadline: 23 July 2025

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented professional to join its People and Culture team as an Operations and Systems Assistant. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this temporary role offers an opportunity to contribute to the efficient operation of human resources functions across AWF’s Africa-based offices. The successful candidate will support a range of HR systems and processes, ensuring compliance, data accuracy, and excellent employee service delivery.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager, People and Culture, the Operations and Systems Assistant will provide critical administrative and operational support across HR functions. The position is integral to ensuring that systems, records, recruitment processes, and statutory obligations are efficiently managed and maintained.

This hybrid role is designed for a skilled individual with prior experience in HR systems management, employee records administration, and multi-country HR support in an international context. The role requires someone with strong organisational skills, analytical capabilities, and an understanding of labour regulations, particularly in the African context.

Key Responsibilities

The Operations and Systems Assistant will contribute to the overall effectiveness of the People and Culture function through the following responsibilities:

Human Resources Administration

• Manage and maintain employee records and contracts across Africa-based operations.
• Assist in coordinating HR lifecycle processes including recruitment, onboarding, probation, performance reviews, and offboarding.
• Draft employment offer letters and contracts (including amendments and renewals), manage the document signature process, and ensure electronic filing of executed agreements.
• Provide administrative support for day-to-day People and Culture operations and respond to employee queries promptly.

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Support the coordination of recruitment activities across Africa and Europe, ensuring the weekly tracking and reporting of recruitment status.
• Facilitate the onboarding process, ensuring timely setup and documentation of new hires.
• Track probation periods and send timely reminders to managers one month prior to the completion of the probation term.

Data and HR Systems Management

• Update the HR Information System (HRIS) and other systems in real time with changes in employee data.
• Ensure the generation of accurate reports and statistics to support management decisions, analysing data trends related to recruitment, retention, and compliance.
• Maintain and improve automated processes to reduce administrative burden and enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure data privacy compliance in line with global and local regulations.

Compliance and Statutory Obligations

• Track and ensure timely submission of statutory payments such as NSSF, NHIF, and HELB.
• Assist with the preparation and processing of HR invoices in liaison with the Finance team.
• Monitor compliance with internal service level agreements (SLAs) and flag areas requiring improvement.

Additional Duties

• Take minutes during HR-related meetings and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Support in project-based assignments and ad hoc HR tasks as required.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or a related discipline.
• Registered member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM).
• A minimum of two years’ progressive experience in a Human Resources environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with HRIS platforms. Experience with UKGPro (formerly Ultipro) is an added advantage.
• Prior exposure to international or multi-country HR environments is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with people data management, performance metrics, and HR compliance tracking.
• Fluency in French will be considered an asset.

Key Competencies

• Strong administrative skills and the ability to manage a diverse and complex workload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and diplomatic approach.
• High level of attention to detail and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data reporting tools.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately.
• Proactive, responsive, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Customer service orientation with patience, empathy, and a sense of urgency.

About the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

AWF is the primary African conservation organisation focused exclusively on the protection of wildlife and wild lands across the continent. Founded in 1961, AWF’s mission is to ensure that wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa. The organisation operates at the intersection of conservation and human development, promoting innovative, inclusive approaches that address both ecological sustainability and community well-being.

For more information and to apply please visit the official AWF webpage.

Application Process

All interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by 23 July 2025. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.