HR Business Partner – Upstream Oil & Gas & Waste Management

WTS Energy is seeking an experienced and commercially astute HR Business Partner to provide strategic and operational HR leadership for an upstream drilling and hazardous waste management project based in Lokichar, Turkana County. This is a demanding, high-impact role embedded within a remote industrial project environment, requiring a professional who can operate with both strategic vision and hands-on execution capability.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to project leadership, driving workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, and HSE-integrated people practices. Your work will be central to ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient project delivery across multidisciplinary teams including operations, HSE, logistics, laboratory, maintenance, transport, and administration functions.

• Partner with Project Managers and site leadership to align HR strategies with operational objectives and project milestones.
• Develop comprehensive workforce plans, retention strategies, succession pipelines, and capability development initiatives.
• Lead organizational design, role definition, and deployment of multidisciplinary project teams across all functions.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment including sourcing, assessment, selection, onboarding, medical clearances, and mobilization of both local and expatriate personnel.
• Champion local content initiatives, community hiring programs, apprenticeships, and internships in line with Kenyan local content regulations.
• Design and deliver employee induction, orientation, and mandatory site safety training programs.
• Implement and manage performance management cycles including KPI setting, appraisals, development plans, and talent reviews.
• Advise management on compensation structures, allowances, shift patterns, leave administration, and remote-site retention strategies.
• Manage employee relations matters including grievances, disciplinary processes, investigations, conflict resolution, and terminations in compliance with Kenyan labour law.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan labour legislation, employment regulations, company policies, and local content requirements.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready employee records, contracts, personnel files, and HR documentation in both physical and electronic formats.
• Conduct training needs analyses and coordinate learning and development programs for operational, HSE, and technical staff.
• Coordinate employee recognition initiatives and support identification and development of high-potential talent.
• Integrate HSE people practices into HR processes including fatigue management, medical fitness standards, and behavioural safety programs.

• Demonstrate at least 6–8 years of progressive HR experience, with a minimum of 3 years in an HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist role supporting remote or industrial project operations.
• Apply deep knowledge of Kenyan labour law, Employment Act, OSHA requirements, and local content regulations to protect the business and employees.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and multi-stakeholder conflict resolution in high-pressure, remote environments.
• Design and execute workforce planning frameworks aligned to project timelines and operational demands.
• Lead full-cycle recruitment for technical, operational, and specialist roles including expatriate mobilization processes.
• Translate business needs into HR solutions across compensation, performance, capability building, and organizational design.
• Operate confidently in HSE-critical environments, integrating people practices with safety management systems.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field; a professional HR certification (e.g. CHRP-K, SHRM, CIPD) is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in upstream oil & gas, drilling operations, hazardous waste management, mining, construction, or utilities is highly desirable.

The salary for this role is not publicly disclosed by WTS Energy. Based on the seniority level, remote project environment, and industry benchmarks for Oil & Gas HR Business Partners in Kenya, the estimated monthly compensation ranges from KES 280,000 to KES 450,000, inclusive of applicable site allowances. Final remuneration will reflect qualifications, experience, and project scope.

• Competitive remote site allowances applicable to Turkana County operations.
• Medical clearance and HSE-related benefits aligned to site safety standards.

This role is ideal for a seasoned HR professional who thrives in complex, remote, and fast-paced industrial environments. You are comfortable working independently, advising senior project leadership, and navigating the unique people challenges of upstream energy or extractive industry projects. You understand the social and regulatory landscape of operating in Turkana County and are committed to meaningful local community engagement.

Do not apply if you have no experience in remote or project-based industrial operations, are uncomfortable with extended deployments away from major urban centres, or lack working knowledge of Kenyan employment law and local content compliance requirements.

• Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your HR Business Partner experience in industrial or project-based environments.
• Include a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in oil & gas, mining, construction, or related sectors.
• Submit your application through the WTS Energy official careers portal or the job platform where this posting is listed.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview followed by a technical HR competency assessment.
• Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will receive a response.