HR Officer – Generalist

Church World Service (CWS) is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented HR Officer – Generalist to join its Africa HR team. Reporting directly to the Human Resource Manager with a matrix reporting line to the Learning & Development Manager, this role sits at the heart of CWS's people operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering day-to-day HR services across a broad spectrum of functions, ensuring that staff across the organisation experience seamless, compliant, and people-centred HR support.

This is a hands-on generalist role that spans talent acquisition, HR administration, learning and development, and compensation and benefits. The HR Officer will act as a trusted partner to line managers and staff alike, ensuring that HR policies, systems, and procedures are consistently applied in line with Kenyan labour law and CWS global standards.

• Manage the end-to-end recruitment cycle including posting vacancies, shortlisting CVs, scheduling interviews, conducting reference checks, extending offers, and communicating outcomes to all applicants.
• Liaise with hiring managers and relevant stakeholders to support candidate selection and ensure compliance with CWS recruitment policy.
• Facilitate interview scheduling, screening calls, competency assessments, and in-person interviews while supporting compensation determination for incoming staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date HR records on SharePoint and other organisational databases, including staff contracts and compliance tracking in line with Kenyan labour law.
• Monitor and report on leave utilisation using the CWS HRIS (UKG System), track sick-off trends, and maintain confidential medical records.
• Prepare and manage staff correspondence including introduction letters, background check letters, and letters for banks, visa applications, SACCOs, and other institutions.
• Ensure all HR documentation meets audit and legal standards at all times.
• Prepare quarterly turnover reports, exit survey analyses, and other separation-related reports.
• Coordinate the full staff separation process including clearance forms, exit surveys, pension forms, final dues computation, and issuance of Certificates of Service.
• Support the design and delivery of learning and development programmes in collaboration with CWS Africa management.
• Monitor, track, and report on completion of all mandatory and annual training programmes.
• Coordinate new staff orientation programmes alongside HR colleagues.
• Maintain the CWS Africa L&D calendar, schedule training sessions, book venues, and ensure timely communication of invitations to participants.
• Prepare training schedules and dry-run plans, and develop monthly training calendars for circulation.
• Maintain complete and accurate training records including attendance sheets and training logs.

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Higher National Diploma in HRM is an added advantage.
• Demonstrate at least 3–5 years of progressive HR generalist experience, preferably within an NGO or INGO environment.
• Apply working knowledge of Kenyan labour law and HR compliance requirements to manage employee relations and documentation accurately.
• Operate HRIS platforms (experience with UKG/Kronos is a strong advantage) to extract reports and manage employee data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Execute full-cycle recruitment independently, from job posting through onboarding, with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate learning and development initiatives including scheduling, logistics, record-keeping, and participant communication.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally when preparing correspondence, reports, and engaging with staff and external institutions.
• Demonstrate strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Handle sensitive and confidential HR information with professionalism and discretion at all times.
• Be a registered member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM Kenya).

CWS offers a competitive remuneration package benchmarked against NGO sector standards in Kenya. The estimated monthly gross salary for this role ranges from KES 100,000 to KES 180,000 depending on qualifications and experience. CWS is committed to staff wellbeing and provides a comprehensive benefits package in line with its HR policies.

This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multicultural environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality people services. You are highly organised, proactive, and comfortable working across multiple HR functions simultaneously. You understand the nuances of NGO HR operations and can navigate both global standards and local labour law requirements with confidence.

Please do not apply if you have fewer than 3 years of practical HR experience, have no exposure to HR information systems, or are seeking a purely recruitment-focused or training-focused role. This position demands a true generalist who can move fluidly across all HR functions.

• Prepare an updated CV and a cover letter clearly outlining your suitability for the role and your experience across HR generalist functions.
• Ensure your cover letter references your IHRM membership status and any experience with HRIS platforms.
• Submit your application through the official CWS Africa careers portal or the platform where this vacancy was advertised.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
• CWS is an equal opportunity employer. Women and candidates from marginalised communities are strongly encouraged to apply.