Payroll & IRS Support Officer

CIMMYT, a leading non-profit international agricultural research organization dedicated to improving food security across the Global South, is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & IRS Support Officer to join its Kenya operations. Hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF) at the United Nations Avenue campus in Nairobi, this role sits at the intersection of payroll compliance, HR administration, and international staff support.

The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end payroll processing for Kenya-based staff while also providing critical administrative support for internationally recruited staff (IRS) — covering relocation logistics, protocol compliance, and related documentation. This is a high-trust role requiring meticulous accuracy, discretion, and a thorough understanding of Kenyan statutory obligations.

• Manage the full monthly payroll cycle for all categories of Kenya-based employees, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and timely disbursement.
• Validate and process all payroll inputs including overtime, leave balances, deductions, new hires, salary adjustments, benefits, allowances, and final dues.
• Reconcile payroll components — salaries, benefits, deductions, taxes, pension contributions, loans, and recoveries — on a monthly basis.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan statutory requirements: PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy, pension administration, and all applicable employer obligations.
• Coordinate timely preparation, filing, and remittance of statutory deductions and payroll returns to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and other relevant bodies.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and liaise with Finance to ensure payroll outputs and statutory payments are accurately captured in financial records.
• Investigate and resolve payroll variances, discrepancies, and escalated exceptions within agreed timelines.
• Maintain audit-ready payroll records and support both internal and external payroll audits.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll and proactively update processes and controls accordingly.
• Prepare annual employee tax documents including P9 forms and other statutory payroll support records.
• Maintain the integrity of payroll master data and employee payroll records within the payroll system.
• Provide administrative support for internationally recruited staff processes including relocation, work permits, diplomatic privileges, and protocol-related requirements.

• Demonstrate at least 4 years of hands-on payroll processing experience within a multi-currency or international organization environment.
• Apply working knowledge of Kenyan tax law and statutory compliance frameworks — PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy, and KRA iTax filing.
• Operate payroll management software proficiently (e.g., Sage, SAP HCM, Oracle HRMS, or equivalent ERP systems).
• Reconcile complex payroll ledgers and produce accurate variance reports with supporting documentation.
• Communicate payroll findings and compliance updates clearly to Finance, HR, and management stakeholders.
• Handle sensitive employee compensation data with the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate familiarity with internationally recruited staff (IRS) administrative processes, including relocation logistics and protocol documentation, as an added advantage.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification in Payroll Management or HR (e.g., CHRP-K, IHRM membership) is an advantage.

CIMMYT offers a competitive, internationally benchmarked compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience. Estimated monthly gross salary falls within the range of KES 150,000 – KES 250,000, reflecting the INGO sector mid-to-senior officer band in Kenya. Additional benefits typically associated with CGIAR-affiliated organizations apply.

• Comprehensive medical insurance cover
• Pension / retirement benefits scheme
• Annual leave and paid public holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• International working environment with exposure to global HR practices

Ideal candidate: A payroll professional with at least 4 years of experience in a structured, compliance-driven organization — ideally an INGO, CGIAR centre, UN agency, or large multinational. You are KRA iTax-savvy, comfortable with ERP payroll modules, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining zero-error standards. Experience supporting international staff administrative processes will set you apart.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 3 years of payroll-specific experience, lack practical knowledge of Kenyan statutory compliance (PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy), or are uncomfortable handling highly confidential compensation data in a multi-stakeholder environment.

• Visit the official CIMMYT careers portal at www.cimmyt.org or the World Agroforestry website at www.worldagroforestry.org.
• Locate the Payroll & IRS Support Officer vacancy and complete the online application form.
• Upload an updated CV and a cover letter clearly outlining your payroll experience, statutory compliance knowledge, and motivation for joining CIMMYT.
• Ensure all documents are submitted before the advertised closing date — late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.