Aga Khan Education Service Uganda is hiring a Head of Human Resources responsible for formulating and executing a comprehensive human resources strategy that aligns with both AKESU and global AKES objectives. In support of the institution’s long-term ambitions, this individual will establish robust systems that facilitate organisational development, talent management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, regulatory compliance, and cultural transformation. Working closely with the Board and Management, the Head of HR will contribute to maintaining the institution’s commitment to excellence in its educational.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support HR initiatives while addressing local nuances and challenges.
• Act as a culture change agent, leading and supporting organisational transformations and initiatives.
• Manage total workforce cost and departmental budget to optimise efficiency, minimise turnover expenses, and maximise financial return on HR initiatives.

Talent Management

• Oversee talent acquisition strategies, ensuring effective sourcing, recruitment, and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent.
• Develop and implement talent management programs, including performance management, succession planning, leadership development, and employee training initiatives.
• Monitor workforce planning and ensure the availability of necessary skills and talent to meet current and future business needs.
• Design and implement learning and development programs in line with education trends and organisational needs.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Provide guidance on labour matters and compliance to ensure HR risks are well managed, including guidance/direction and participation in education regulatory matters.
• Provide expert guidance and support on complex employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement strategies to foster a positive and inclusive work environment, enhancing employee engagement and retention.

Compensation & Benefits

• Lead the design, implementation, and administration of competitive and compliant compensation and benefits programs for the schools, considering local market conditions and regulations.
• Conduct regular market analysis to ensure the competitiveness of compensation and benefits structures.
• Manage the compensation review processes and bonus programs.

Organisational Development & Effectiveness

• Support organisational design and restructuring efforts to optimise efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve organisational culture, communication, and collaboration.
• Track HR data and metrics to generate predictive insights regarding HR’s impact on business performance and to support informed decision-making.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures ensuring compliance with all relevant local labour laws and regulations.
• Oversee the effective management of HR information systems (HRIS) and lead the organisation in ensuring compliance with Data Protection and Privacy regulations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the HR team.
• Set clear goals and objectives for the HR team and conduct regular performance reviews.

The requirements

Academic & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Professional HR certification, i.e., CHRP, CIPD, SHRM, SPHRi, etc.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in education, international NGOs, or complex mission-driven organisations is desired.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and influence organisational direction through people strategy.
• Experience working in a complex, matrixed, and/or global organisation highly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Uganda labour laws and HR best practices
• Experience with HRIS and data analytics tools; proficiency in Microsoft 365

Key Skills and Competences

• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand and contribute to overall business strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills at all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong understanding of labour law, HR best practices, and education-specific requirements (e.g., school calendars, faculty contracts).
• Strong ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.

Please note that this position will be managed by a third party recruitment firm

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support HR initiatives while addressing local nuances and challenges.
• Act as a culture change agent, leading and supporting organisational transformations and initiatives.
• Manage total workforce cost and departmental budget to optimise efficiency, minimise turnover expenses, and maximise financial return on HR initiatives.
• Oversee talent acquisition strategies, ensuring effective sourcing, recruitment, and onboarding processes to attract and retain top talent.
• Develop and implement talent management programs, including performance management, succession planning, leadership development, and employee training initiatives.
• Monitor workforce planning and ensure the availability of necessary skills and talent to meet current and future business needs.
• Design and implement learning and development programs in line with education trends and organisational needs.
• Provide guidance on labour matters and compliance to ensure HR risks are well managed, including guidance/direction and participation in education regulatory matters.
• Provide expert guidance and support on complex employee relations issues, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement strategies to foster a positive and inclusive work environment, enhancing employee engagement and retention.
• Lead the design, implementation, and administration of competitive and compliant compensation and benefits programs for the schools, considering local market conditions and regulations.
• Conduct regular market analysis to ensure the competitiveness of compensation and benefits structures.
• Manage the compensation review processes and bonus programs.
• Support organisational design and restructuring efforts to optimise efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve organisational culture, communication, and collaboration.
• Track HR data and metrics to generate predictive insights regarding HR’s impact on business performance and to support informed decision-making.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures ensuring compliance with all relevant local labour laws and regulations.
• Oversee the effective management of HR information systems (HRIS) and lead the organisation in ensuring compliance with Data Protection and Privacy regulations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the HR team.
• Set clear goals and objectives for the HR team and conduct regular performance reviews.

• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand and contribute to overall business strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills at all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong understanding of labour law, HR best practices, and education-specific requirements (e.g., school calendars, faculty contracts).
• Strong ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field; Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Professional HR certification, i.e., CHRP, CIPD, SHRM, SPHRi, etc.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in education, international NGOs, or complex mission-driven organisations is desired.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and influence organisational direction through people strategy.
• Experience working in a complex, matrixed, and/or global organisation highly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Uganda labour laws and HR best practices
• Experience with HRIS and data analytics tools; proficiency in Microsoft 365