People & Culture Director

Job Rank/Seniority: DirectorDepartment: People & CultureLocation / Work station: Nairobi (Kibera)Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pmReports to: Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO)Direct reports: P&C Managers, OfficersABOUT SHOFCOSHOFCO is a leading community-based organization mobilizing the largest network of social groups in Kenya to provide holistic, needs-driven services and redefine the potential of citizen-led change.We partner across a range of sectors to provide programs ranging from health and education to economic and social empowerment. These services are informed by our community advocacy platforms. Originally founded in Kibera, SHOFCO is now reaching communities across Kenya, with more than 800 staff in 20 offices.JOB PURPOSEThe Director of People & Culture is a new role that serves as a strategic and operational leader of SHOFCO’s human resources function. This role is responsible for building a high-performing, values-driven workforce that enables SHOFCO’s mission for our communities.With the support of several P&C Managers, the P&C Director will lead aspects of P&C including workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, safeguarding alignment, compliance with Kenyan labor law, talent development, comp & benefits, and culture-building initiatives.This position is a key member of the senior leadership team and works closely with Programs, Legal, Finance, Safeguarding, and Risk functions to ensure people systems SHOFCO to meet its impact and grow.In the first year, the right candidate will likely deliver:* Clear P&C strategy aligned with SHOFCO’s growth plan * P&C team operating with defined KPIs and strong service orientation. * Strengthened org-wide performance management and learning framework * Reduced employee relations risk through consistent policy application and safeguarding supports. * Optimized/automated P&C systems with improved data and reporting.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DIMENSIONS1. Strategic Leadership, Business Partnering & Workforce Planning* Develop and implement a multi-year People & Culture strategy aligned with SHOFCO’s growth and programmatic goals. * Serve as a strategic business partner to senior leaders and Heads of Department, proactively advising on organizational design, workforce planning, team effectiveness, and change management. * Advise the senior leadership on succession planning and leadership pipelines. * Strengthen P&C governance frameworks, internal controls, and risk reduction2. Building & Leading a High-Performing P&C Function* Lead, mentor, and develop the P&C team across Kenya to operate as a high-performing, service-oriented, and strategic function. * Establish clear roles, KPIs, and accountability mechanisms within the P&C team. * Build capability in P&C business partnering, employee relations, and systems * Standardize P&C practices while allowing for appropriate contextual flexibility.3. Talent Acquisition & Development* Oversee recruitment strategy for senior roles * Ensure equitable, transparent, and competency-based hiring processes. * Strengthen onboarding systems to improve integration and performance * Design and oversee a clear, consistent performance management framework, including leadership development options. * Support managers in coaching, feedback, and performance improvement4. Employee Relations & Culture* Ensure SHOFCO is a great place to work, matching our practices and policies to our desired impact in the world. * Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant procedures and policies * Strengthen employee engagement and internal communications and promote a culture of teamwork and cohesion.5. Compliance, Policy & Risk Management* Ensure compliance with Kenyan labor laws and statutory requirements. * Oversee regular updating of P&C policies and employee handbook. * Partner with Legal and Safeguarding to manage investigations, disciplinary processes, and grievance procedures. * Identify and mitigate P&C-related risks in collaboration with the Risk functions.7. Safeguarding & Ethics Integration* Partner with Safeguarding leadership to embed safeguarding principles into recruitment, onboarding, and performance systems. * Ensure background checks and vetting processes are consistently applied. * Support investigation processes for any misconduct reports, working closely with the Safeguarding and Gender teams, as well as legal.8. Compensation, Benefits, Technology & P&C Operations* Oversee payroll processes in partnership with Finance. * Lead benefits administration and periodic compensation benchmarking. * Optimize P&C systems and technology (HRIS, payroll systems, performance platforms) to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and reporting. * Strengthen automation to reduce manual burden and increase transparency. * Monitor P&C metrics (i.e turnover, engagement, diversity, and performance).JOB COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES / SKILLS).ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS* Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field (Master’s preferred).PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS* Minimum 10 years of HR experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership. * Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) * Valid Practising license with Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) * A true values-driven leader who cares deeply about people, their growth, and their professional achievements. * Experience in nonprofit, multi-site, or rapidly scaling organizations * Proven experience building and leading high-performing, remote P&C teams * Experience building P&C systems and infrastructure in growing organizations.FUNCTIONAL SKILLS* Change management and organizational development * Strong conflict resolution skills * Technology fluency and process optimization mindset * Strong experience implementing or optimizing P&C technology systems (HRIS, payroll, etc). * Strong knowledge of Kenyan labor law.BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES* A people-first leader who cares deeply about colleagues * Strategic thinking and business partnership * Organizational design and change * High integrity and discretion * Commitment to safeguarding and ethical leadership * Commitment to inclusion and community-centered leadershipHOW TO APPLYAll interested applicants should send their CV and detailed cover letter to [email protected] with the job position “P&C Director” in the subject line.Applications due by March 26, 2026.SHOFCO Recruitment and Hiring Notes:Please note that SHOFCO does not charge any fee in the recruitment process, as the entire hiring process is free and fair.SHOFCO is committed to upholding Gender Equality, Diversity and Social inclusion, and seeks to reflect the communities that we serve. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Additionally, SHOFCO seeks safety for the people that we serve, and employment with SHOFCO is conditional upon successful background and reference checks and other verification as needed. SHOFCO has a zero-tolerance policy on gross misconduct, including sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse. SHOFCO will request a certificate of good conduct and information from the job applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual misconduct, fraud, or abuse. By submitting an application to SHOFCO, the applicant confirms her/his/their understanding of these recruitment procedures.