Head of Human Resources Role Now Open
Head of Human Resources Role Now Open
Head of Human Resources Role Now Open. Explore a high-impact opportunity to join the African Climate Foundation as Head of Human Resources. This executive leadership role will guide talent management, organizational transformation, and pan-African HR strategy.
Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
The African Climate Foundation (ACF) is the first African-led climate change re-granting organization focused on driving transformative solutions at the intersection of development and climate change. Through partnerships, technical assistance, grantmaking, and advocacy, ACF supports interventions that accelerate inclusive growth, build resilience, and promote sustainability across the continent.
As ACF grows rapidly, the organization seeks a Head of Human Resources (HR) to design and implement a progressive people strategy. This is a senior, high-impact role responsible for advancing the organization’s human capital capacity, nurturing its inclusive culture, and managing the full employee lifecycle.
The Head of HR joins the Senior Management Team (SMT) and leads a diverse team of HR professionals. The role is essential in developing a performance-based, values-driven workplace culture while ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions in Africa. The ideal candidate is a people-focused executive with strong experience in change management, talent strategy, and multi-country HR systems within nonprofit, mission-driven, or philanthropic institutions.
Tasks
Strategic HR Leadership and Organizational Change
- Lead the development and implementation of ACF’s multi-year people and talent management strategy aligned with the organization’s growth, mission, and values.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, SMT, and Board on organizational health, workforce trends, and HR risks.
- Design workforce planning tools to assess current and future talent needs, role alignment, and leadership capacity.
- Implement inclusive HR strategies that reflect ACF’s pan-African footprint and evolving institutional structure.
Human Resources Operations and Governance
- Oversee core HR functions such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits, employment contracts, leave management, and employee records.
- Ensure ACF’s HR systems and practices comply with legal, donor, and regulatory requirements across multiple African countries.
- Continuously improve operational HR systems through digital transformation, automation, and best practices in nonprofit HR management.
- Collaborate with finance and legal teams to ensure effective cross-border employment structures, including Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements and secondments.
Talent Management and Development
- Lead implementation of performance management frameworks aligned with ACF’s mission, values, and role-based expectations.
- Design and manage career development systems, succession planning, coaching initiatives, and leadership training.
- Strengthen strategies to attract, develop, and retain high-performing and diverse talent.
- Develop recognition and rewards systems that encourage excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Culture, Inclusion, and Internal Communication
- Foster an inclusive and values-aligned organizational culture across regions and teams.
- Support cross-cultural communication and build internal platforms that encourage feedback and transparency.
- Lead employee engagement strategies, internal communications, and staff well-being programs.
- Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at every level of the employee experience.
Employee Relations, Risk, and Legal Compliance
- Manage employee relations processes, conflict resolution, grievance handling, and workplace investigations with fairness and discretion.
- Maintain compliance with labor laws, employment standards, and donor-specific HR requirements in all countries of operation.
- Regularly review, update, and implement HR policies and employee handbooks to reflect regulatory changes and institutional values.
- Support audits, internal reviews, and HR-related reporting requirements.
Team Leadership
- Provide strategic direction and mentorship to the HR team, including HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Projects Partner, and HR Administrator.
- Ensure team roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, performance-managed, and aligned with strategic priorities.
- Promote a collaborative and high-performing HR culture that reflects service, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Organizational/Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Experience
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 5 years in senior HR leadership positions.
- Proven success in driving HR transformation and organizational change in complex, mission-driven organizations.
- Experience managing cross-border HR operations and compliance, ideally across multiple African jurisdictions.
- Familiarity with diverse HR models including Employer of Record (EOR), secondments, and decentralized structures.
- Deep understanding of nonprofit, social impact, or philanthropic organizational dynamics.
- Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and leadership development capabilities.
- High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Additional Information
This is a unique opportunity for a visionary HR leader to shape one of Africa’s most influential climate organizations. The Head of Human Resources will play a pivotal role in nurturing a dynamic, purpose-driven workplace culture that attracts and retains talent dedicated to climate justice and sustainable development.
Contract Type: Full-time, senior leadership role
Salary: A competitive executive-level compensation package is offered (salary details available upon request)
Team Structure: The Head of HR will manage four direct reports and work closely with the CEO and other SMT members
Work Environment: ACF supports flexible and remote working arrangements; however, cross-border coordination and occasional travel may be required
Deadline to Apply: Friday, 11 July 2025
Application Method: Submit your CV and cover letter via email to callum@actionappointments.co.za
Take the Next Step in Your HR Career
If you are a strategic, compassionate, and innovative HR professional ready to lead change at a continental level, this position offers unmatched opportunity. Apply now to help shape the future of Africa’s climate action workforce.
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Disclaimer
This job listing is published by ResearchJobsHub.com, an independent third-party career platform not affiliated with the African Climate Foundation or its recruitment partners. Always verify all critical application details directly with the hiring organization.
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