Associate, HR & Operations

  • Full-time

Company Description

Aceli Africa is a donor-funded, data-driven agribusiness market incentive facility with a mandate to mobilize $1.5 billion in private-sector lending for agricultural SMEs in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia by 2029. To achieve this goal, Aceli offers financial incentives to increase the risk appetite of 40+ global and local financial institutions to make loans ranging from USD $15K-$1.75M to inclusive agricultural SMEs. Financial incentives (Portfolio First Loss Cover and Origination Incentives) have been designed based on an original dataset that Aceli gathered and analyzed in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors. Aceli also facilitates technical assistance to expand the ability of high-potential SMEs to qualify for and manage financing as well as capacity building for lenders to serve this market. Aceli’s vision is to catalyze a more competitive lending market for agri-SMEs and demonstrate a model that can be scaled across Africa. 

Since launching in September 2020, Aceli has supported its financial institution partners in making 2,800+ loans to SMEs creating market linkages for over 1Million smallholder farmers. Leading bilateral and philanthropic donors, including Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, IKEA Foundation, Norwegian Agency for Development, Swiss Development Corporation, UK FCDO, and USAID, have committed over $93 million to Aceli for 2020-29.

The role will report to the Manager, HR & Operations and is a full-time position with Aceli Kenya, a Company Limited by Guarantee registered under Kenyan law, and affiliated with Aceli Africa, a US nonprofit entity.

Job Description

The ideal candidate for this role should be self-driven and results-oriented with a good understanding of Human Resource management and operations, policy interpretation, application and implementation. The role holder should be passionate about people development and have a service-oriented mindset. The incumbent should be able to quickly understand the core business and operations of Aceli to effectively support the delivery of appropriate people management and development solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement HR and operations policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with Aceli’s strategic vision, ensuring full compliance with relevant labor laws and regulations across our countries of operation.

  • Collaborate with the HR Lead to execute workforce planning initiatives, including sourcing, recruiting, and retaining high-caliber staff who possess the competencies and skills required for Aceli’s ongoing success.

  • Support the design and implementation of talent development initiatives, including learning interventions, career development plans, and ongoing training programs to build organisational capability and foster professional growth.

  • Support the development and implementation of initiatives and activities to strengthen employee engagement, reinforce a positive work culture, and enhance overall staff experience.

  • Assist the HR Lead in managing essential HR services, including payroll administration, leave management, HR Database. Oversee group personal life and accident cover, group medical coverage, pension schemes, and general insurance.

  • Support the guidance of managers and their teams in applying effective performance management processes to nurture a high-performance culture and support continuous improvement.

  • Support the preparation and monitoring of the human resources and operations budget, ensuring that resources are used optimally and cost-effectively.

  • Stay informed about labor legislation and industry standards in our country of operations. Regularly benchmark Aceli’s HR practices against best practices, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

  • Support periodic HR audits and due diligence efforts, ensuring that all documentation, processes, and controls meet or exceed regulatory and organisational standards.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource or business-related subject;
  • A registered member of IHRM / SHRM or equivalent professional body with a practicing license;

  • Minimum of five (5) years' of past experience in Human resource management; 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

  • Strong ability to exercise judgement, when necessary, apply critical thought process in activities and proactive problem solving;

  • Go-getter who takes initiative and can work independently and collaboratively with a multi- country team in a rapidly evolving environment;

  • Mature professional who is culturally sensitive and upholds the highest standard for integrity that aligns with Aceli’s values;

  • Solid foundation knowledge and experience of majority aspects of HR and Administration;

  • Ability to build strong working relationships with both internal and external clients, and focus on being service oriented; 

  • Meticulous with keen attention to detail;

  • Ability to effectively handle multiple and competing priorities;

  • Experience working with a HRIS or ERP system will be an added advantage. 

Additional Information

Aceli is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Interested candidates should submit a one-page cover letter, expressing their interest and qualifications for the role, along with an updated CV by Friday, January 24th, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Only Kenyan nationals are eligible to apply.