The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is seeking an experienced HR professional to fill the role of HR Director for Africa and Asia Pacific. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic and managerial leadership for HR across ICF's Africa and Asia Pacific programs, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, China, and other countries in these regions. The Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer, located in Zambia, and will lead a team of HR staff, including an HR Manager and HR Specialist.
The HR Director will be responsible for translating organizational priorities and Global HR direction into regional and country workforce strategies, consistent HR practices, and accountable service delivery. This will involve overseeing workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, talent retention, succession planning, learning and development, discipline and grievance management, and compliance. The Director will also serve as the primary liaison between the Africa and Asia Pacific offices and Global HR.
The ideal candidate for this role will have a Master's degree in human resources and experience working in multiple countries, with a proven track record of handling the complexity of differing labour laws and working with diverse cultures. The position is slated to begin in January 2027 and will be based in Africa near one of ICF's African program countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, or South Africa.
The International Crane Foundation works globally to conserve cranes and the wetlands they live on, with a focus on sustainable water management, protected area stewardship, conservation on agricultural lands, climate change adaptation, and conservation-friendly livelihoods development. The organization has employees working in regional offices in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, and China.
The HR Director will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of country-specific employment policies and procedures aligned with HR standards, as well as overseeing HR compliance with applicable labour laws, regulations, and statutory requirements in each country of support. This will involve engaging legal counsel as needed and ensuring that ICF's HR practices are consistent with global standards.
The Director will also be responsible for developing and implementing regional talent strategies that strengthen employee engagement, retention, career development, and leadership continuity. This will involve identifying critical roles and capability gaps, coordinating succession and development planning with country and program leaders, and supporting high-potential talent.
The successful candidate will be able to provide senior HR advice to country and program leaders on complex employee relations, conflict resolution, and personnel matters, as well as oversee fair, timely, and legally compliant disciplinary and grievance processes across supported countries. The HR Director will also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of HR initiatives and aligning investments with workforce plans, performance needs, and available resources.
Key points
- The International Crane Foundation is seeking an experienced HR professional to fill the role of HR Director for Africa and Asia Pacific.
- The successful candidate will have a Master's degree in human resources and experience working in multiple countries.
- The position is slated to begin in January 2027 and will be based in Africa near one of ICF's African program countries.
