Regional Human Resources Manager (Africa)

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. IFRC uses the Triple R – response, resilience and respect – to deliver on Strategy 2030. IFRC responds to disasters and crises, ensuring timely, coordinated and locally led humanitarian action. IFRC supports its members in building community resilience in the areas of climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. IFRC promotes respect for our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, including in our work on values, power and inclusion. The IFRC focuses throughout on our core mandate – our raison d’être – of strategic and operational coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, National Society development, and accountability.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva and five regional offices in Africa (Nairobi); the Americas (Panama); Asia Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); and MENA (Beirut) as well as representation offices, service centres and delegations across the globe.

The IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

The Regional Human Resources Manager has a dual reporting arrangement:

• The overall functional/technical line management reporting to the Director, Human Resources Management Department (HRMD), Geneva , and
• Administrative reporting line to the Regional Director

The Regional HR Manager forms part of the HRMD Global Team and is accountable to HRMD for the consistent application of global HR policies, standards, and priorities in the Region.

Job Purpose

Under the overall leadership of the Director, HRMD and under the administrative supervision of the Regional Director and the Regional HR Manager provides strategic and operational HR leadership for the Region in alignment with global IFRC HR policies and practices, and the IFRC Renewal.

The incumbent ensures consistent application of HR policies, regulations, standards, and processes across the Region; strengthens compliance and safeguarding; supports global workforce planning and recruitment prioritisation; and contributes to the development and implementation of global HR policies and practices as a member of the Global HR Management Team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Please find here the detailed job duties and responsibilities.

Education

Required

• Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent), in HR Management or any other related field. A combination of a university degree and extensive related experience may be accepted in place of an advanced university degree.
• Professional HR qualification.

Preferred

• Certification or other qualification in Project Management.

Experience

Required

• At least 8 years of HR management practice in a multicultural environment.
• At least 5 years Organizational Development and/or change management experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in recruitment and selection or talent management or experience with business partnering.
• Demonstrated HR professional experience working in an international organization, NGO, or other relevant international and cross-cultural environment.
• Experience developing and supporting good practice in the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
• Experience in managing and supporting diverse and multicultural teams.
• Experience working in the Field.

Preferred

• Strong knowledge of labour laws and regulatory frameworks across multiple countries in the region.
• Red Cross/Red Crescent experience.
• Working experience in different regions.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities, including coaching, influencing, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated mentoring and coaching skills.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills, ensuring constructive and solution‑oriented outcomes.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with integrity, inspiring high performance, fostering collaboration across remote and diverse teams.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and judgment, particularly in handling sensitive HR matters.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and with senior leadership.
• Well-developed cross-functional and networking abilities.
• Excellent customer-service orientation.
• High-level skills in use of computerised tools and HR systems.
• Demonstrated core proficiency in (a) digital communication & collaboration, (b) basic digital content creation, (c) digital safety & security, (d) data literacy, and (e) problem solving with technology (including responsible use of AI assistants.
• Understanding of and commitment to IFRC’s mission and values.

Languages

Required

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in spoken and written English.

Preferred

• Good working knowledge of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
• Competency in other languages.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.

Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance; Managing staff development.

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.