HR Officer Kenya Nairobi

HR Officer Kenya Nairobi Norwegian Refugee Council About the Role The HR Officer plays a vital role in supporting the Human Resources function at the Norwegian Refugee Council's Kenya Country Office. Working alongside the Somalia and Kenya HR Manager, you will deliver both strategic and operational support across staffing, employee relations, and organizational compliance. This position bridges HR operations with programme delivery, ensuring that our workforce is effectively managed, engaged, and aligned with organizational objectives. Core Responsibilities You will manage the full spectrum of HR operations, including recruitment and talent acquisition processes that ensure timely, cost-effective hiring in full compliance with the Employment Act and internal policies. You will design and implement comprehensive onboarding and orientation programs that integrate new staff seamlessly into our organizational culture and systems. Payroll administration falls within your purview, where you will collaborate closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate, timely processing and statutory compliance. You will oversee benefits administration including medical insurance, WIBA, and pension schemes, while managing timely contract renewals for HR-related consultancies and service providers. You will coordinate and facilitate partner onboarding and training on policies, procedures, and compliance requirements. This includes liaising with Finance to review partner payroll processing and designing targeted capacity-building sessions to strengthen partner capabilities. Your administrative responsibilities include maintaining comprehensive personnel files and records in both electronic and hard-copy formats, managing staff clearance processes for departing employees, and keeping accurate monthly staff lists and organograms. You will support the staff performance management cycle by tracking timelines and ensuring timely completion of performance reviews. You will provide guidance to managers and employees on labour law requirements, HR policies, and statutory obligations. You will oversee interim and annual HR audits and compliance reviews, following up on corrective actions until closure. Working collaboratively with Programme Managers and through weekly Programme Review Meetings, you will provide strategic support on workforce planning and recruitment of critical talent needed to achieve project objectives. You will assist in planning and coordinating staff training, capacity-building initiatives, and welfare programs that promote employee engagement and well-being. Key Qualifications and Requirements You must hold a relevant tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. You should have at least three years of professional experience in HR operations, with demonstrated expertise in recruitment, payroll administration, and compliance. Strong knowledge of Kenyan employment legislation and statutory obligations is essential. You must be proficient in HR information systems and databases, with advanced Microsoft Office skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, combined with strong organizational and time management skills, are critical. You should demonstrate integrity, confidentiality, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments in a fast-paced humanitarian environment.