Deputy Director, Regional HRBP, Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Founded with the mission that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
In this role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, you will be part of a dedicated team of professionals focused on addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced globally. As the foundation expands its operations in Africa during a critical phase of impact acceleration, this position presents a unique opportunity to lead transformative HR initiatives at a large scale, contributing to significant impacts both regionally and globally. The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Regional HRBP, Africa, serves as a senior leader and strategic advisor within the People division, responsible for advancing the foundation's agenda related to talent, leadership, and organizational effectiveness across the African continent. This role involves close collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Executive Program Action Group (EPAG), and other senior leaders to shape and implement comprehensive people strategies that align with the foundation's mission in a dynamic global context. You will be tasked with designing and implementing organizational solutions tailored to the specific needs of the countries and regions you support, leveraging your understanding of the local business environments to drive impactful talent and organizational strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Deputy Director, you will act as a strategic partner and advisor to one or more ELT, EPAG, and senior leadership teams, embedding yourself in executive forums to influence organizational direction and enhance alignment. You will own regional decision-making regarding key people programs and initiatives, ensuring that regional perspectives are integrated into global solutions. Your responsibilities will include defining a talent strategy in collaboration with senior leadership, overseeing the execution of core people processes such as performance management, talent development, compensation, and engagement cycles, while ensuring consistency and relevance across divisions and countries. You will lead the development and delivery of organizational solutions to meet priority business needs, which may encompass organization design, culture and engagement strategies, talent and succession planning, and workforce planning. Additionally, you will provide leadership on regional HR compliance and operations, ensuring adherence to legal and policy standards while promoting operational excellence. You will represent the people function in strategic business conversations, offering insights to guide decision-making from a human capital perspective, and diagnose root causes of complex organizational challenges to provide comprehensive solutions. Your role will also involve championing a global, inclusive approach to leadership, fostering equity and cultural competence, and advising senior leaders during times of transformation or ambiguity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree or PhD in Business, Human Resources, or Organizational Psychology preferred. A minimum of 12 years of experience at senior leadership levels in HR is required, along with the ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed, global organization. Strong relationship-building skills with senior stakeholders across various functions and geographies are essential, as is the ability to influence decisions and drive alignment while respecting regional and cultural nuances. Candidates should have operational experience in defining and managing people and employment practices within the relevant countries, as well as experience in creating and managing global HR solutions that balance local requirements with global intentions. Expertise in collaboration and bridging gaps across teams within human resources is crucial, as is the ability to advise on complex decisions that require balancing organizational needs with enterprise priorities. Proven leadership skills, business acumen, and the ability to drive transformation and growth to foster a high-integrity culture are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement. A Master’s degree or PhD in relevant fields such as Business, Human Resources, or Organizational Psychology is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in human resources management and organizational development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 12 years of experience operating at senior leadership levels within HR. This experience should include working effectively in a highly matrixed, global organization and building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across various functions and geographies. The ability to influence decisions and drive alignment while respecting regional and cultural nuances is essential. Additionally, candidates should have operational experience in defining and managing people and employment practices within the countries relevant to the role, as well as experience in creating and managing global HR solutions that balance local requirements with global intentions. Proven ability to drive transformation and growth to build a high-integrity culture is also required.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the global nature of the organization. Additional languages relevant to the African regions served may be beneficial and considered a plus, enhancing communication and engagement with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The role requires a willingness to travel internationally up to 30%. The application closing date is set for 26th September 202

• Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Kenya without the need for visa sponsorship. As part of the hiring process, employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.