Ethiopia, Senior HR and Operations Manager

Position Overview

The Senior HR and Operations Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Human Resources and Operations functions for the Ethiopia Country Program. The role ensures effective workforce management, operational efficiency, and compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and Ethiopian legal frameworks.

The position leads HR strategy across the full employee lifecycle including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and staff wellbeing. The role also ensures the development of a positive organizational culture aligned with Splash’s values and promotes a high-performing and accountable work environment.

In addition, the role oversees key operational systems including procurement, fleet management, asset and inventory management, and office administration to ensure efficient operational support for program delivery.

The Senior HR and Operations Manager serves as a trusted advisor to the Country Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and works closely with the Global People and Culture team to adapt and implement global HR strategies at the country level.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring organizational continuity, operational integrity, and effective workforce transition during program implementation and closeout phases.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Leadership

· Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Human Resources function within the Ethiopia Country Program.

· Advise the Country Director and Senior Leadership Team on HR strategy, workforce planning, organizational design, and talent management.

· Assess workforce needs and identify staffing and competency gaps to support program priorities.

· Lead the development and implementation of talent management and staff retention strategies.

· Promote a positive organizational culture aligned with Splash’s values, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

· Support organizational change management processes including restructuring, workforce transitions, and program closeout activities.

2. Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

· Lead recruitment processes to attract and retain highly qualified talent in alignment with organizational workforce strategies.

· Work closely with senior leadership to develop recruitment plans and position scoping.

· Ensure recruitment processes are transparent, competitive, and compliant with organizational policies.

· Strengthen employer branding and position the organization as an employer of choice within the sector.

· Support workforce nationalization strategies and succession planning initiatives.

3. Employee Lifecycle Management

· Oversee the full employee lifecycle including onboarding, contract management, staff development, and offboarding.

· Ensure new staff are effectively onboarded through structured orientation, policy briefings, and integration into organizational systems and culture.

· Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure proper documentation of employment contracts and staff files.

· Lead staff offboarding processes during program transitions and closeout phases, including exit interviews, property return, and coordination with relevant departments.

· Ensure fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the organization.

4. Performance Management and Staff Development

· Oversee the implementation of performance management systems including annual reviews, goal setting, and continuous feedback mechanisms.

· Support supervisors in providing effective coaching, feedback, and performance improvement plans when necessary.

· Promote a culture of learning and professional development through structured training and development opportunities.

· Provide guidance to staff on career development and professional growth within the organization.

5. Compensation, Benefits, and HR Compliance

· Manage staff compensation and benefits programs to ensure competitiveness, fairness, and compliance with local labor regulations.

· Lead periodic compensation reviews and provide analysis to support recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.

· Ensure HR policies and procedures are compliant with Ethiopian labor law, donor regulations, and organizational standards.

· Oversee HR-related administrative processes and ensure compliance with government reporting requirements.

· Support internal and external audits related to HR documentation and practices.

6. HR Systems and Data Management

· Oversee the effective management and utilization of the HR Information System (HRIS), including the Rippling platform.

· Ensure employee records and HR data are accurate, secure, and updated in a timely manner.

· Generate HR analytics and workforce reports to support strategic decision-making by leadership.

· Promote staff adoption and effective use of HR systems through training and guidance.

· Maintain strict confidentiality and secure management of employee records and information.

7. Employee Engagement, Culture, and Wellbeing

· Foster a healthy, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that reflects organizational values.

· Lead initiatives that promote employee engagement, wellbeing, and staff morale.

· Develop staff care strategies that address social, physical, and psychological wellbeing.

· Ensure clear and transparent staff communication in collaboration with the Country Director and leadership team.

8. Operations Management

Provide leadership and oversight to operational systems that support efficient program implementation.

Fleet Management

· Oversee management of organizational vehicles to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

· Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, insured, and compliant with all legal and organizational requirements.

· Monitor vehicle utilization and fuel consumption to improve efficiency and accountability.

· Identify opportunities to optimize fleet operations and reduce operational costs.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

· Provide oversight for procurement planning and implementation to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.

· Ensure procurement processes comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and Ethiopian regulations.

· Oversee competitive procurement processes including RFQs, RFPs, and tender procedures.

· Establish and maintain framework agreements with key suppliers and service providers.

· Monitor supplier performance and ensure value for money in procurement activities.

Asset and Inventory Management

· Ensure effective tracking and management of organizational assets and inventory.

· Oversee inventory reconciliation processes and ensure alignment with financial records.

· Support asset disposal, transfer, and handover processes in accordance with organizational policies.

· Strengthen accountability and transparency in asset management systems.

Office and Administrative Operations

· Ensure efficient management of office facilities, administrative services, and operational resources.

· Oversee management of office leases, service contracts, and operational agreements.

· Ensure reliable communication systems, internet connectivity, and administrative support services.

· Ensure office facilities meet safety and security standards to support staff wellbeing and operational continuity.

9. Safeguarding

· Promote and enforce the organization’s Safeguarding Policy across the country program.

· Ensure staff are trained and fully aware of safeguarding responsibilities and reporting mechanisms.

· Provide guidance and oversight to ensure safeguarding principles are integrated into program implementation and operations.

10. Representation and Networking

· Represent the organization in HR and operations-related forums, networks, and coordination platforms.

· Build and maintain relationships with relevant government institutions, regulatory bodies, and INGO networks.

· Liaise with the Global People and Culture team and other country offices to ensure alignment with global standards and practices.