Head of People

Contract: Permanent, full time, 39.5 hours per week

Salary: GHS301,868 – GHS394,894 per annum with excellent benefits

Location: Accra Office: East Legon, Ghana

About WaterAid:

Want to use your skills in Sustainable Programmes Development to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?

We need passionate, creative and dedicated people to work with us to achieve this goal. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid Ghana as Head of People to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

About the Team:

The People team play a critical role in supporting WaterAid. We lead on the development of plans and approaches that ensure that WaterAid’s people are aligned and engaged with our aims and objectives, and that they have the skills and opportunities to maximise the impact they can make. We connect with managers and staff across the Country Programme to deliver great people management and to create a high performing environment. Accountable for the operational management of the POD function, the team own and continuously develop the business partnership operating model for enhanced efficiency in business processes.

About the Role:

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) the Head of People is responsible for delivering people plans which enable the country programme to achieve its strategy and goals. With a deep understanding of the country programme strategy and context, the Head of People will lead and manage the team and manage the implementation of human resources policy, plans and priorities. The postholder will spend approximately a maximum of 10% of their time managing additional country functions (i.e. administration, contracts, procurement, asset management, security, reception, fleet management) which contribute to creating a positive employee experience or workplace environment

In this you will;

• Through a comprehensive understanding of people, skills, resource allocation, and organizational structure, collaborate to establish and implement annual CP people plans that enhance organizational effectiveness, promote inclusion, and foster engagement.
• Assist the Country Director in initiatives that enhance leadership and Senior Management Team (SMT) capabilities.
• Facilitate the execution and dissemination of effective, sustainable change while leveraging HR expertise to assess the change management needs related to organizational structure, personnel, skills, and operational methodologies.
• Instill a robust performance management culture and aid managers in identifying and cultivating the potential of their team members.
• Determine the necessary skills and competencies essential for executing current and future Country Program initiatives.
• Evaluate and recommend annual development plans and budgets for learning initiatives.
• Promote employee engagement and well-being, manage any employee relations and safeguarding issues
• Establish effective onboarding processes for both local and international staff situated in the country.
• Oversee and enhance the total rewards program for the Country Program.
• Implement effective safe working practices and procedures.
• Ensure effective and robust people policies and manuals are in place which are reviewed and benchmarked regularly

To be successful, you’ll need: 

• Significant HR operational management experience within a team environment. A minimum of 5 years’ experience at senior management level handling responsibility for workplace, engagement, recruitment, employee relations, reward, performance management, employment legislation, change management, capacity building, policy and processes and learning and development.
•  Strong knowledge of HR best practice and stays up to date with innovative new practices
•  Highly competent in interpreting and applying statutory legislation
• Influential and able to support and challenge people at all levels of seniority
•  Track record in implementing approaches which are value driven and build capacity
• Strong IT skills particularly MS Word, Excel and Outlook, with experience of using HR databases, online recruitment tools and Intranets. Person specification
• Analytical and numeracy skills, to produce and distil accurate information applying intuition and strong judgement.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral).
• Experience of working in a matrix management structure.
• Customer, solutions, and delivery focused, with the ability to make decisions, manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Degree level qualification in Human Resources Management or relevant equivalent professional HR qualification
• Commitment to WaterAid’s values and a working style that reflects these.

Desirable skills:

• Professional HR qualification highly desirable
• Experienced in Change Management
• Experience of working effectively within a culturally diverse and matrix organisation

View detailed job description here.

Closing date: Applications will close at 12:00pm UK Time on 8th April 2025.

How to Apply: Click ‘Apply’ to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and Cover Letter. 

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre-employment screening: To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective countries to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.

As an organisation WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. So, in addition to our inspiring global mission and engaging work environment, we have a generous benefit package to help you take care of your health, happiness and wellbeing. Further benefits information is available from the country of application.

Our Commitment:

Our People Promise:

We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have.  We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.    

Equal opportunities:

We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding:

We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.