JOB ADVERTISEMENT

About the Organization:

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats through scientific research, conservation programs, and community engagement. The organization works in partnership with local communities and governments to assist conservation initiatives and advance scientific understanding of gorillas and their ecosystems.

The Rwanda program employs approximately 230 staff working across research, conservation, community initiatives, administration, and field operations.

Position Summary: 

Position Title: Senior Human Resources Manager

Reports to: Country Director
Leadership Level: Senior Leadership Team
Supervises: Human Resources Officer
Dotted Line to: Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Location: Kinigi, Musanze District, Northern Province, Rwanda

The Senior Human Resources Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for all human resource functions within the Rwanda program. The role is tasked with developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and systems that assist the organization’s mission, operational effectiveness, and staff well-being.

The Senior Manager serves as a strategic advisor to the Country Director and leadership team on workforce planning, organizational development, talent management, and employee engagement. The role ensures compliance with Rwandan labour laws and organizational policies while fostering a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment for both office-based and field staff.

The role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on operational management of HR functions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. HR Strategy and Leadership

• create and execute HR strategies aligned with the organization’s mission, programmatic goals, and operational needs
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Country Director and leadership team on workforce planning, organizational development, and employee engagement
• guide workforce planning initiatives to ensure staffing structures align with current and future program needs
• Promote a positive organizational culture consistent with the Fossey Fund’s mission, values, and strategic priorities
• Contribute to organizational planning and decision-making as a member of the Rwanda Senior Leadership Team

2. Employee Relations and Organizational Culture

• deliver guidance and assist to managers on employee relations matters, including performance issues, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes
• deliver coaching and guidance to managers on effective leadership practices, team management, performance feedback, and conflict resolution
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations investigations and disciplinary matters in collaboration with the Country Director
• guide staff engagement initiatives, including employee surveys and team-building activities.
• Promote open communication and foster a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration across the organization

3. Performance Management and Professional Development

• guide the development and implementation of the organization’s performance management systems
• deliver training and guidance to managers on effective supervision, feedback, and staff development
• Promote professional growth through training initiatives, coaching, and development opportunities
• assist leadership in identifying opportunities for staff capacity building and career development

4. HR Policies, Systems, and Compliance

• guide the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and guidelines
• keep and update the employee handbook to reflect current employment legislation and organizational policies
• Ensure full compliance with Rwandan labor laws and regulatory requirements, including employment contracts, work permits, and personal data protection regulations
• Oversee the effective use of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to ensure accurate employee records and reporting
• keep secure and well-organized HR documentation and personnel files
• Ensure HR policies and practices effectively assist both office-based and field-based staff

5. Safeguarding and Ethical Standards

• Ensure implementation and compliance with organizational safeguarding policies, code of perform, and ethical standards
• deliver training and guidance to staff on workplace perform and safeguarding responsibilities
• assist the management of investigations related to policy violations

6. Recruitment and Workforce Planning

• Collaborate with the Country Director and leadership team to detect current and future staffing needs
• Oversee the recruitment and hiring process for staff and interns to ensure transparent, fair, and efficient processes
• Ensure job descriptions are accurate and up to date
• detect appropriate recruitment channels and oversee vacancy announcements
• create screening and interview processes that promote fairness, diversity, and inclusion
• assist hiring managers in candidate evaluation and selection
• Ensure effective onboarding and offboarding processes for all employees

7. Organizational Development and Change Management

• assist leadership in organizational change initiatives, including restructuring, team development, and workforce transitions
• deliver guidance on change management processes to ensure smooth implementation and strong staff engagement
• detect opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness, collaboration, and staff engagement

8. HR Administration and Budget Management

• Supervise and mentor the Human Resources Officer
• produce and oversee the annual HR budget in collaboration with senior leadership and program managers
• perform regular visits to field sites to assist staff and ensure consistent application of HR policies

9 .Compensation and Benefits

• Regularly evaluate compensation and benefits to ensure competitiveness within the local labour market and relevant sectors
• deliver recommendations to senior leadership on salary structures, benefits policies, and compensation trends
• Oversee the implementation and administration of staff benefits programs, including health insurance
• Ensure benefits programs are implemented consistently and in accordance with policy

10. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Professional Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred

Professional Certification

Professional HR certification, such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, TMP / STM, CIPD or equivalent certification, is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience
• At least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role
• Experience working with international NGOs or civil society organizations preferred
• Experience managing HR functions for large or field-based workforces is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across diverse teams and cultures
• Demonstrated ability to successfully oversee and guide teams
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, systems, and best practices
• Ability to operate both strategically and operationally in managing HR programs
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• High level of integrity and ability to keep confidentiality
• Experience working with HRIS systems and HR data management
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic and evolving environments
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is required
• Working knowledge ofFrench is an advantage

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) 
• Experience with Google Workspace preferred

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel regularly to field sites within Rwanda
• Strong professional network within the HR community is an advantage

Application Process:

All candidates interested in this opportunity are invited to submit the following documents:

• A cover letter setting out briefly the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position, not more than 1 page,
• An Updated CV.
• The name, position, and contact number for three references, 
• A copy of education and training certificates/degrees
• A copy of relevant work certificates.
• A Copy of the Rwandan national ID.

The interested candidates are required to submit their application in a single PDF file via email to karisokejobs@gorillafund.org by Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

NOTE: 

1. All application documents must be compiled and submitted as a single PDF file. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification. 
2. Applicants are required to follow a standardized file-naming convention: [LAST NAME] _Senior HR Manager. 
3. Please make sure that the email subject line clearly indicates the position being applied for.
4. Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Felix NDAGIJIMANA

Rwanda Country Director.