Position Summary

The Human Resources Manager (HRM) provides strategic and operational leadership for all HR functions within Water Mission Uganda. In collaboration with the Regional HR Director and Country Director, the HRM ensures that all HR strategies, policies, and practices align with Water Mission’s global standards and Ugandan labor regulations.

This role oversees the full employee life cycle, including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, and staff development. The HRM also plays a vital role in cultivating a workplace culture that reflects Water Mission’s Christian mission, values, and organizational standards.

This is a full-time position based in Jinja, Uganda, requiring residency in or near the office and regular field travel.

Our Culture

Water Mission Uganda fosters a biblical worldview culture that pursues God-honoring excellence. As a leader, the Human Resources Manager promotes accuracy, encourages learning from challenges, and empowers staff to deliver solutions aligned with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards.

1.0 Duties & Responsibilities

1.1 Mission Driven

• Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public.
• Engage and participate in prayer before and after team meetings.
• Lead and participate in biblically based staff devotions.
• Study, embrace, advocate, and lead staff to understand and adhere to Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards in all areas of office and project operations.

1.2 Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Regional Human Resources and in-country senior leadership to understand the organization’s goals and strategy related to staffing, recruiting, development, retention, and employee relations.
• Administer human resources programs within Uganda, including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, and leave; recruitment and selection; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
• Work with in-country leadership and Water Mission headquarters to develop the Uganda Human Resources Strategic Plan and the Uganda Staffing Plan.
• Manage all aspects of the employee life cycle, including but not limited to developing job descriptions, advertising, shortlisting, participating in interviewing and selection, conducting background searches, facilitating onboarding, induction, retention, and offboarding.
• Prepare and manage employment contracts and employment offer letters, and ensure compliance with local labor laws and Water Mission policies.
• Develop and maintain a talent pool of both internal and external candidates.
• Update the human resources manual regularly and ensure it’s aligned with Water Mission policies and Uganda’s regulatory provisions and changes.
• Collaborate with Water Mission Regional Human Resources to execute the training and development initiatives of the organization.
• Conduct staff training sessions on human resources policies and/or other areas of training as directed.
• Implement and oversee the Performance Management System.
• Complete benchmark studies with comparator organizations on remuneration, human resources policies and practices, and/or any other employee-related matters.
• Administer employee benefits programs (e.g., medical insurance, life insurance, etc.) and train staff accordingly.
• Manage all aspects of compliance within human resources and implement necessary controls.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and Employment Law; apply this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to local senior leadership and headquarters-based human resources department.
• Prepare reports for management and attend leadership meetings.
• Manage and participate in all human resources audits and respond/close audit queries in a timely manner.
• Handle all employee discipline and grievance-related matters.
• Manage all employee relations, conduct investigations, and coordinate with Headquarters as necessary.
• May manage auxiliary/support staff.
• Process and monitor work and office permits for compliance with country regulations.
• Work closely with the Leadership of Uganda Country program and the Regional and Global Human Resources departments.
• Liaise with the in-country Legal Counsel and the Ministry of Labor and Employment in Uganda.

2.0 Qualifications & Experience

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum 6 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in NGOs or international development.
  • At least 3 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
  • Strong knowledge of Ugandan labor laws and HR compliance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Legally authorized to work in Uganda without sponsorship.

2.1 Skills & Competencies

• • A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
  • Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • High attention to detail and analytical capability.
  • Sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.