The Head of Human Resources (HR) is responsible for the leadership and management of the
HR Department and is responsible for ensuring the effective management of human resources
in support of the Unit’s mission and strategy.
The Head of HR is responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies, policies and
procedures that align with the Unit’s objectives whilst ensuring compliance with applicable employment laws and best practice.
The Head of HR will ensure that all HR initiatives align with the Unit’s core values and agreed
behaviours, promoting a culture that supports the mission and vision of the Unit.
The post holder is a champion of implementing change and is expected to pro-actively drive
the continuous improvement of the HR team, service delivery and cost-effective operational
capacity.

As a member of the Unit’s Management Committee, the postholder is expected to work collaboratively with colleagues at the Unit and to contribute to a wide range of strategic and operational matters under discussion and act as an advocate for the Unit.
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Strategic HR leadership;
• Develop and implement HR strategies, plans and initiatives that align with the Unit’s key
objectives;
• Advise senior management on effective workforce planning and organizational
development;
• Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion and continuous improvement;
• Working with Unit leadership, develop and drive initiatives to enhance employee
engagement, motivation and retention;
• Ensure all HR policies and practices align with the Unit’s core values, ethical standards,
and agreed behaviors;
• Develop and embed a service oriented and business partnering approach within the HR
department; and,
• Ensure all HR systems, processes and policies are robust, legally complaint, relevant and
fit-for-purpose.
2. Recruitment and organizational development;
• Oversee the recruitment, selection and onboarding processes to support the attraction of
highly skilled and talented individuals to the Unit;
• Ensure recruitment practices support and promote equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in
line with the Unit’s agreed EDI principles;
• Develop workforce planning approaches that align with the Unit’s research and operational
needs;
• Establish and maintain performance management systems that assess and support improvement in efficiency and effectiveness;
• Working with Unit leadership, ensure performance appraisals are conducted across the
Unit in line with the Unit’s schedule; and,
• Work with the Unit’s Training department to implement activities that facilitate staff
development and capacity-building.
3. Employee relations and compliance;
• Ensure compliance with local and (where applicable) international employment laws and
regulations, employment standards and Unit policies, acting as an expert advisor;
• Ensuring suitable policies and guidance are in place for the Unit to address employee
grievances and workplace conflicts, including mediation support, working closely with line
managers;
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment;
• Encourage adherence to ethical standards and agreed behaviors and Unit principles in all
HR-related matters; and,
• Ensure that there are effective staff communication and engagement mechanisms in place
for HR and related matters.

Compensation and benefits management;
• Oversee the development and periodic review of competitive compensation structures;
• Manage employee benefits and ensure they align with appropriately benchmarked
standards; and,
• Regularly review and update HR policies on remuneration, leave, allowances and other
staff benefits.
5. HR operations and data management; –
• Lead and manage the HR Department, ensuring that the services provided meet the needs
of the Unit and are flexible in adapting to changing internal and external environments;
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure data protection compliance;
• Analyse and utilise HR data to inform the Unit’s key decision-making processes and
strategic planning; and,
• Implement, maintain and enhance HR information systems to streamline processes.
6. Service Delivery;
It is important that the HR team’s services are delivered in a staff centered manner. This
post-holder ensures the department is;
• Responsive;
• Promptly communicating to users new developments such as new services, changes to
services etc.;
• Pro-actively resolving issues;
• Upholding high standards of professionalism;
• Take responsibility for the overall quality of the service delivery; and,
• Lead the team’s self-assessment process supporting the team in setting targets and
agreeing performance indicators for improvement.
7. Financial Management;
Financial management responsibilities of this post include;
• Managing the HR department budget, including forecasting staff and non-staff cost

Person Specification
• Master’s degree in human resources, Organizational Psychology, Business Psychology or
other relevant course;
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or Psychology;
• Member of a professional body like HRMAU, CIPD, and CHRM;
• A minimum of 10-years’ experience, with a minimum of 3-years in a senior HR leadership
role;
• Significant change management experience and evidence of delivering large change
projects;
• Demonstrable experience of a personal commitment to promote and enhance equity,diversity and inclusion;
• Experience providing HR services in a research setting;
• Experience working in a grant-funded environment;
• Should possess strong knowledge of Ugandan labor laws;
• Knowledge of HR strategic principles, and updated HR national laws and regulations;
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Proficiency in developing/implementing HR systems and data management tools;
• Should possess strategic thinking and problem-solving ability;
• Strong ethical standards and integrity;
• Ability to manage change and drive organisational development;
• Strong communication and the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels;
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment; and,
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize.