Head Human Resources, Ecobank Rwanda

Job Overview

The Head of Human Resources at Ecobank Rwanda serves as the principal leader for all people-related matters and a key member of the Executive Management team. This senior position reports directly to the Country Managing Director and partners functionally with Regional and Group Human Resources teams. The role is pivotal in translating the bank's strategic business objectives into a cohesive people and organizational agenda, ensuring the integration of workforce strategy, leadership development, employee relations, and people risk management in a banking regulatory environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement the country’s HR strategy aligned with business goals and group initiatives.
• Advise senior management and the Executive Committee on workforce strategy, performance, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead workforce planning, organizational design, headcount management, and optimize productivity in collaboration with business and finance units.
• Manage talent acquisition, succession planning, and leadership development with emphasis on critical and specialist roles.
• Oversee the performance management process, reward systems, compensation frameworks, and employee benefits ensuring competitiveness and compliance.
• Cultivate an inclusive, ethical, and performance-oriented culture while managing employee relations and improving the employee experience.
• Ensure HR policies adhere to labor laws, banking regulations, internal controls, and group standards, managing all related operational risks.
• Prepare detailed reports for board committees and governance forums, providing data-driven insights on workforce metrics and risks.
• Lead the HR operations, including payroll, HRIS, onboarding/offboarding, and benefits administration focusing on accuracy and service excellence.
• Build and develop the HR team, fostering a unified function with clear accountability and succession plans.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, Psychology, Law or similar fields; postgraduate qualifications are a plus.
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD or SHRM is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years progressive HR experience, including senior leadership roles managing broad HR portfolios.
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership in a complex or regulated environment, preferably within banking or financial services.
• Experience working in multinational or matrixed organizations is beneficial.
• Well-versed in applicable labor legislations and employment practices in Rwanda.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and commercial HR leadership linked to business growth and compliance.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and executive presence, capable of influencing decision-makers.
• Deep knowledge of workforce planning, organizational design, performance, compensation, and employee relations.
• Expertise in compensation structures, benchmarking, benefits, staff costs, and regulatory governance.
• Sound judgment with discretion handling complex employee and governance matters.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills suited for a multicultural and matrixed environment.
• Capability to balance visionary leadership with strong operational discipline.

Performance Indicators

• Successful delivery of the HR strategy aligned with business goals.
• Effective talent succession planning and leadership development.
• Enhanced employee engagement, leadership quality, and organizational readiness.
• Good management of headcount, cost control, and productivity improvements.
• Robust and compliant performance management systems.
• Accurate HR operations and timely audit risk resolutions.
• High trust and credibility with management, Board, and Group HR stakeholders.

Additional Information

Ecobank is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.