Umba is a pan-African digital bank serving customers in both Kenya and Nigeria. Our mission entails providing accessible and cost-effective financial services across Africa, enabling our customers to take charge of their financial well-being. We are committed to seizing a unique opportunity to transform the financial landscape in Africa by harnessing the power of machine learning to develop intelligent, affordable financial products tailored for emerging markets. Our machine learning models are continuously improving, and we leverage AI and automation to deliver banking solutions at the lowest possible cost to our expand in customer base.
Umba is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. Our primary focus is to offer a comprehensive range of digital banking products through Android, iOS and Web Apps, and we take pride in our culture of consistently surpassing customer expectations, which has fueled our rapid expansion.
Umba acquired a deposit taking microfinance bank in Kenya in 2023, which has now been named Umba Microfinance Bank. The bank has achieved fast growth since launch with average monthly growth rate of 19% and 6x revenue growth in 2024.
Job Summary:
The Human Resources Manager will lead and oversee the full spectrum of HR functions, ensuring alignment between people strategies and organizational objectives. The role is responsible for talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, HR operations, compliance, governance, and employee engagement initiatives. The ideal candidate will serve as a strategic partner to leadership while fostering a high-performance, compliant, and people-centered work environment.
Responsibilities:
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Lead end-to-end recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes across all departments to support organizational growth and workforce planning initiatives.
- Partner with departmental leaders to identify staffing needs, succession planning priorities, and talent development opportunities.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies to attract, retain, and onboard high-performing talent.
- Advise managers and employees on employee relations matters including disciplinary procedures, grievance handling, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, labor regulations, and HR best practices across all employee management processes.
- Maintain HR governance standards by supporting internal audits, regulatory reviews, and external compliance requirements.
- Participate in audit readiness activities including Central Bank, internal, and external audits by ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance of HR records and documentation.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of performance management frameworks including goal setting, employee evaluations, coaching, feedback mechanisms, and development plans.
- Collaborate with leadership to drive employee productivity, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support learning and development initiatives that enhance workforce capability and organizational effectiveness.
- Develop, review, and implement HR policies, procedures, HR manuals, welfare policies, and staff loan policies in line with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare HR reports, board papers, and workforce analytics to support strategic decision-making and governance oversight.
- Ensure proper maintenance and confidentiality of employee records and HR documentation.
- Oversee the complete employee lifecycle including onboarding, engagement, confirmation, transfers, leave management, benefits administration, and structured offboarding processes.
- Administer employee compensation and benefits programs including pension schemes, medical insurance, wellness programs, and ESOP allocation.
- Coordinate payroll support activities and ensure accurate HRIS management, employee data administration, and workforce reporting.
- Drive employee engagement and organizational culture initiatives including wellness programs, team-building activities, recognition programs, and staff engagement initiatives.
- Partner with senior leadership and department heads to foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
- Support initiatives that improve employee satisfaction, retention, and operational effectiveness.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional HR certification such as CHRP or equivalent is an added advantage.
- A full Member of IHRM with an active membership is a must.
- Minimum of 5–7 years’ progressive HR experience, preferably within a regulated or fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of labor laws, HR governance, compliance, and employee relations practices.
- Experience in HR audits, policy development, performance management, and HR operations.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strategic thinking and business partnering
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- High level of integrity and confidentiality
- Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Leadership and stakeholder management
- Organizational and analytical skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
Umba is an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Please submit your application by. Due to the urgency, interviews will be on a rolling basis.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or related field
- Professional HR certification such as CHRP or equivalent
- Minimum of 5-7 years' progressive HR experience in a regulated or fast-paced environment
- Strong understanding of labor laws and HR governance
- Experience in HR audits, policy development, performance management, and HR operations
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office applications
What We Do
Umba is an African digital bank, offering bank accounts and financial services to our customers. We provide an ecosystem of connected financial services that allows the customer complete control of their finances all in one App. At Umba, we believe in the power of financial inclusion to drive economic growth. As a leading digital bank, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that empower both employers and employees to achieve financial stability and reach their full potential. Umba launched in Nigeria in January 2021, and in Kenya in April 2023, via the acquisition of an existing Microfinance bank. Our digital platform offers seamless access to a wide range of banking services, including account management, payments, loans, savings, and more. We leverage technology and data-driven insights to streamline processes and make banking faster, smarter, and more convenient than ever before. But we are not just a bank. We are a partner, a trusted advisor, and a catalyst for growth. Our team of talented professionals is passionate about our mission, and we work tirelessly to deliver personalized service and tailored solutions to our customers. With our extensive network and expertise, we are well-positioned to support our customers at every stage of their journey. Join us at Umba, and be part of a dynamic team that is reshaping the future of banking. Together, we can unlock the potential of businesses, transform lives, and drive sustainable economic development. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to learn more about our innovative solutions and the exciting opportunities that await you at Umba.
