Head of Human Resources 15 views

LionHeart Academy

Pearson Curriculum | HighScope | IB Pathway | COGNIA Accreditation Journey | CIS Member School

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Executive Director

About LionHeart Academy

LionHeart Academy is a leading international school in Addis Ababa committed to providing a high-quality, student-centered education that develops confident, responsible, and globally-minded learners. The school delivers the Pearson Curriculum, incorporates the HighScope approach in Early Years, is pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway, and is actively working toward international accreditation standards.

As LionHeart Academy continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Human Resources to lead all aspects of human resource management and support the development of an exceptional team of educators and professionals.

Position Summary

The Head of Human Resources is responsible for overseeing all HR functions across the school, ensuring the recruitment, development, engagement, and retention of high-quality staff aligned with the school’s mission, vision, and values.

The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in strengthening organizational culture, managing employee relations, ensuring compliance with Ethiopian labor laws, and implementing HR systems and practices that support academic and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the school’s strategic goals and growth plans.
• Advise the Executive Director and leadership team on HR matters, workforce planning, and organizational development.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Support employee engagement, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for academic, administrative, and support staff positions.
• Develop and maintain job descriptions and recruitment processes.
• Coordinate staff onboarding and orientation programs.
• Ensure proper documentation of contracts, credentials, references, and personnel records.

Employee Relations and Performance Management

• Manage employee relations, grievance procedures, and conflict resolution processes.
• Support department heads in performance evaluations and staff development planning.
• Implement and maintain effective performance management systems.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across the school.

Learning and Development

• Identify staff development needs and coordinate professional learning opportunities.
• Support leadership development and career progression pathways.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure training aligns with international school standards and accreditation requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Coordinate payroll processes with the Finance Department.
• Monitor and review salary structures, incentives, and employee benefits.
• Conduct market benchmarking and recommend compensation improvements.
• Ensure compliance with labor regulations regarding compensation and benefits.

Compliance and Policy Development

• Develop, review, and implement HR policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian Labor Law and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidential employee records and HR documentation.
• Support accreditation and audit processes through accurate HR reporting and documentation.

Workplace Culture and Well-being

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace environment.
• Promote staff well-being and work-life balance initiatives.
• Support safeguarding, child protection, and workplace safety practices.
• Collaborate with school leadership to strengthen organizational culture.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive HR experience.
• At least two (2) years in a senior HR leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopian Labor Law and HR best practices.
• Experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and policy development.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Professional HR certification.
• Experience working in an international school, educational institution, NGO, or multinational organization.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and international educational environments.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Organizational Development
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Policy Development and Compliance
• Employee Engagement and Culture Building
• Communication and Collaboration
• Confidentiality and Professionalism

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing and innovative international school.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities.
• Opportunity to contribute to the development of future generations in Ethiopia.