People Operations Officer

We are looking for a SUPER organized, intuitive, and people-passionate People Operations Officer to join our team at Water Access Rwanda. This is a first-of-its-kind role, designed to support the CEO in building out our internal HR systems, documentation, and learning culture. You’ll be the go-to person for making sure our team is supported, our records are clean, and our people are growing.You’ll work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to manage everything from onboarding and leave tracking to training coordination and resource library curation. You’ll also help coach teammates, track certifications, and create playbooks that make WAR a place where people thrive. If there’s a process, you help build it. If there’s a gap, you help close it. If there’s a learning need, you help meet it.If you love HR (or are seriously passionate about growing into it), and you get excited by systems, structure, and supporting people —> THEN this is your moment. You’ll be busy, you’ll be trusted, and you’ll be building something that lasts. If that energizes you, apply. If not: this role is not for you.We’re especially looking for someone who wants to grow into leading full-scale HR operations as WAR expands. This is your launchpad.Key Result Areas (KRAs)HR Documentation & Compliance Ensure all employee records, contracts, and HR policies are accurate, accessible, and legally compliant.Learning & Development Curate and manage WAR’s internal resource library; track employee gaps, coach on improvement, and create playbooks and training tools based on company manuals.Culture & Engagement Support initiatives that reinforce WAR’s values, team cohesion, and employee experience. Consult weekly with sr. management on this.People Systems & Reporting Maintain real-time accuracy of HR dashboards; coordinate annual leave; generate strategic insights through monthly and quarterly reporting.Operational Support Conduct exit interviews and synthesize insights; provide structured support to the CEO’s people operations responsibilities to enable strategic bandwidth.Detailed Responsibilities HR Documentation & ComplianceMaintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, contracts, and HR policy documentsEnsure all documentation complies with labor laws and internal governance standardsCoordinate quarterly HR audits in consultation with WAR’s legal counselSupport onboarding and offboarding processes with clear documentationTrack performance review cycles and ensure timely completion Learning & DevelopmentCurate and manage WAR’s internal resource library (books, courses, tools, templates)Coordinate internal and external training sessions for staffTrack individual development plans and learning progressIdentify employee skill gaps and coach staff on improvement pathwaysCreate playbooks, guides, and training tools based on WAR’s company manualsMaintain a tracker for employees required to pursue ongoing professional education or certificationReport monthly on learning activities, including cost per employee and progress metrics Culture & EngagementConsult weekly with senior executives on this.Organize team-building activities and recognition programsSupport internal communications and storytelling that reinforce WAR’s valuesFacilitate onboarding rituals and initiatives that build team cohesionMonitor morale and engagement through informal check-ins and pulse surveys People Systems & ReportingMaintain real-time accuracy of WAR’s internal HR dashboardsCoordinate annual leave requests, approvals, and schedulingEnsure leave balances are updated and compliant with company policyGenerate monthly and quarterly reports on HR metrics, learning progress, and engagementFlag risks or anomalies in people data (e.g., overlapping leave, untracked roles) Operational SupportConduct structured exit interviews and synthesize insights for leadershipLiaise with external coaches, consultants, and trainers as neededProvide operational support for board reporting and HR-related proposalsAssist in implementing WAR’s succession planning and organizational maturity roadmapSupport the CEO’s strategic bandwidth by managing routine people operations tasks and surfacing key insightsCompensation & BenefitsThis is a growth-track position awarded at either Junior Officer or Officer level depending on your experience. Both levels come with meaningful support and long-term incentives:Officer-Level BenefitsNet take-home salary: RWF 297,463/month (after PAYE, NSSF, Medical Insurance, and statutory deductions)Retention bonus: RWF 100,000/month accessible after probation, awarded with a 3-year cliffExtras: Possibility of performance bonus, communication cards, and other staff support servicesJunior Officer-Level BenefitsNet take-home salary: RWF 171,061/month (after PAYE, NSSF, Medical Insurance, and statutory deductions)Retention bonus: RWF 40,000/month accessible after probation, awarded with a 3-year cliffExtras: Possibility of performance bonus, communication cards, and other staff support servicesQualificationsEducational BackgroundBachelor’s degree in any field. we’re degree agnostic and value proven passion and continuous training over formal titles.HR certifications or ongoing professional education is a strong asset.Experience & Exposure1–3 years of experience in HR, people operations, or administrative roles. If you don't have this, adjust your cover letter to indicate a desire to start in a more junior (intern/apprentice) level.Experience with documentation, training coordination, or employee engagement preferredExposure to startup, social enterprise, or field-heavy environmentsNon-negotiable Skills & CompetenciesStrong organizational and documentation skillsExcellent written and verbal communication, with a naturally extroverted personality that boosts team moraleAbility to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with minimal supervision.Comfortable with spreadsheets, HR dashboards, and digital toolsAnalytical mindset with attention to detailMindset & ValuesPassion for people development and organizational cultureHigh level of integrity, discretion, and professionalismGrowth-oriented: eager to evolve into leading full-scale HR operationsAlignment with WAR’s mission, values, and long-term vision