About You
Are you passionate about creating exceptional team experiences and helping build a
people-first culture? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and execution? As
the first HR leader at a mission-driven company focused on sustainable energy solutions, you’ll
have the opportunity to design and implement scalable HR systems. If you’re both visionary
and excited to roll up your sleeves and bring your vision to life, we may have the perfect
opportunity for you!
About Equator Energy
Equator Energy is East Africa’s leader in providing sustainable, commercial, and industrial solar
solutions. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide businesses with reliable,
cost-effective, and clean energy, empowering them to reduce costs and minimize their
environmental impact.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Equator Energy has successfully implemented over 130 solar
projects across the continent. With a fully integrated model—spanning business development,
design, financing, installation, operations, and maintenance—we provide tailored end-to-end
energy solutions that support both environmental and economic sustainability for our clients.
At Equator Energy, we’re not just transforming energy infrastructure, but shaping the future of
clean energy in Africa. As we grow, we’re looking for passionate, forward-thinking leaders to
join us in building a better, more sustainable world.
Overview
Equator Energy seeks a People Manager to lead and shape our people strategy as we grow. In
this key role, you will be the first People leader in a mission-driven company, responsible for
designing and implementing scalable HR systems while driving a people-first culture. You will
have the opportunity to develop and execute recruitment processes, foster employee
engagement, manage performance and development, and ensure compliance. This is a unique
opportunity for a visionary leader who is equally excited to roll up their sleeves and execute on
their vision.The People Manager reports directly to the CEO.
Responsibilities
1. Leadership
● Lead the People department, collaborating the senior leadership team in aligning team strategy and goals with the company
2. Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
● Oversee recruitment processes to attract, hire, and retain talent
● Manage job postings, screen resumes, coordinate interviews, conduct background and
reference checks, and extend job offers
3. HR Operations
● Design and oversee onboarding, cross-boarding, and offboarding
● Issue new hire/exit paperwork and track until completion
● Oversee HR Information System (HRIS) administration and maintain accurate employee records
● Analyze HR data and provide regular reports on key metrics (e.g., turnover,
absenteeism, etc.)
● Leverage data to improve employee experience and overall business outcomes
4. Total Rewards & Compensation
● Collaborate with finance on payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance
● Set and implement compensation strategy and oversee benchmarking exercise
● Design and manage competitive benefits programs based on team needs
● Manage vendor relationships
5. Compliance & Employee Relations
● Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations
● Conduct annual review of policies and make updates to align with legal requirements and company culture
● Act as a point of contact and oversee legal matters related to employment disputes, grievances, and disciplinary matters, working closely with the CEO and legal counsel when necessary
6. Employee Engagement & Wellbeing
● Foster a positive work environment
● Run employee satisfaction surveys to strengthen employee engagement
● Initiate and create opportunities to achieve a positive workplace culture, enhanced engagement, improved retention, boosted productivity and performance, a strengthened brand, etc.
○ E.g., Organize, plan, and manage company-wide events, team-building activities, staff meetings, celebrations, office perks, etc.
7. Growth & Development (i.e., Performance Management + Learning & Development)
● Oversee and iterate on the performance management system, including goal setting (OKRs/KPIs), competency frameworks (TBD), reviews, ongoing development tools, etc.
● Identify and implement learning and development tools to foster continuous growth, skill enhancement, and career progression for all employees
8. Workforce Planning
● Support managers to monitor workforce trends to help them forecast hiring needs
● Develop protocols for business continuity during transitions, ensuring team resilience during unexpected challenges
9. Office & Facilities Management
● Oversee daily operations of the office, including support, supplies, and maintenance
● Ensure a well-organized, clean, and efficient office environment
● Manage office budget, expenses, and supplier contracts (e.g., office supplies, cleaning services, equipment maintenance)
● Coordinate improvements, maintenance, and repairs
10. Other
● Other duties as requested by the manager or the Leadership team
Key Qualifications & Skills
● 5+ years of HR/leadership experience, ideally in fast-growing or start-up environments; experience in the technical sector is a plus
● Proven track record in building scalable HR systems and processes
● Hands-on expertise in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance
● Passionate about cultivating inclusive cultures and driving employee engagement
● In-depth knowledge of Kenya’s employment laws and compliance requirements; additional familiarity with employment laws across the continent (i.e., Uganda, Zimbabwe)
● Demonstrated ability to quickly build trust with employees at all levels of an organization
● High level of integrity and discretion in managing sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills; fluency in both Swahili and English is a plus
● Adaptable and resilient with extensive experience navigating organizational change
(e.g., mergers, acquisitions, rapid growth, etc.), while focusing on maintaining morale
and engagement
How to Apply
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