Head of People

Head of People

Contract type: 3 years Fixed Term, Full Time

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Salary:  Competitive salary with excellent benefits.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

WaterAid works to transform lives by improving access to safe water and good hygiene and sanitation conditions among the poorest and most marginalized populations in the world. In the implementation of its strategic plan for 2023-2028, WaterAid Zambia places particular emphasis on Health, also on increasing the quantity and quality of the WASH sector financing in Zambia, mobilizing resources, establishing multi-stakeholder partnerships, utilizing action research and innovation, while drawing on the lessons learned from previous strategies. In this process, WaterAid Zambia is seeking a qualified and motivated individual candidate to fill the position of People Head based at the National Office in Lusaka.

About the Role

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) the Head of People is responsible for delivering people plans which enable the Country Programme to achieve its strategy and goals.  With a deep understanding of the country Programme strategy and context, the Head of People will develop and embed appropriate people and organisational solutions, policies and practices.

The post holder will also spend 10% of their time working with the Global People Team to build strong WaterAid people practices.

In this role you will :

• Agree and deliver annual CP people plan which grow organisational effectiveness, inclusion, and engagement.
• Partner the Country Director with activities which build leadership and SMT competence, seeking support from the Global Leadership & Learning Team where required.
• Foster and embed WaterAid’s values and apply a diversity and inclusion lens to all policy, practice and behaviours.
• Support the implementation and communication of effective and sustainable change. Bring people expertise to diagnose the change management requirements across structure, people, skills and ways of working.
• Embed a strong performance management culture. Coach and hold staff and line managers accountable for setting objectives, giving feedback and managing under performance.
• Support managers to identify and grow the potential of staff. Create opportunities through diverse talent pipelines and individual development planning.
• Identify the skills and capabilities required to deliver current and future CP work. Implement resourcing plans and support and challenge managers to make timely resourcing choices which secure the best talent via recruitment or internal development.

To be successful, you’ll need: 

• Significant HR operational management experience within a team environment. A minimum of 5 years’ experience at senior management level handling responsibility for recruitment, employee relations, reward, performance management, employment legislation, change management, organisational design, capacity building, policy and processes and learning and development
• Strong knowledge of HR best practice and innovative new practices.
• Master’s degree level qualification in Human Resources Management, Organisation Psychology or a master’s degree in business administration with a post graduate diploma in HR Management.
• Highly competent in interpreting and applying statutory legislation.
• Strong IT skills particularly MS Word, Excel and Outlook, with experience of using HR databases, online recruitment tools and Intranets
• Analytical and numeracy skills, to produce and distil accurate information applying intuition and strong judgement
• Strong communication skills in written and oral English.
• Track record of empowering others and the ability to influence.
• Experience of working in a matrix management structure.
• Able to promote cross team collaboration and form effective working relationships with people from across the organisation.  A networker, bringing best practice ideas to the CP.
• A passion for and interest in the sector, the CP and WaterAid.

View full job description here

Closing Date: Applications will close 12:00 PM UK Time on Thursday 31st July 2025.

How to Apply: Click ‘Apply’ to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and an essential cover letter which should be in English.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre-employment screening: To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in Zambia. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the Zambia laws.

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process.

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !