HR Director West Africa - Mali

My client is a group of companies across the globe investing in developing countries.  They own 4 Airlines in West Africa and is looking for a French Speaking HR Director with 15 years experience.  Can be of any nationality but must have previous Africa experience and an advanced degree in HR or similar. 

The Director will be responsible for providing leadership to the  human resources activities of the company's Aviation Department. S/he will contribute to company’s overall business strategy for Aviation by advising on the human resource implications of strategic decisions and will play an integral part in the planning, organization and direction of all aspects of the Human Resources Services for the Aviation companies. S/he will play a key role in any future new ventures for the Aviation Department. S/he will look to optimize and develop synergies throughout the HR activities within the Aviation companies and where possible with other AKFED/AKDNN entities. The position will initially be based in West Africa with frequent travel to the countries of operation.  The position may later be transferred to one of the operational centres. Current Aviation Portfolio includes 4 Airline companies in West Africa.

Relationships:

1. The Director will report to theDirector for Aviation;
2. S/he will also work closely with the HR Department.
3. S/he will liaise with the CEOs of the Aviation companies and will work closely with the HR managers of the individual airlines.
Duties:
1. Enhance the quality of  the Aviation activities through the recruitment, development and retention of high calibre staff;
2. Work to create a pool of talent available to the Aviation companies in order to support the creation of HR synergies;
3. Develop and disseminate to  the Aviation companies, HR best practices, procedures and policies to enhance performance and resource management ;   
4. Establish and maintain training and development programmes and foster a culture of employee development, particularly in order to develop local capacity and to instill a culture of client orientation;
5. Initially establish and thereafter oversee the annual performance appraisal process;
6. Assist the Aviation companies with the development of staffing plans and undertake succession planning processes for key staff approaching target dates;
7. Develop and maintain a remuneration strategy and appropriate terms and conditions of employment to ensure that Aviation companies are able to attract, retain and motivate staff whilst maintaining internal equity and allowing for internal mobility;
8. Maintain an awareness of the requirements of employment legislation to ensure that the Aviation companies comply with all legal requirements, notably in the area of aviation and to provide sound advice in this area;
9. Act as an advisor to the individual Aviation companies and to the  Aviation Executive Committee on matters of organization and governance, especially in relation to organization of company boards, organization criteria, sizing of core processes etc
10. Play a leading role in fostering the cross fertilization of ideas, best practices and resources across the Aviation companies.
11. Remain abreast of changes in industry standards and practice as well as evolving regulatory requirements as they affect aviation specific staff.
12. Encourage and maintain sound employee relations by undertaking all necessary consultations and ensuring effective communication of institutional policies;
13. Undertake any other duties and assignments, as may be assigned.
Outcomes:

The outcomes expected of this role include:
A coherent and synergistic approach to HR management throughout the aviation companies with a clear understanding of staffing requirements, improvement in the quality of staff recruited a higher retention rate; a common set of HR policies and procedures across the aviation companies and a more coherent and systematic approach to compensation and benefits management.  There will be a sustained and organized effort to develop a pipeline of talent to meet the growing needs of the aviation network, underpinned by sound policies and practices in performance management, career development and talent management.

Profile:

The desired candidate should have the following profile:
•        An advanced degree, preferably with a further specialization in human resources
•       Approximately 15 years experience with progressive responsibility in a human resources management function, preferably in the aviation sector
•        Chartered/certified membership of a professional personnel/human resources association would be highly desirable
•        A keen interest in and knowledge of development and emerging countries
•        Demonstrable experience of developing HR strategy, policies and procedures
•        Excellent leadership and team building skills
•        Advanced interpersonal and negotiation skills
• A strong background in managing industrial relations
• Experience of the aviation or tourism sector would be an advantage
•        A strong analytical ability, an eye for detail and good organization
• Creativity and out of the box thinking would be required to implement the synergies required across the airlines
•        An excellent command of written and oral English, French essential
• Prior experience of working in Africa would be desirable