People Operations Specialist

Do you have a passion for building people processes that enable teams to thrive and organisations to scale smoothly? Are you skilled at managing core People Operations activities, from onboarding and payroll coordination to benefits administration and compliance across multiple entities? Do you enjoy creating structure out of complexity, developing clear policies, improving documentation, and ensuring that employee data and records are accurate and up to date? Are you detail-oriented yet people-focused, able to balance operational rigour with empathy and discretion when supporting employees and managers? Do you thrive in roles where you can streamline workflows, strengthen internal systems, and use data to improve the overall employee experience? If you’re excited about owning end-to-end People Operations processes and contributing to a high-performing, well-supported workplace, this might just be the role for you.

About ALX Africa

ALX Africa, a non-profit organisation under the ALX Foundation, is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Africa's digital future. Formerly part of Sand Tech Holdings, we've embarked on an independent journey to provide world-class tech skills training and career acceleration programmes. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, upskill and re-skill talent, and create a generation of innovative leaders. By 2030, we aim to empower 2 million Africans to secure sustainable tech careers.

With hubs in 8 cities across Africa and counting, we provide safe access to quality learning and a dedicated network of expert instructors. Our innovative programmes equip learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving tech industry. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects, we prepare our students for in-demand roles in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.

We achieve this by:

• Providing young professionals with access to the most in-demand tech skills that will power the future.
• Empowering the next generation of technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through challenging, real-world coursework.
• Building a lifelong, impactful community of tech professionals that support them at all stages of their career journey. 

Our impact thus far:

• 205k+ learners since 2021
• 117k youth in work

13k youth starting own ventures

• 66k youth in jobs through entrepreneurship

 Visit our website www.alxafrica.com to learn more about our digital revolution.

Role Summary

The People Operations Specialist will support the development and execution of people operations systems, processes, and initiatives that enable the organization to scale effectively. Working closely with the People Operations Lead, the role focuses on strengthening people operations practices, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring staff have access to the information, tools, and support they need. The role requires strong operational thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to handle employee matters with empathy and discretion while contributing to people and culture initiatives through effective systems and process improvements.

Specific Responsibilities

• Support and manage core people operations processes across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contract management, role changes, and offboarding.
• Own and manage end-to-end payroll processes across multiple entities, working closely with Finance and external payroll providers to ensure accurate inputs, validate payroll changes, resolve discrepancies, and guarantee timely and compliant payroll processing.
• Ensure people records and employee documentation are accurate, compliant, and well maintained.
• Support the preparation and administration of employment contracts, letters, and other HR documentation.
• Act as a key point of contact for employee queries relating to policies, benefits, and people processes.
• Handle sensitive employee matters with professionalism, discretion, and empathy.
• Identify opportunities to improve people processes, increase automation, and streamline administrative operations.Develop and maintain documentation for people operations processes and internal policies.
• Coordinate and manage payroll processes across multiple entities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Generate reports and insights from people data to support decision-making and planning.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, employment regulations, and organizational standards.Partner with the Director of People to support people initiatives aligned with organizational goals.

Skill Requirements - Essential

• 4-6 years of experience in People Operations, HR Operations, or HR Generalist roles.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience managing HR systems (HRIS) and maintaining employee data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operational processes simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to improve systems and processes.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to support employees effectively.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong documentation and process management skills.

Skill Requirements - Preferable

• High empathy, self-awareness and a customer/people-oriented solutions mindset
• Experience working in fast-growing or scaling organizations.
• Experience with HRIS platforms such as HiBob..
• Familiarity with HR analytics and reporting.
• Experience working with distributed or global teams.
• Background in operations, systems improvement, or process automation.

Person Specification/Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.

Due to the considerable amount of virtual working and interaction with colleagues and customers in different physical locations internationally, it is essential that the successful applicant has the drive and ethic to succeed working in small teams physically but in larger efforts virtually. Self-drive to communicate constantly using web collaboration and video conferencing is essential. As an employee, you will be encouraged to continually develop your capability & attain certifications to reflect your growth as an individual.