Description
1. Job Overview
This is a senior leadership opportunity within the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) for an experienced Human Resource professional ready to take on a strategic and policy-driven role.
In simple terms, this position is responsible for leading the entire Human Resource and administrative function of the organization. You will shape how staff are recruited, managed, developed, and retained while ensuring the institution operates efficiently and in full compliance with national labour laws and government standards.
On a daily basis, you will not only supervise HR operations but also guide senior management on workforce planning, performance management, employee relations, and institutional development. This is a high impact role where your decisions directly influence staff productivity, organizational culture, and service delivery across the Board.
If you are passionate about public sector leadership, policy development, and building strong institutional systems, this role offers a significant opportunity to contribute at national level.
2. Key Responsibilities
As the head of Human Resources and Administration, your responsibilities will include both strategic leadership and operational oversight.
HR Policy Development and Leadership
- Lead the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and administrative regulations for the Board
- Provide expert guidance to management on HR strategy and workforce planning
- Ensure all HR practices align with government regulations and institutional objectives
Workforce Planning and Talent Management
- Oversee recruitment, selection, deployment, confirmation, and promotion of staff
- Coordinate staffing needs across departments to ensure efficiency and balance
- Guide succession planning and career development initiatives
Performance Management and Staff Development
- Develop and maintain performance appraisal systems for all employees
- Ensure continuous staff training and professional development programs are in place
- Support career progression frameworks to improve employee growth and retention
Employee Relations and Welfare
- Manage employee relations, discipline, grievances, and conflict resolution processes
- Promote a positive work environment that supports fairness, accountability, and professionalism
- Oversee staff welfare programs including health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives
Payroll and Compensation Management
- Supervise payroll systems, salary administration, and employee benefits
- Ensure proper management of pensions, gratuities, rewards, and compensation structures
- Monitor accuracy and compliance in all financial HR processes
Administrative and Support Services
- Oversee office administration, transport management, security, and facilities operations
- Ensure proper records management and registry systems are maintained according to government standards
- Supervise resource centre operations to ensure effective service delivery
Governance, Legal, and Reporting Functions
- Provide secretarial support to the Human Resources Committee of the Board
- Ensure legal compliance across all HR and administrative functions
- Coordinate preparation of annual work plans and budgets for the HR department
- Prepare performance and compliance reports for senior leadership
Ethics and Institutional Image
- Promote high standards of professional ethics and discipline across the organization
- Strengthen organizational culture and public service values
- Support initiatives that improve institutional reputation and accountability
3. Requirements & Qualifications
To qualify for this senior leadership role, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Organizational Psychology, or related fields
- A Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related discipline
- Membership in a recognized Human Resource professional body is an added advantage
- At least 15 years of relevant HR experience
- Minimum of 3 years in a senior management or director-level position in a reputable organization or government institution
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision making ability
- Deep understanding of labour laws and public sector HR systems
- Experience in recruitment, workforce planning, and performance management
- Excellent communication and reporting skills
- Ability to manage large teams and complex administrative systems
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
4. Salary Range (Expected Range)
For a senior HR Director role in a major government institution in Uganda:
Expected Salary Range: UGX 8,000,000 – UGX 15,000,000 per month
This may vary depending on:
- Government salary structure scales
- Level of experience and seniority
- Additional allowances and benefits such as transport, housing, and medical coverage
5. About the Company (Insight Section)
The Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) is a government institution responsible for the development, administration, and management of national examinations in Uganda.
The organization plays a critical role in the education system by ensuring fairness, credibility, and standardization in academic assessment across the country. UNEB is a highly structured public institution that operates under strict government regulations and professional standards.
Working at UNEB means being part of a national body that influences education outcomes for millions of learners. The work environment is formal, policy driven, and highly structured, with strong emphasis on accountability, integrity, and public service delivery.
6. Location Breakdown
This role is based in Uganda, primarily at the UNEB head office in Kampala.
Kampala is the administrative and economic center of Uganda, offering:
- Access to government institutions and national agencies
- A structured professional environment for senior public service roles
- Opportunities for high level networking within education and policy sectors
Although the cost of living in Kampala can be moderate to high, senior government roles typically offer stable income, job security, and structured benefits.
7. How to Apply (Smart Tips)
To improve your chances of selection:
- Tailor your CV to highlight senior HR leadership experience in public or large institutions
- Clearly show experience in policy development, workforce planning, and HR systems management
- Use keywords such as HR Director, public sector HR, labour law compliance, performance management, organizational development
- Highlight measurable achievements such as policy improvements or HR system reforms
- Ensure your CV is structured, professional, and detailed but not overly long
Always include evidence of leadership in complex organizational environments.
8. Pro Tips to Stand Out
- Highlight deep experience in government or public sector HR systems
- Show strong understanding of Ugandan labour laws and public service regulations
- Demonstrate experience in managing large scale HR operations and administrative systems
- Emphasize leadership in policy development and institutional reform projects
Bonus tip: Candidates who show proven experience in improving HR efficiency or digitizing HR systems will have a strong advantage.
9. Similar Jobs You Can Explore
If you are interested in this role, you may also consider:
- Director of Human Resources – Government Agencies in Uganda
- HR Manager – Large Parastatal Organizations
- Public Administration & HR Consultant – Development Organizations