Head of People

About this role

WaterAid Tanzania is recruiting a Head of People to lead the human resources function for its country programme, based in Dar es Salaam under a three-year fixed-term full-time contract. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the post holder will deliver people plans that enable the country programme to achieve its strategy, working closely with the Country Director and senior leaders. Responsibilities include leading the People Strategy, advising on workforce planning, talent management and organisational effectiveness, and overseeing recruitment, performance management, learning and development, employee relations, reward, engagement and succession planning. The role also builds organisational and leadership capability through change management, ensures compliance with safeguarding, labour laws and risk standards, and manages the people department budget, systems and reporting.

Required qualifications are a Master’s degree in human resources, organisational psychology, leadership and capability development or a related field, plus a recognised HR professional qualification. Candidates need significant senior-level HR experience, including leadership of a people function, ideally in an international development or NGO setting. Strong expertise is expected in talent acquisition, employee relations, reward, performance management, organisational development, learning and employment legislation, alongside proven strategic partnering, workforce planning, change management and analytical skills. Excellent communication, relationship-building and leadership abilities, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and safeguarding, are essential.

Desirable attributes include being strategic, results-driven, adaptable, analytical and solution-oriented, with strong networking, influencing and stakeholder management skills. WaterAid is a global federation working toward clean water, sanitation and hygiene for everyone by 2030. WaterAid Tanzania partners with government and civil society to expand sustainable WASH services, strengthen systems, influence policy and advance gender equality. The position offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits.

Applications close at 5pm East Africa time on 4 September 2026, and candidates apply online by uploading a CV and cover letter.