job
HR Manager - Operations & Compliance
Human Resources
Full Description
**About APOPO**
APOPO is an international NGO with Belgian roots that develops and implements animal scent detection solutions for global challenges, including humanitarian mine action and tuberculosis detection.
APOPO’s registered office is based in the center of Antwerp, Belgium, where a small administrative and support office is located. Our organization works internationally, with activities and colleagues across multiple countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the US, including with major operational hubs in Tanzania and Cambodia. More detailed information about APOPO’s programs and foundations can be found on our website.
As APOPO continues to grow, we are strengthening our HR foundations to support a more consistent, scalable and well-supported organization.
**About the role**
We are looking for an experienced and pragmatic HR professional to strengthen APOPO’s HR operations, HR structures and compliance across programs and countries.
This role focuses on building and maintaining clear, practical and scalable HR structures that support reliable, practical and well-informed people management throughout the organization. You will play a key role in strengthening HR consistency, systems, policies and operational practices across APOPO, while balancing compliance with operational realities in diverse contexts.
APOPO believes people management should happen close to teams and day-to-day realities, with managers taking ownership and HR providing practical support, guidance and structure.
The role is broad and varied, combining strategic HR improvement with hands-on operational ownership across an international organization.
**Key responsibilities**
*Strengthening HR foundations across APOPO*
You will play a key role in strengthening APOPO’s HR foundations across programs and countries. This includes maintaining and improving HR policies, frameworks and practices that are practical, compliant and scalable, while balancing organizational consistency with local realities and operational needs.
*Contracts, compliance & compensation*
You will oversee employment and consultancy frameworks, vetting and due diligence processes, and support managers and HR colleagues on contractual, compensation and compliance-related aspects of recruitment and people management. You help ensure HR and recruitment practices remain practical, documented and aligned.
*HR systems, reporting & continuous improvement*
You will help strengthen how APOPO uses HR systems, data and reporting to support decision-making and improve visibility across teams and programs. APOPO is currently in a broader organizational ERP transition; implementing and rolling out Odoo, including for HR and payroll, across the organization. The planned launch is January 2027. This role will play a part in supporting this implementation.
*Collaboration across programs and teams*
You will work closely with managers, HR focal points and colleagues across different countries and contexts in a largely remote and internationally connected working environment. The role requires a collaborative and pragmatic approach, with a focus on practical support, clarity and workable solutions.
**About you**
You are a structured and pragmatic HR professional who enjoys improving how organizations work in practice. You combine analytical thinking and operational ownership with a collaborative and people-centered approach.
You are comfortable working in an international environment with diverse realities, legal contexts and operational challenges. You know how to bring clarity, consistency and practical solutions in situations that are often complex or evolving.
You are able to balance compliance and structure with flexibility and operational realities, and you feel comfortable supporting managers and HR colleagues across different countries and contexts.
*Experience & qualifications*
- Master’s degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration or a related field
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in HR operations, compliance and HR structures within international and/or evolving organizations
- Experience in international NGOs is a strong asset
- Experience in growing or evolving organizations is an asset
*Skills*
- Strong understanding of labor law and HR compliance principles
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
- Able to translate complex topics into practical and usable approaches
- Comfortable working with systems, reporting and HR data
- Pragmatic, solution-oriented and hands-on
- Strong communication skills
- Collaborative and culturally sensitive
- Fluent in English, APOPO’s main working language
- Professional proficiency in Dutch to support collaboration with Belgian stakeholders and administrative processes
**What we offer**
- A meaningful role within an international mission-driven organization
- The opportunity to strengthen and shape HR foundations across APOPO
- A diverse and international working environment
- Flexibility through a hybrid working setup
- A role with autonomy, ownership and organizational impact
**APOPO’s commitment**
APOPO is committed to safeguarding people, animals, and the environment. All staff are expected to uphold APOPO’s safeguarding policies and ethical standards. Background checks form part of the recruitment process.
APOPO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
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