People & Operations Associate

People & Operations Associate

Contract: Full time; two years fixed term, renewable

Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience and competence

Location: Flexible (Johannesburg or Nairobi)

Reports to: Talent Development Lead; dotted line to Operations Lead

THE MISSION: Operational fluency - creating the conditions for teams to thrive

Africa Practice and Brink have joined forces to accelerate the pace of progress, combining systems-level action with behavioural innovation.

This role is pivotal in ensuring that the operational engine of the organisation works smoothly. When this role is done well, our tools are reliable, our data is accurate, our processes are agile and effective and our team feels well supported so they can focus on delivery and impact.

The right person will take pride in building operational fluency, improving systems rather than just maintaining them, and quietly raising the standard across the group. You are confident across digital platforms and focused on improving how systems are used, not just operating within them. You see AI as a practical tool to streamline routine work, strengthen accuracy and create space to focus on the team and the issues that matter most.

This role is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day people and operational infrastructure of our merged entity is disciplined, reliable, a joy to interact with, and enables high performance.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Work Tools & Digital Systems

> Support efficient and effective onboarding and offboarding, including digital access and information flow and help new joiners to feel a sense of belonging and mattering.

> Ensure work tools are fit for purpose, secure and well maintained across hubs.

> Maintain accurate BambooHR records.

> Review timesheet data to identify patterns and trends in workload distribution, escalating where necessary to ensure fairness and accountability.

> Support the Operations Lead to keep the wiki(s) current and as user-friendly as possible.

Workspaces & Logistics

> Ensure physical workspaces are enjoyable and conducive to productive working.

> Implement and maintain ways to constantly listen to what the team needs, gathering and acting on ideas for improvements, and over time pre-empting what processes, tools or touchpoints will be needed, next.

People Support

> Support performance review cycles to ensure timely scheduling and documentation of appraisal and anniversary conversations.

> Ensure key People policies and processes are followed and completed to a high standard, including flagging when they need updating.

Individual Support & Issue Resolution

> Act as a responsive and trusted first point of contact for People and Operations queries that require a human conversation. When someone comes to you, they should feel heard, taken seriously and confident that it will be handled properly.

> Resolve straightforward issues quickly and thoroughly, prioritising adult-to-adult interactions and high trust. Where matters are more complex or sensitive, use sound judgement about when and how to escalate.

Data, Reporting & Compliance Support

> Support B Corp and UNGC Communication on Progress reporting requirements.

> Support Operations Lead with other data compliance tasks, including database cleansing, updates to data protection policies and any DPO requirements.

> Annual review of our operational subscriptions.

> Maintain clear, accurate administrative records.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

> Ensure our core operational processes are clear, respected and continuously improved.

> Maintain disciplined, accurate data across systems so leadership can make decisions with confidence.

> Anchor the integrity of onboarding, leave management and performance cycles, you’ll be there to make sure they run properly and on time.

> Oversee logistics and duty of care with empathy and rigour, so people can focus on their work without distraction.

> Act as a steady operational backbone for the group, the person who makes sure the fundamentals are solid.

> Work closely with the People team and Operations Lead to ensure that what we say in policy is reflected in how things actually work day to day.

Core Skills and Qualities

> This is a privileged position. You will often see early signals of friction, stress or confusion before others do. It requires discretion, maturity and a steady temperament. Reliability, proactivity and consistency are vital in this role.

> Demonstrates empathy and compassion, quickly builds rapport and trust.

> Strong digital fluency across multiple platforms - we work with GWP, Salesforce, BambooHR and Leapsome.

> Curious about AI, new technologies and operational best practice and actively seeks out best practices and innovations so we continuously improve our systems and processes.

> Identifies patterns and proposes systems-level solutions, not individual one-off fixes.

> Structured and organised approach to work, able to multitask and maintain rigorous attention to detail and disciplined follow-through. Takes pride in making things run well.

> Proactive problem-solver, you notice gaps or potential issues early and address them swiftly.

> Clear, consistent and reliable communicator - brilliant at joining dots across the organisation. Able to produce concise, compelling content for internal communications that reflects our culture and values.

> Experience: 3–5 years of experience in operations, HR administration or a similar role within a professional services or similarly structured environment.

> Mindset: Excited about working in a mission-driven, dynamic, multi-geography context and committed to supporting healthy high performance across the group.

What we offer

We offer the successful candidate an opportunity to develop a rewarding career within a dynamic advocacy and innovation practice advising a prestigious portfolio of clients. This position offers:

> Competitive remuneration

> Immediate opportunities for growth

>Collaboration with a diverse and experienced team of colleagues

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are much less likely to apply for a position unless they meet every single qualification. So this notwithstanding, if you are excited about this role, we would love to hear from you. We are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse and authentic workplace. You might just be the new team member we are looking for – for this or other roles.

Please send in your application by clicking on the “apply” button, sharing your CV, answering the supporting questions and indicating your availability.

The vacancy is immediately open for suitable applications and will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are advised.