Employee Relations Advisor at Co-operative Bank of Kenya

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Collaborate with team leaders to ensure uniformity in disciplinary procedures across the network.
• Analyze reported disciplinary cases and provide recommendations for appropriate actions.
• Review investigation and audit reports to determine necessary disciplinary measures.
• Communicate disciplinary decisions to line managers and ensure effective implementation.
• Address inquiries from the Union or line managers regarding staff disciplinary issues.
• Organize and establish the Disciplinary Hearing Panel for staff discipline matters.
• Coordinate with the Bank’s legal representatives on litigation cases involving former employees and represent the Bank in Industrial Court proceedings.
• Assist Bank subsidiaries with disciplinary matters as needed.
• Offer expert guidance to line managers on the legal implications of disciplinary actions in relation to labor laws.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on employee relations within the organization.
• Engage stakeholders to support the Bank’s employee relations strategy.
• Regularly monitor changes in labor laws and keep management informed.
• Conduct ongoing consultations and negotiations with the Union.
• Represent the Bank at Ministry of Labour conciliation meetings.
• Collaborate with the Kenya Bankers Association and Kenya Institute of Bankers on employment-related issues.
• Ensure alignment of the Bank’s HR policies with current labor laws.
• Participate in Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the Union on behalf of the Bank.
• Promote best labor practices and ensure compliance with labor laws and relevant statutes.

Skills, Competencies and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Law (LLB) from a recognized institution, along with 2-3 years of relevant HR experience in a dynamic environment.
• A Higher Diploma in Human Resources with I/CHRM or membership in a recognized professional body.
• Comprehensive knowledge of labor law provisions and practical experience in employee relations.
• Strong understanding of the internal and external industrial landscape, including the Bank’s disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of best practices in Human Resource policies, processes, and strategies.
• High level of tact, diplomacy, and the ability to communicate effectively to provide professional yet personalized customer service; excellent spoken and written English skills.
• Capability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Aptitude for building effective working relationships across all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to maintain composure, focus, and organization while delivering results under pressure and in rapidly changing environments.