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

Please complete the application form and submit:

Your CV  (in PDF)
A motivation letter (in PDF, maximum 1 page)
Contact details of at least two professional referees  (referees will only be contacted with your prior consent)