Head of Human Resources – Telecom

Somtel
Somtel

Somtel is a leading Telecom and technology service provider with the widest network coverage in the Somali region. From our headquarters in Hargeisa and guided by our values, we are delivering an ambitious, new digital world to our 67% telecom customers across Somaliland, Somalia and Puntland – one of the region’s fastest growing for mobile telecommunications. We have grown fast by investing in a superior communication infrastructure, and by harnessing the capacity of our people. We now offer

Job description

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Head of Human Resources – Telecom

Location: Hargeisa, Somaliland (with travel across Somaliland, Somalia & Puntland)
Reporting to: Telecom Group Chief Executive Officer (Primary) / Group HR Director (Functional)
About the Role
Dahabshiil Group is seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Head of Human Resources – Telecom to lead the people agenda for its telecom business, Somtel.
This is a senior leadership role and a member of the Telecom Executive Committee (ExCo), responsible for shaping and executing a high-impact HR strategy that directly supports business growth, operational excellence, and workforce transformation.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to business leadership, translating Group HR frameworks into practical, results-driven solutions that strengthen organizational capability, drive performance, and reinforce a high-performance culture.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic HR Leadership & Business Partnership
• Lead the execution of Group HR strategy within the telecom business
• Partner closely with the CEO and leadership team on all people-related matters
• Drive organizational design, workforce planning, and transformation initiatives
• Embed a strong performance and accountability culture

2. Talent Management & Workforce Planning
• Lead recruitment for critical and strategic roles
• Partner with Group HR on executive hiring and succession planning
• Align workforce plans with business growth and operational priorities
• Strengthen employer branding within the telecom and technology sector

3. Performance Management & Capability Development
• Implement and drive the Group Performance Management framework
• Ensure effective goal setting, performance reviews, and accountability
• Support leaders in managing performance and developing talent
• Coordinate learning and development initiatives with Group L&D

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4. HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
• Oversee end-to-end HR operations including contracts, payroll inputs, and employee
records
• Ensure effective onboarding, transfer, and exit processes
• Maintain high-quality HR data and reporting standards
• Drive adoption and utilization of HR systems (HRIS)

5. Employee Relations & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with labour laws and internal policies
• Manage disciplinary, grievance, and complex employee relations matters
• Promote fair, consistent, and transparent HR practices
• Act as escalation point for sensitive workforce issues

6. Culture, Engagement & Change Management
• Lead employee engagement and internal communication initiatives
• Drive change management across business transformation programs
• Reinforce company values, ethics, and code of conduct
• Support leadership in building a high-performance culture

7. Governance, Reporting & Metrics
• Deliver accurate and timely HR reporting (headcount, attrition, performance, etc.)
• Ensure adherence to Group HR governance frameworks
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews
• Track and report key HR metrics to senior management

Skills and qualifications

Candidate Profile
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Master’s degree is an added advantage
• Professional certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) is preferred
Experience
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR experience
• At least 3–5 years in a senior HR leadership role
• Experience in telecom, technology, or large corporate environments is highly desirable
• Strong exposure to HR operations, performance management, and employee relations
• Proficiency in Somali and English languages, both written and spoken.
Key Competencies
• Strong business partnering and stakeholder management capability
• Commercially aware with a practical, solution-oriented mindset

• Strong understanding of labour laws and HR governance
• Data-driven with the ability to interpret and leverage HR metrics
• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills

Why Join Us?
• Opportunity to shape HR strategy in a leading telecom business
• Direct exposure to executive leadership and strategic decision-making
• Play a key role in a large-scale transformation and growth journey
• Be part of a dynamic and diversified regional group

Attachments

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:
• A detailed CV
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role
Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Head of HR - Telecom”.
Deadline: Saturday, 14 May 2026 (5:00 PM – Hargeisa Time).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Dahabshiil Group is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Somtel is a leading Telecom and technology service provider with the widest network coverage in the Somali region. From our headquarters in Hargeisa and guided by our values, we are delivering an ambitious, new digital world to our 67% telecom customers across Somaliland, Somalia and Puntland – one of the region’s fastest growing for mobile telecommunications. We have grown fast by investing in a superior communication infrastructure, and by harnessing the capacity of our people. We now offer

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