The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is globally recognised as one of the most respected and trusted news organisations. With a mission to deliver impartial, independent, and high-quality journalism to audiences around the world, the BBC continues to evolve its operations to remain a leading source of accurate and balanced news coverage. As part of its commitment to strengthening its international presence and deepening engagement across regional audiences, the BBC is seeking to enhance its Human Resources capacity through the recruitment of an Associate HR Business Partner based in Nairobi, Kenya.
This position presents a unique opportunity for a highly motivated and capable HR professional to contribute to the BBC’s dynamic people agenda across the Africa and MENA regions. Operating within a centralised People Services team, the successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting regional HR functions, ensuring seamless delivery of HR solutions, and driving organisational excellence within an evolving, globally connected environment.
Purpose of the Role
The Associate HR Business Partner will work as part of a centralised People Services team, embedded within the Nairobi bureau, and supporting two International HR Business Partners—covering Africa and MENA. The role requires a proactive individual who can understand the challenges and priorities unique to these regions, while supporting the delivery of high-impact HR strategies that enable the creation of world-class content and strengthen the BBC’s global workforce.
Working closely with colleagues in London and regional teams, the Associate HR Business Partner will provide trusted, consistent, and professional HR support. The individual will manage a variety of stakeholder relationships, drawing on expertise from the wider HR function, including Centres of Excellence such as Reward, HR Systems, and Data Analytics. This role offers a platform for professional development within a complex, multicultural, and dynamic organisation.
Key Responsibilities and Impact
The Associate HR Business Partner will be responsible for a broad range of duties designed to ensure that the BBC’s people strategy is effectively implemented across its international operations. Key responsibilities include the following:
1. Strategic Support to the International HR Business Partners
- Support the International HR Business Partners in developing and implementing people-related solutions that align with the overall HR strategy.
- Contribute to improving organisational effectiveness through initiatives that enhance productivity, employee engagement, and talent retention.
- Assist in ensuring that HR tools, frameworks, and policies are tailored to meet the specific needs of regional teams in Africa and MENA while maintaining alignment with the BBC’s global standards.
2. Operational HR Delivery and Advisory Services
- Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on a wide range of HR issues, including employee relations, performance management, and organisational change.
- Collaborate with the UK-based HR Advisory Service to ensure effective and consistent handling of HR queries and requests across regions.
- Act as a key escalation point for complex HR queries and ensure timely and appropriate resolution.
3. Employee Engagement and Performance Enhancement
- Support the implementation of initiatives that drive employee engagement, inclusion, and well-being across regional teams.
- Work closely with leadership to identify and address factors affecting employee motivation, satisfaction, and performance.
- Participate in projects aimed at enhancing the employee experience and strengthening the BBC’s reputation as an employer of choice in international markets.
4. Collaboration and Cross-functional Partnership
- Foster collaboration between the International HR team, the People Services department, and Centres of Excellence to deliver high-quality HR support and shared services.
- Promote awareness and understanding of HR policies, programs, and services among regional teams.
- Build strong professional relationships with internal stakeholders, including managers and colleagues, to ensure alignment of people initiatives with organisational goals.
5. Project Management and Organisational Change
- Participate in HR-related projects that drive transformation and organisational development.
- Lead specific initiatives as assigned, ensuring that project objectives are met within timelines and budgets.
- Contribute to change management processes, including restructuring and reorganisation, by providing expertise and practical HR support to impacted teams.
6. Data Management and Reporting
- Utilise HR systems and analytics to generate insights that inform decision-making and support strategic workforce planning.
- Provide data-driven recommendations to support HR initiatives and monitor progress on people-related objectives.
- Ensure accuracy and confidentiality in the handling of HR data and employee information.
7. Representation and Advocacy
- Represent the International HR function internally and externally, promoting the BBC’s reputation as a responsible, inclusive, and high-performing employer.
- Act as an ambassador for the organisation’s people agenda, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with corporate objectives.
- Champion HR best practices and continuous improvement within the BBC’s global workforce.
Skills and Experience
The Associate HR Business Partner role requires a motivated and capable HR professional who thrives in complex, multicultural environments. The successful candidate will bring a balance of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and strategic insight to the position.
Experience and Competencies:
- Previous experience in a generalist HR role, operating at either a Specialist or Senior Advisor level.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a matrix organisation, demonstrating strong collaborative and influencing skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build relationships and engage with stakeholders at all organisational levels.
- Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving ability, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving HR issues.
- Comfort working with HR data, systems, and analytics to generate insights and support decision-making.
- Experience supporting the Francophone region and fluency in French.
- Experience working with employees in unionised environments and supporting industrial relations.
- Evidence of managing stakeholder expectations through contracting for work and maintaining client satisfaction.
- Broad exposure across multiple HR domains, including pay, workforce data, employee development, and people practices.
- Demonstrated experience in managing or enabling change activities such as restructuring and reorganisation.
- Ability to extract insights from data and use evidence-based approaches to influence HR decision-making.
- Examples of supporting continuous improvement initiatives and applying a curious, forward-thinking approach to challenges.
- Evidence of maintaining a strong focus on the overall employee experience, ensuring that policies and practices support engagement and inclusivity.
Professional Environment
The BBC provides a stimulating and inclusive work environment that values integrity, diversity, and excellence. The Nairobi bureau operates as an essential hub within the BBC’s international network, connecting audiences across Africa and contributing to the organisation’s global mission. Employees are part of a multicultural team working toward the shared goal of producing world-class journalism and maintaining the BBC’s reputation as a trusted global broadcaster.
Within the People Services department, the role of the Associate HR Business Partner is central to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The HR function at the BBC plays a vital role in driving the organisation’s transformation agenda, enabling workforce capability, and ensuring that policies and practices reflect the organisation’s values of fairness, inclusivity, and respect.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, key accountabilities, and required competencies for the position of Associate HR Business Partner. It is intended as a summary of the essential characteristics of the role and does not represent an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The scope of work may evolve in line with organisational priorities and strategic developments.
Candidates should note that, if offered the position, employment with the BBC is subject to pre-employment screening checks. These include reference checks, eligibility-to-work verification, and, where applicable, safeguarding and adverse media/social media reviews. Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of these checks.
Application Information
Interested candidates are invited to apply for the position of Associate HR Business Partner in Nairobi before the closing date of 27 October 2025.
For any general queries regarding this role, applicants may contact the recruitment team via email at [email protected].
This opportunity provides an excellent platform for an experienced HR professional to contribute meaningfully to a globally respected organisation. The role combines operational HR delivery, strategic partnership, and continuous learning in a multicultural context, providing valuable exposure to international HR management within one of the most reputable media institutions in the world.
Through this position, the successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in people management across diverse regions, while supporting the BBC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and high-performing workforce.
Applications close on 27 October 2025.
