Hamza A.M. Sahal
Addis Ababa
Summary
Throughout my career, in over 19 years I have worked in several senior leadership positions where I have demonstrated exceptional skills in managing human, financial and physical resources. I have a proven track record of leading teams in complex environments and achieving common objectives. I have a strong ability to build productive teams and motivate individuals at all levels of an organization.
In addition to my leadership skills, I possess strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. I have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, which have helped me to build relationships with multiple stakeholders. I am known for my ability to remain calm in stressful situations and for my persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
I am confident that my experience in budgeting, finance, human resources management, procurement, logistics, communications, and transport will enable me to contribute to the implementation of the mission's mandate by ensuring the efficient provision of managerial, logistical, and administrative support required for the fulfillment of the mandate.
I am excited about the opportunity to work as a member of the Mission Senior Management Team and contribute to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation of the mandate. I am eager to initiate the development and implementation of the mission support work plan and ensure coordination and monitoring of overall strategies and programs for the support activities of the mission.
I am highly committed to ensuring that all processes and systems in place are relevant and cost-effective. I am passionate about promoting continuous improvement in the quality and delivery of services to mission clients, and I believe that I can contribute to this by establishing relevant strategic mission performance indicators.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the requirements of this position further. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Human Resources Shared Services
African Union Commission
11.2021 - Current
- Provides overall strategic leadership on HR Management and Administration to the entire African Union Organs
- Acts as an adviser to the Heads of all the peace and security mission particularly Head of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) , pertaining to the administrative and technical operational support activities of the Mission, for the effective general management of the human, financial and physical resources allocated to the mission
- Contributes to the implementation of the Commission's mandate by ensuring the efficient provision of managerial, logistical and administrative support required for the fulfillment of the mandate of AU Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS military forces, Somalia Security Forces, as well as the in areas such as budget, finance, human resources management, Administration/, etc
- As a member of the AU Senior Management Team, participates in the Peace and Security missions planning process throughout the missions lifecycle, with particular attention to support areas, and contributes to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation of the mandate
- Lead implementation of the mandate of Human Resources Shared Service including HR process transformation, talent acquisition, workforce planning, and operational input to policy formulation
- Contribute to the AU peace and security missions optimal allocation of budget, staff, and assets to support the mandate implementation across all missions components and guides any reprioritization of resources during the budget period in line with priorities that support effective mandate implementation
- Provides expert counsel and advice to African Union commission and its organs on all areas of human resources, administration and operational budget, and/or on complex matters
- Contribute to the formulation of the Department’s overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the AU ; contribute to the overall management of the Division’s activities and operations
- Lead the preparation of reports for presentation to Member states intergovernmental bodies such as the sub committees on administrative n budgetary matters, the AU executive council the AU Assembly
- Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management programmes
- Formulates and oversees implementation of the substantive work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery
- Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Department, and across the AU Commission with other organs of the African Union System, donors and agencies as appropriate
- Reports to AU member states committees on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports
- Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates
- Leads and manages the directorate’s personnel in all HR functions, budget, performance, quality, employee relations matters and training in conformity with relevant rules and procedures
- Develops and implements a service optimization programme with KIZEN to promote continuous improvement in the quality and delivery of services to mission clients
- This will include the establishment of relevant strategic department performance indicators which provide data and analysis for the review of legislative bodies
- Ensures that all processes and systems in place are relevant and cost effective
- Manages, guides, develops and trains staff of the AU Commission; foster teamwork and communication among staff across organizational boundaries
- Develops, Designs and oversees policy implementation and guidelines according to the organizations legal framework and goals
- Initiates the development and implementation of the departmental support work plan and ensures coordination and monitoring of overall strategies and programmes for the support activities of the AU HR department and peace and security missions, and takes the lead in securing the required human and financial resources for the mission
Acting Director of HR( overseeing Administration)
African Union Commission
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Provides overall strategic leadership on HR Management and Administration to the entire African Union Organs
- Acts as an adviser to the Heads of all the peace and security mission particularly Head of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) , pertaining to the administrative and technical operational support activities of the Mission, for the effective general management of the human, financial and physical resources allocated to the mission
- Contributes to the implementation of the Commission's mandate by ensuring the efficient provision of managerial, logistical and administrative support required for the fulfillment of the mandate of AU Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS military forces, Somalia Security Forces, as well as the in areas such as budget, finance, human resources management, Administration/, etc
- As a member of the AU Senior Management Team, participates in the Peace and Security missions planning process throughout the missions lifecycle, with particular attention to support areas, and contributes to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation of the mandate
- Lead implementation of the mandate of Human Resources Shared Service including HR process transformation, talent acquisition, workforce planning, and operational input to policy formulation
- Contribute to the AU peace and security missions optimal allocation of budget, staff, and assets to support the mandate implementation across all missions components and guides any reprioritization of resources during the budget period in line with priorities that support effective mandate implementation
Head of Human Resources
African Union Commission
10.2017 - 05.2021
- Provides overall strategic leadership on HR Management and Development to the entire African Union Organs
- Provides leadership for implementation of the mandate of Division including HR process transformation, talent acquisition, workforce planning, and operational input to policy formulation
- Acts as an adviser to the Heads of all the peace and security mission particularly Head of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) , pertaining to the administrative and technical operational support activities of the Mission, for the effective general management of the human, financial
- IT and physical resources allocated to the mission
- Contributes to the implementation of the Commission's mandate by ensuring the efficient provision of managerial, logistical and administrative support required for the fulfillment of the mandate of AU Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS military forces, Somalia Security Forces, as well as the in areas such as budget, finance, human resources management, Administration/, etc
- As a member of the AU Senior Management Team, participates in the Peace and Security missions planning process throughout the missions lifecycle, with particular attention to support areas, and contributes to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation of the mandate
- Provides expert counsel and advice to African Union commission and its organs on all areas of human resources on complex matters such as employee relations, administration of justice, workforce planning, performance management
- And structural adjustments
- Contributes to the formulation of the Division’s overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the AU; contribute to the overall management of the Division’s activities and operations
- Lead the preparation of reports for presentation to Member states intergovernmental bodies such as the sub committees on administrative n budgetary matters, the AU executive council the AU Assembly
- Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management programmes
- Formulates and oversees implementation of the substantive work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery
- Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Department, and across the AU Commission with other organs of the African Union System, donors and agencies as appropriate
- Reports to AU member states committees on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports
- Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates
- Leads and manages the directorate’s personnel in all HR functions, budget, performance, quality, employee relations matters and training in conformity with relevant rules and procedures
- Initiates the development and implementation of the departmental support work plan and ensures coordination and monitoring of overall strategies and programmes for the support activities of the AU HR department and peace and security missions, and takes the lead in securing the required human and financial resources for the mission
- Manages, guides, develops and trains staff of the Division; foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries
- Develops and oversees policy development and guidelines according to the organizations legal framework
- Develops and implements a service optimization programme with KIZEN to promote continuous improvement in the quality and delivery of services to mission clients
- This will include the establishment of relevant strategic department performance indicators which provide data and analysis for the review of legislative bodies
- Ensures that all processes and systems in place are relevant and cost effective
- Manages risks and recommend mitigation strategies in the implementation of HR functions
Head of Employee Relations (Disciplinary and Counselling Officer)
African Union Commission
02.2014 - 10.2017
- Lead a team of Employee Relations professionals who work across multiple business groups to assist employees and managers in resolving workplace issues
- Provided support, through partnership, and coaching to managers and employees at all levels across the African Union on how to manage performance, conflict resolution, interpersonal issues and complaints within their teams
- Led on HR delivery with particular regard to legal compliance
- Took an important role in reviewing and discharging grievances, attempted to resolve issues through mediation, and followed procedures fairly and impartially when dialogue did not succeed
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop effective Ethics policies, incorporating Anti-Harassment, Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure guidelines
- Provided specialist advice to senior management on the application and interpretation of employee relations policies
- Led and developed rigorous data analysis and reporting solutions based on business needs
- Developed clear and incisive documentation on a range of topics, including a correspondence manual, staff regulations, training materials, and a wealth of reports on HR-related matters
- Represents the Chairperson in legal defenses of AU staff as required before the tribunal
- Designed and delivered engaging training programs on wide-ranging ethical subjects
- Provides guidance, support and supervision to senior management support staff as well as audit and evaluation services, as appropriate
- Actively engages in management performance duties and ensures the provision of management, guidance, development, training, constructive feedback and performance evaluation and appraisal, and administrative support and other management functions to staff
- Maintained good conduct and discipline of staff in the AU
- Represents the commission before legislative bodies, providing information and clarification in support of HR, budget proposals
Human Resources Manager
Merlin Sudan
07.2013 - 01.2014
- Developed, Reviewed and Implemented HR strategies to address emerging organizational needs and initiatives including organizational development, job design, work-life balance, acquisition and retention of talent, achievement of diversity and inclusion targets, ethics, career development, rewards and recognition, performance management as well as fair compensation and benefits;
- Provides leadership to the Department in setting vision, leads client engagement, and ensures partnership with all stakeholders’ /client entities
- Provides expert counsel and advice to Merlin Leadership on all areas of human resources on complex matters such as employee relations, administration of justice, workforce planning, performance management
- And structural adjustments
- Contributes to the formulation of the Department’s overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the Country Director; contribute to the overall management of the Department’s activities and operations
- Leads the preparation of reports for presentation to Regional Director and the senior leadership of Merlin on administrative and budgetary matters
- Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management programmes
- Formulates and oversees implementation of the substantive work programme of the Department, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery
- Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Department ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas within the Department, and across the Merlin with other country offices
- Reports to Merlin Senior committees on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports
- Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Department, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates
- Leads and manages the department’s personnel in all HR functions, budget, performance, quality, employee relations matters and training in conformity with relevant rules and procedures
- Led the development and implementation of suitable HR policies and practices, taking care to ensure they fully complied with all relevant guidelines and country-specific labor laws
- Managed recruitment strategies and activities, including elements such as planning, advertising, job description definition, shortlisting, interviewing, selection, compliance and onboarding
- Supported line managers in the delivery of effective performance management and L&D activity
- Supported the organization’s Country Director with critical representations to governmental, UN, and other external partners, including donors and agencies
People and Culture Manager
Plan International, Sudan
09.2011 - 07.2013
- Developed, Reviewed and Implemented HR strategies to address emerging organizational needs and initiatives including organizational development, job design, work-life balance, acquisition and retention of talent, achievement of diversity and inclusion targets, ethics, career development, rewards and recognition, performance management as well as fair compensation and benefits;
- Provides leadership to the Department in setting vision, leads client engagement, and ensures partnership with all stakeholders’ /client entities
- Provides expert counsel and advice to Plan Int
- Leadership on all areas of human resources on complex matters such as employee relations, administration of justice, workforce planning, performance management
- And structural adjustments
- Contributes to the formulation of the Department’s overall strategies,plans and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the Country Director; contribute to the overall management of the Department’s activities and operations
- Leads the preparation of reports for presentation to Regional Director and the senior leadership of Plan int
- On administrative and budgetary matters
- Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management programmes
- Formulates and oversees implementation of the substantive work programme of the Department, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery
- Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Department ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas within the Department, and across Plan Int
- With other country offices
- Reports to Plan Int
- Senior committees on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports
- Developed and implemented the People and Culture strategy, provided technical, legal and administrative support as well as management of the related budget to the senior management;
- Kept abreast with changes in labor laws and legislations and provide technical guidance to all stakeholders on issues and changes in statutory requirements for management decision making;
Support and Service (Family Business )
Private Company, Sudan
04.2009 - 08.2011
- The main purpose of the role was to ensure the right support is in place for current and upcoming projects, balancing operational and project priorities, whilst ensuring effective, efficient and consistent support service provision across the project portfolio and internally
- Reported to the CEO and leads and guides the Support Services (administrative, logistical, HR, IT, Communication and /technical support operations) Team in Sudan Office
- As a member of the Company’s Senior Management Team, participates in the planning process throughout the Company lifecycle, with particular attention to support areas, and contributes to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation of the goals
- Undertakes and oversees reporting methodology for budget and performance in accordance with results-based budgeting guidelines
- Fostered collaboration within the team as well as the client-oriented approach
- Acted as an advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of the management and operations
- This includes strategic financial and Human Resources Management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT, transportation and vehicle management
- Maintained good conduct and discipline of staff in the company
- Represents the company before legislative bodies, providing information and clarification in support of HR, budget proposals
- Administer the company security Management, in accordance with relevant rules and regulations
- Liaises, negotiates and coordinates with Sudanese national authorities with respect to administrative and logistical matters
Human Resources Manager
Save the Children, Location
02.2006 - 03.2009
- Provided an efficient, effective and timely recruitment services for posts in the designated departments and regions;
- Liaises, negotiates and coordinates with Sudanese national authorities with respect to HR, administrative and logistical matters
- Advised on the recruitment strategy including drafting vacancy announcements, short listing, interviewing and feedback to candidates;
- Developed recruitment and selections strategies, initiatives and processes (including joint work with other agencies) to encourage forward staff planning;
- Conducted periodic salary survey and benefits and performed cost benefit analysis for existing and proposed employee benefits;
- Initiated and compiled annual staff development plan for the entire Darfur office;
- Authorized and monitored expenditures against budgets for recruitment, induction, salary, postings expenses and exercised financial controls;
- Provided guidance on HR forward planning, grading, salary structures, disciplinary and grievance issues, organizational restructuring, redeployment, staff development planning and job design;
- Provided best practice management advice ensuring the application of labor law principles, policies and legal compliance
- Managed HR team to ensure that all necessary recruitment, extension and end of contract arrangements are made and relevant documentation efficiently and accurately produced, maintained and updated;
- Liaises, negotiates and coordinates with Sudanese national authorities with respect to administrative and logistical matters
- Contributed to the development of personnel policy, procedures and guidelines; and Provided support in implementing and communicating new and revised HR policies and procedures
Education
Master of Laws, LLM -
Loyola University Chicago
01.2017
Postgraduate Certificate in Law - undefined
University of Khartoum
01.2005
Skills
- Conceptual Thinking
- Talent Management
- Strategic Focus
- Leadership and supervisory
- Communication
- Workforce Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Change Leadership
- Building Partnerships
- Conflict Resolution
- Creativity
- Judgment
- Equality and Diversity
- Training Design
- Interpersonal
- Ethics and Values
- Process Improvement
- Strategic Risk Management
- Report Writing
- Management Information
- Analyzing Data
- Networking, Influencing
- Coaching, Mentoring
- Ability to Identify strategic Opportunities and risks
Certification
- Certified International Supply Chain Manager 2023
- Certified International Business Ethics Expert 2023
- Certified Human Resource Management Executive 2020
- Certified international project management professional 2020
- Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (FAAPM)
Additional Information
Language Proficiencies: Arabic (native), English (fluent)
References
Excellent references are available on request
Accomplishments
- Developed the First Human Resource strategy (client oriented) in the History of the African Union in 2019, which has created a strategic alignment with the organizational goals
- In current role at the African Union Commission, led the HR team to develop the AU structural reforms proposals, development and effective roll-out of policies
- Led the Management team to work on the change management particularly African Union structural reforms (2015-2020)
- Developed relevant new policies, particularly for peace keeping missions, such as Conduct and Discipline policy.
- Participated in drafting the AU Financial regulations and Rules
- Led the drafting of the AU staff regulations and Rules Staff
- In 2019-2020 undertook a detailed revamp of recruitment systems and policies, leading to a renewed recruitment system.
- Also, in 2020, established the African Union’s new pension scheme, which has run smoothly so far, and enabled greater job satisfaction and security for the Union’s staff as a result
- Participated in historical 2020 AU budget and planning cycle, during which we achieved a 20% operational cost reduction
- Successfully administered financial budgets, with required results, between 2014 and 2020.
- Advised senior management on strategic matters pertaining to administrative and logistical support particularly peace support operations
- Represented the Chairperson before legislative bodies like local courts and administrative tribunals
- Represented the Chairperson before the African Union Member states, particularly the specialized subcommittees and the permanent committees of ambassadors
- Also, in 2015-2016 designed and led the AU management plan (financial, logistical, HR, communication) to combat Ebola in west Africa Successfully
Timeline
Head of Human Resources Shared Services
African Union Commission
11.2021 - Current
Acting Director of HR( overseeing Administration)
African Union Commission
05.2021 - 11.2021
Head of Human Resources
African Union Commission
10.2017 - 05.2021
Head of Employee Relations (Disciplinary and Counselling Officer)
African Union Commission
02.2014 - 10.2017
Human Resources Manager
Merlin Sudan
07.2013 - 01.2014
People and Culture Manager
Plan International, Sudan
09.2011 - 07.2013
Support and Service (Family Business )
Private Company, Sudan
04.2009 - 08.2011
Human Resources Manager
Save the Children, Location
02.2006 - 03.2009
Postgraduate Certificate in Law - undefined
University of Khartoum
Master of Laws, LLM -
Loyola University Chicago
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