Job Description

African Parks is reimagining conservation at scale. In partnership with governments and communities, we manage 23 protected areas across 13 countries, spanning over 20 million hectares of Africa's most vital landscapes. With an ambitious target of 30 parks by 2030, we are scaling fast -- restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, creating livelihoods, and delivering hope for future generations.
To achieve this, we need systems as reliable as our mission is bold. Payroll, benefits, and shared services are not just administrative tasks -- they are the foundation of trust for thousands of people working on the frontlines of conservation.
We are seeking a Head of Payroll, Benefits and Shared Services: a strategist, a builder, and a custodian of accuracy who can transform how HR services are delivered across Africa.
Why This Role Is Extraordinary
This is not a routine payroll leadership post. It's an opportunity to:

• Build the foundation of trust: Ensure every ranger, park manager, and community colleague receives accurate, timely, and transparent pay and benefits, no matter how remote the location.
• Professionalise shared services: Create a world-class hub that brings consistency, efficiency, and excellence to payroll, benefits, and HR service delivery.
• Drive digital transformation: Lead the adoption of modern HRIS systems, self-service tools, and data dashboards that bring clarity and control to a complex, multi-country environment.
• Shape benefits that matter: Design and govern programmes that balance compliance, competitiveness, and compassion, supporting staff and their families across diverse legal and cultural contexts.
• Leave a legacy of excellence: Put in place systems, governance, and teams that uplift the entire employee experience and will long outlast your tenure.

This is the kind of role that rarely exists: the operational rigour of a global shared services leader, the complexity of multi-country African payroll and benefits, and the chance to anchor your expertise to a mission that protects both people and planet.

• 10+ years of progressive payroll/benefits/HR operations experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing payroll and benefits across multiple African countries; Francophone experience a strong advantage.
• Expertise in HRIS and shared services systems (SAGE, SAP, Workday, or similar).
• Strong compliance knowledge across labour, tax, and social security frameworks.
• A builder's mindset: able to create structure, processes, and service models that scale.
• Resilience, integrity, and cultural agility to navigate diverse, challenging contexts.
• Above all, a sense of purpose: the drive to use operational excellence in service of conservation.

Skills Required