Charles Patterson

Highly accomplished Organizational Development (OD), Human Resources (HR), Institutional Strengthening and Change Management Specialist with over 25 years of progressive leadership and consulting experience across Africa. Demonstrated success in supporting governments, international NGOs, donor-funded programs, private sector corporations, and civil society organizations to improve organizational effectiveness, strengthen governance systems, transform workplace cultures, and align people strategies with institutional goals. Recognized as a trusted advisor to senior executives, boards, county governments, development partners, and donor agencies in areas of strategic HR leadership, organizational restructuring, institutional capacity assessments, leadership development, policy formulation, workforce transformation, and executive coaching.

Extensive expertise working with USAID, DFID/FCDO, European Union, World Bank, UN Agencies, faith-based organizations, and humanitarian institutions.

Lead Consultant at Three Rivers HR Global Consulting Ltd (2023-01 – Present)

Provide strategic advisory and consulting services to governments, NGOs, donor-funded projects, and private sector organizations across East and Central Africa.

• Lead high-level organizational transformation projects focusing on institutional strengthening, restructuring, governance enhancement, and change management.
• Design and implement modern HR systems, performance management frameworks, and leadership development initiatives.
• Conduct Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs) and institutional reviews for public and private sector clients.
• Facilitate executive retreats, board strategy sessions, and capacity development programs for senior leadership teams.
• Support organizations in improving operational efficiency, staff engagement, succession planning, and organizational sustainability.
• Advised senior executives and boards on strategic transformation and institutional sustainability.
• Led development of organizational structures, governance frameworks, and operational policies for multiple clients.
• Facilitated leadership retreats and executive coaching programs that strengthened strategic decision-making.
• Improved client organizational performance through implementation of modern HR technologies and workforce analytics.
• Successfully managed multi-sector consulting assignments across public, private, and development sectors.
• Expanded consultancy footprint and client portfolio across East Africa through strategic partnerships.
• Conducted high-level institutional assessments that informed major restructuring initiatives.
• Supported organizations in developing donor-compliant systems and operational frameworks.
• Provided executive advisory services on governance, leadership, and institutional risk management.

Africa Regional Consultant at Red Sea Consultancy UK (2021-01 – 2023-12)

Lead Consultant responsible for Africa Region

• Led regional business development and consulting engagements across East Africa.
• Provided strategic guidance on HR systems strengthening, policy development, and organizational restructuring.
• Supported executive recruitment and talent acquisition for senior-level positions.

External Facilitator – Organizational Effectiveness at Oxfam International (2017-01 – 2020-12)

Facilitated organizational effectiveness interventions for country and regional offices across East, Central, West and Southern Africa

• Supported change management and strategic workforce transformation initiatives for Oxfam Pan Africa Program.
• Provided technical support to local Oxfam implementing partners in governance strengthening and institutional development.
• Delivered high-impact facilitation and leadership training across Country Offices.
• Managed sensitive employee relations and safeguarding cases with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Strengthened staff performance management and talent development systems.
• Supported emergency humanitarian operations through effective workforce coordination.
• Successfully led organizational restructuring and transformation initiatives for Oxfam Pan Africa Program, improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
• Advised senior leaders at regional and country level on safeguarding, strategic transformation and institutional sustainability.
• Led development of organizational structures, governance frameworks, and operational policies to strengthen PSEA.
• Facilitated leadership retreats and executive coaching programs that strengthened strategic decision-making.

Lead OD, HR & Change Consultant at KHCB Advisors Limited (2013-01 – 2017-12)

Provide strategic advisory and consulting services to governments, NGOs, donor-funded projects, and private sector organizations across East and Central Africa.

• Lead high-level organizational transformation projects focusing on institutional strengthening, restructuring, governance enhancement, and change management.
• Design and implement modern HR systems, performance management frameworks, and leadership development initiatives.
• Conduct Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs) and institutional reviews for public and private sector clients.
• Facilitate executive retreats, board strategy sessions, and capacity development programs for senior leadership teams.
• Support organizations in improving operational efficiency, staff engagement, succession planning, and organizational sustainability.
• Improved client organizational performance through implementation of modern HR technologies and workforce analytics.
• Supported organizations to achieve improved employee engagement, productivity, and retention outcomes.
• Successfully managed multi-sector consulting assignments across public, private, and development sectors.
• Conducted high-level institutional assessments that informed major restructuring initiatives.
• Supported organizations in developing donor-compliant systems and operational frameworks.
• Enhanced organizational effectiveness through policy reviews and strategic workforce planning.
• Provided executive advisory services on governance, leadership, and institutional risk management.
• Facilitated complex organizational transformation processes for regional and country offices.
• Strengthened leadership capacity through executive coaching and team development interventions.
• Supported implementation of diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding initiatives.
• Developed customized training materials and organizational development toolkits.
• Successfully delivered workshops in multicultural and multilingual environments.

Country HR Manager at Oxfam GB Kenya (2011-01 – 2013-12)

• Led strategic HR operations for Oxfam Kenya's country program.
• Strengthened HR systems, safeguarding procedures, employee relations, and organizational culture.
• Advised senior management on workforce planning, policy implementation, and change management.
• Led large multidisciplinary support services teams across humanitarian operations.
• Implemented integrated performance management and accountability systems.

HRH & Leadership Advisor at Management Sciences for Health (2009-01 – 2010-12)

Responsible for providing strategic human resources for health advise and support to senior health sector leaders in Kenya.

• Played a key role in development of Kenya's first Human Resources for Health (HRH) Strategic Plan.
• Supported national and county-level HRH strengthening interventions and policy frameworks.
• Designed nationwide HR capacity building programs for health sector institutions.
• Contributed significantly to Kenya's health workforce policy and strategic planning frameworks.
• Strengthened HR capacity within public health institutions across Kenya.
• Developed innovative retention and motivation strategies for health sector personnel.
• Facilitated nationwide HRH training and capacity building programs.
• Collaborated with donor agencies and ministries to improve health sector workforce systems.
• Supported evidence-based HR decision-making through policy and systems development.
• Contributed to strengthening Human Resources for Health systems in Kenya through donor-funded initiatives.

Regional HR Manager at Merlin UK (2006-01 – 2009-12)

Managed HR, procurement, administration, and logistics functions across Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia.

• Led HR operations in complex humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
• Introduced strategic HR systems that improved organizational efficiency and compliance.
• Enhanced operational efficiency through effective regional coordination mechanisms.

Director, HR & Administration at World Vision Sudan Program (2003-01 – 2006-12)

Oversaw HR, ICT, administration, supply chain, and organizational development functions.

• Provided HR leadership during periods of organizational restructuring and change.
• Managed complex HR operations in fragile and high-risk humanitarian environments.