
Sophie Wasonga
Senior HR Business Partner | Multi-Country People & Culture Leader | CHRP | IHRM
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About
Senior HR Business Partner with 15+ years of experience leading people and culture functions across international NGOs and donor-funded environments. Provides strategic HR advisory to executive and country leadership, supporting workforce planning, performance management, and organizational effectiveness across multi-country programs. Brings a strong balance of strategic direction and operational delivery across HR systems, employee relations, compliance, and leadership development.
Experienced in managing complex labour environments, aligning global frameworks with local regulations, and supporting geographically dispersed teams. Known for strengthening HR structures, improving performance accountability, and building practical frameworks that support both compliance and employee experience. Works closely with leadership teams to connect people's strategy with program outcomes and long-term organizational stability.
Experience
HR Consultant at Sophia's HR Insights (2025-05 – Present)
Founded and leading an HR advisory platform focused on supporting individuals and growing businesses in navigating people strategy, career development, and organizational effectiveness. Providing tailored HR solutions, coaching, and practical frameworks to address evolving workforce and leadership needs.
- Providing strategic HR advisory and coaching to individuals and small businesses, supporting workforce structuring, people strategy, and operational HR needs
- Designing and implementing practical HR frameworks, policies, and processes tailored to small and sole proprietors to improve structure and compliance
- Mentoring early- and mid-career professionals on career progression, positioning, and workplace effectiveness
- Delivering targeted speaking engagements and career sessions focused on professional growth, personal branding, and workplace readiness
- Supporting clients in strengthening talent practices, employee engagement approaches, and overall organizational effectiveness
- Contributing to development of scalable people solutions that address emerging workforce challenges within growing enterprises
Human Resource Business Partner – International Programs at World Relief International (2024-05 – 2025-03)
Provided strategic HR leadership across 11 country programs, working closely with executive and country teams to strengthen HR systems, leadership capability, and compliance within a multi-country operational environment.
- Partnered with global HR and country leadership to align workforce strategies with program and organizational priorities
- Advised senior leaders on performance management, succession planning, and team structuring across multiple countries
- Harmonized HR policies across jurisdictions while ensuring compliance with local labour regulations
- Provided guidance on complex employee relations matters, supporting fair resolution and risk mitigation
- Supported rollout of global performance management systems, improving consistency in evaluation and development processes
- Strengthened onboarding frameworks for international programs, improving integration and early-stage performance
- Contributed to identification and development of high-potential talent to support leadership continuity
Human Resource & Administration Manager at World Relief International (2017-02 – 2024-04)
Led the country HR function, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, payroll, compliance, and administration to support effective program delivery in a donor-funded environment.
- Managed full-cycle recruitment, improving hiring processes and strengthening role-to-candidate alignment
- Provided leadership advisory on disciplinary processes and employment decisions, ensuring compliance with labour laws
- Implemented structured performance management processes, improving clarity in KPIs and review cycles
- Oversaw payroll operations, maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and statutory compliance
- Partnered with Finance to align workforce planning with budgeting and reporting requirements
- Delivered policy and compliance training, strengthening awareness on employee conduct and safeguarding standards
- Managed employee benefits and compensation frameworks, ensuring consistency and competitiveness
- Oversaw administration and procurement functions, improving coordination and operational efficiency
HR & Administration Coordinator at Act Change Transform (ACT) (Formerly Pact Kenya) (2010-02 – 2017-01)
Supported HR, administration, and procurement functions, contributing to policy development, reporting systems, and operational efficiency within a program-driven environment.
- Contributed to development and review of HR, administration, and procurement policies to strengthen compliance and operational clarity
- Monitored staff performance through KPI tracking, supporting managers in addressing gaps and improving outcomes
- Produced HR reports and workforce data, supporting leadership decision-making and planning
- Handled employee queries and sensitive workplace matters with discretion and professionalism
- Supported implementation of performance review processes, ensuring consistency and fairness across teams
- Coordinated procurement planning and vendor management, improving efficiency and adherence to policy
- Managed office operations, logistics, and travel coordination to support program delivery
Administrative Assistant at Symphony Kenya (2007 – 2009)
Supported daily administrative operations and internal coordination across teams.
- Managed documentation, correspondence, and scheduling to maintain workflow efficiency
- Maintained accurate records and supported reporting processes
- Facilitated communication across departments to ensure timely task execution
Office Coordinator at Lesukut Ltd (2004 – 2007)
Oversaw office operations and administrative coordination.
- Managed office systems, supplies, and service coordination
- Handled client interactions and maintained professional communication standards
- Supported logistics and meeting coordination
Intern at British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) (2004 – 2004)
Supported structured administrative processes within a disciplined operational environment.
- Assisted with documentation and record management
- Supported coordination of office activities
- Maintained organized filing systems
Education
MBA in Human Resource Management & Strategic Management – Africa Nazarene University (2016 – 2019)
Bachelor of Commerce in Management – Africa Nazarene University (2010 – 2015)
Diploma in Business Administration – IAT (2000 – 2002)
