Hiwot A. Tesfaye
Washington,DC
Summary
Human Resources professional with 5+ years of experience in full-cycle talent acquisition, employee engagement, onboarding, policy implementation, and performance management across corporate and international NGO. Proven ability to improve retention, ensure compliance, and streamline HR processes. Skilled in HRIS systems, training coordination, and organizational development, with a track record of building effective HR programs that align with organizational goals.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
People and Culture Officer
Mercy Corps
Addis Ababa
11.2023 - 04.2025
- Managed recruitment for 70+ positions annually, including job postings, applicant screening, interviews, and background checks.
- Delivered onboarding sessions and compliance training, resulting in a 25% improvement in new hire integration.
- Ensured HR operations complied with organizational policies, labor laws, and contract obligations.
- Managing talent acquisition and retention in the organization.
HR Admin & Advisor
Ethiopian Engineering Corporation
Addis Ababa
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Oversaw recruitment, selection, and contracting for multiple large-scale projects.
- Revised HR policies to align with Ethiopian labor laws, improving compliance scores.
- Coordinated training and capacity-building programs for over 500 employees.
- Led performance and learning review processes and coordinated development programs.
- Facilitated HR policy compliance, achieving a 95% resolution rate in employee relations cases.
HR Officer (Contract)
Boortmalt Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, and payroll for 200+ employees.
- Streamlined recruitment workflows and conducted new hire orientation.
- Conducted exit interviews and prepared HR reports to support retention strategies.
- Enhanced recruitment and onboarding processes, increasing hiring efficiency by 20%.
Talent Engagement Specialist
Diageo
Addis Ababa
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Led end-to-end recruitment for multiple departments.
- Built relationships with external organizations to strengthen recruitment pipelines.
- Maintained HR documentation to ensure company compliance.
- Managing onboarding programs that integrate new hires successfully.
- Preparing HR Metrics & Analytics (turnover and retention).
Human Resource Assistant
Websprix IT Company
Addis Ababa
09.2018 - 12.2019
- Initial contact with the candidates to schedule the interview.
- Managing employees' records and HR files.
- Assisting with the recruitment and onboarding process.
- Supporting benefits administration and payroll to the Human Resources officer.
- Handled confidential HR information and documents.
Education
BSc - Construction Management
Addis Ababa Science & Technology University
Addis Ababa01.2016
Skills
- Full-Cycle Recruitment
- Onboarding and Orientation
- Compensation and Benefits Administration
- HR Policies & Compliance
- Performance Management
- Employment relation
- HRIS (Workday, ERP Solutions)
- Training & Development
- Payroll Processing
- Exit interview and Offboarding
- Teamwork
Volunteer Experience
Talent Acquisition Specialist, Global Diaspora Conference / IOM Platform, Remote, 02/01/21, 01/31/25
Awards
Best Performing Country Liaison Officer, Young Global Leaders Network, 11/01/19
Languages
- Amharic, Native
- English, Fluent
Timeline
People and Culture Officer
Mercy Corps
11.2023 - 04.2025
HR Admin & Advisor
Ethiopian Engineering Corporation
11.2021 - 10.2023
HR Officer (Contract)
Boortmalt Ethiopia
05.2021 - 10.2021
Talent Engagement Specialist
Diageo
01.2020 - 12.2020
Human Resource Assistant
Websprix IT Company
09.2018 - 12.2019
BSc - Construction Management
Addis Ababa Science & Technology University