Ndifreke Essien
Hyattsville,MD
Summary
Accomplished HR Director with a strong track record of developing and executing human resources strategies to drive organizational success. Adept at aligning HR initiatives with business objectives, fostering a positive workplace culture, and optimizing HR processes for efficiency. Experienced in talent management, organizational development, recruitment, performance management, learning and development, HR operations, and compliance. Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, build strategic partnerships, and drive continuous improvement. Passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging work environment that attracts, retains, and develops top talent.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Human Resources Director
Malala Fund
09.2021 - Current
- Supporting CHRO (and now COO) to provide visionary leadership to global teams, aligning their efforts with organizational goals and values, overseeing HR operations across 10 countries
- Enhancing employee engagement by implementing innovative HR programs and initiatives in the organization.
- Championed change management projects, effectively managing communicating throughout the organization.
- Leading development and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
- Supporting ELT and Country Directors on strategic workforce planning to determine staffing solution that supports organizational goals.
- Streamlining HR processes across all countries for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
- Spearheading development and execution of Employee Handbook and organizational policies to ensure compliance with employment laws and tax regulations in multiple countries.
- Continually strengthening relationships between HR department and country teams across different regions through effective communication and directing recruitments, international assignments, relocations and onboarding.
- Developed and lead the implementation of Malala Fund’s Learning & Development Strategy in line with organization's values and strategic goal facilitating skill development and career growth and encouraging a culture of continuous learning
- Responsible for orchestrated organization-wide Compensation Equity Project across 4 countries, ensuring establishment of competitive salary scales and benefit programs.
- Acting as Change Champion, managing all aspects of change, effectively communicating new policies or processes throughout organization.
- Launched new HRIS system (BambooHR) across 4 countries for better data accuracy and oversaw ease of use by both HR team and employees.
Human Resources Manager - Projects
Cambridge Education, Mott MacDonald Group
07.2014 - 04.2021
- ·Provided strategic leadership for HR operations all FCDO Education projects in Nigeria and supported HR operations in 4 countries
- Oversaw management of 124 employees across seven offices, ensuring HR alignment with project goals.
- Developed and executed HR strategies to support project objectives and foster high-performance culture.
- Established GDPR-compliant HR information system, enhancing personnel record management and streamlining HR processes.
- Managed HR operations project transitions and office closures across multiple African countries, ensuring minimal disruption.
- Implemented innovative HR analytics to track employee performance and inform decision-making.
- Coordinated learning and Development initiative to enhance workforce skills and promote professional growth.
- Responsible for ensuring implementation of organization's Performance and development system facilitating timely reviews, trainings check-ins, and ongoing feedback
- Spearheaded successful recruitment campaigns, attracting top-tier talent to fill key positions.
- Conducted thorough internal investigations, addressing employee concerns with fairness and transparency.
- Developed comprehensive onboarding programs to facilitate smooth integration of new employees into the organization.
Human Resources & Consultancy Manager
Mott MacDonal Group
08.2008 - 07.2014
- Championed employee wellness initiatives resulting in improved job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.
- Implemented customized performance management systems, providing ongoing feedback and development opportunities for employees.
- Managed complex benefits administration, ensuring accurate enrollment and timely processing of claims.
- Promoted diversity and inclusion within the workplace by initiating targeted training programs and implementing inclusive hiring practices.
Business Manager
Partnership For Transforming Health Systems
10.2004 - 08.2008
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal operational and financial performance of the Consultant Database Centre
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing favorable terms for the company while maintaining strong relationships.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee input on process optimization efforts.
- Successfully managed organizational change initiatives, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while achieving desired outcomes.
Human Resources Officer
Unilever PLC.
06.2003 - 09.2004
- Implemented fair compensation structures that rewarded top performers while maintaining budgetary constraints.
- Maintained accurate personnel records, ensuring privacy standards were met in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Organized regular team-building events to promote camaraderie among employees and boost morale.
- Evaluated effectiveness of current HR systems; identified areas requiring enhancement or replacement.
Program Officer
Liverpool Associates In Tropical Health
10.2000 - 08.2003
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement sessions, incorporating valuable feedback into program development processes.
- Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Assisted in the recruitment, selection, orientation, evaluation, coaching or mentoring process of staff members involved in implementation or management process.
- Spearheaded efforts to secure additional funding sources through donor outreach campaigns and fundraising events.
Education
Master of Science - International Human Resources Management
Rome Business School
Italy05.2020
MBA - International Management
University of London
London06.2010
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of Uyo
Nigeria07.1991
Skills
- Strategic Leadership: Served as thought partner to CEO and Executive Leadership Team, leading on HR’s contribution to development and delivery of Malala Fund's 5- year Global expansion strategy
- Global Mobility & Immigration: Global Mobility Expert; well versed in developing and executing comprehensive global mobility strategies tailored to organizational objectives and employee needs
- Global HR Operations: 12 years supporting diverse global teams, managing HR operations for multiple offices including US and UK Registered/setup offices in Nigeria, Uganda and Pakistan Established alternative employment frameworks PEOs and Employer of Record in India and Tanzania
- Organizational Development: Implemented organizational development initiatives; led restructuring efforts in 4 countries, spearheaded change management processes, resulting in employee engagement and improved organizational efficiency
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Strong ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, fostering understanding and collaboration in global teams
- Talent Management: Spearheaded talent management initiatives, including strategic workforce planning and analysis, ensuring optimal staffing levels to meet business objectives, overseeing recruitment and onboarding
- Policy Development: Policy development expert; developed of country specific Employee Handbooks, relocation policies, Remote work policies for different countries
- Compensation & Benefits: Total reward specialist; orchestrated comprehensive Compensation Equity Project across multiple countries, resulting in establishment of competitive salary scales, benefit programs and recognition initiatives in alignment with regulations
- HRIS Implementation, Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficient in analyzing mobility data to derive insights, track key metrics, and generate reports that inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement in mobility programs Oversaw implementation of new HRI across 4 countries
- Compliance and Risk Management: Good knowledge of global immigration laws and regulations, with keen eye for identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with international assignments
Accomplishments
- Develop robust country-specific Employee Handbook for 4 countries
- Played a key role in the orchestration of comprehensive Compensation Equity Project, resulting in establishment of competitive salary scales for each country.
- Successful implementation of a new HRIS system (BambooHR), streamlining HR operations and enhancing data accuracy by 70% for all 4 countries.
- Developed and operationalized the Malala Fund FY22 Learning and Development Strategy, empowering staff development aligned with organizational priorities.
- Successfully managed HR operations for 4 UK government high-value projects in Nigeria - The Education Sector Support Programs in Nigeria (ESSPIN) valued at £125 million, The Developing Effective Private Education, Nigeria (DEEPEN) valued at £16 million, and the Teacher Development Program (TDP) valued at £38 million.
- Implemented alternative HR Infrastructure via Employers of Record services in India and Tanzania, enhancing local talent acquisition, and job security.
- Established offices in Nigeria and Pakistan, setting up systems and processes, expanding the organization's global reach and impact.
- Spearheaded end-to-end recruitment strategies, resulting the filling of over 40 new and replacement positions from between September 2022 to February 2024 at Malala Fund, as well as demonstrable increase in quality of hires.
- Successfully supported 30+ international assignments at Mott MacDonald between 2018 and 2021, excellently managing the assignee/permanent transfer experience from beginning to end.··
- Managed Project transitions and office closure in Nigeria, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone, ensuring minimal disruption.
- Established a robust GDPR-compliant HR information system, contributing to data-driven decision-making and enhanced personnel record management
Affiliations
- Chartered Member – Institute of Personnel and Development, (CIPD) UK
- Human Resources Professional License - Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, CIPM, Nigeria
- Member – Society for Human Resources Management SHRM, U.S
Certification
- Strategic Human Resources Masterclass, CIPM Nigeria – 2023
- Employee Engagement Course, Allison UK – 2023
- Human Resources Management and Board Reporting, Institute for Professional Excellence – 2023
- Managing to Change the World. The Management Centre, USA – 2022
- Certificate – Developing High-Performance HR Business Partner and Consulting Skills, Falconbury UK – 2018.
- Certificate – Project Management (PRINCE 2 Foundation) - Agile P3 – 2018
- Certification – Legal Issues in Human Resources Management, Pan Atlantic University Nigeria – 2014
- Diploma – Advanced Strategic Human Resources Management, London Corporate Training (LCT), London – 2012
- Certificate - Managing People for Strategic Advantage, Pan Atlantic University, Nigeria – 2010
- Certificate – Mastering Competitive Strategy, Pan Atlantic University, Nigeria –2007
- Certified – HIV/AIDS Counsellor – 2003
Timeline
Human Resources Director
Malala Fund
09.2021 - Current
Human Resources Manager - Projects
Cambridge Education, Mott MacDonald Group
07.2014 - 04.2021
Human Resources & Consultancy Manager
Mott MacDonal Group
08.2008 - 07.2014
Business Manager
Partnership For Transforming Health Systems
10.2004 - 08.2008
Human Resources Officer
Unilever PLC.
06.2003 - 09.2004
Program Officer
Liverpool Associates In Tropical Health
10.2000 - 08.2003
Master of Science - International Human Resources Management
Rome Business School
MBA - International Management
University of London
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of Uyo
- Strategic Human Resources Masterclass, CIPM Nigeria – 2023
- Employee Engagement Course, Allison UK – 2023
- Human Resources Management and Board Reporting, Institute for Professional Excellence – 2023
- Managing to Change the World. The Management Centre, USA – 2022
- Certificate – Developing High-Performance HR Business Partner and Consulting Skills, Falconbury UK – 2018.
- Certificate – Project Management (PRINCE 2 Foundation) - Agile P3 – 2018
- Certification – Legal Issues in Human Resources Management, Pan Atlantic University Nigeria – 2014
- Diploma – Advanced Strategic Human Resources Management, London Corporate Training (LCT), London – 2012
- Certificate - Managing People for Strategic Advantage, Pan Atlantic University, Nigeria – 2010
- Certificate – Mastering Competitive Strategy, Pan Atlantic University, Nigeria –2007
- Certified – HIV/AIDS Counsellor – 2003
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