DORCAS ONJALA

Dynamic and dedicated HR and Administration professional with over 10 years of experience managing comprehensive HR functions in diverse environments, including NGOs and international projects. I am skilled in policy compliance, recruitment, payroll management, and fostering positive workplace cultures. Demonstrated ability to manage administrative functions, coordinate travel and logistics, and ensure adherence to safety and security protocols. Adept at supporting HR processes, including onboarding, performance management, leave tracking, and benefits administration, in alignment with organizational and local labor regulations. Possesses a strong foundation in HRIS, data systems (Epi Info), and Microsoft Office, complemented by proven skills in building collaborative, client-centered environments. Known for attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and in matrixed team structures.

• Occupational Safety and Health Training, Co-Occupational Consultants, 2016
• Home-Based Testing Counselling (HBTC), Liverpool VCT, 2009
• Data Training and Management, Centre for Disease Control, 2008

• Optimized Recruitment: Enhanced recruitment processes for USAID project roles by streamlining timely job postings, interview scheduling, and candidate screening.
• Efficient Payroll & Benefits Management: Successfully managed payroll and benefits for USAID contract health staff, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and employee entitlements.
• Organized Large-Scale Meetings: Coordinate with the HR team to develop workforce plans and provide technical guidance to the hiring managers in the development of Job descriptions and ensure that the proposed jobs are aligned to the approved PATH Nuru ya Mtoto structures.
• Ensured Compliance with Labor Laws: Conducted employee compliance training and maintained updated records to adhere to Kenyan labor standards and OSHA requirements.
• Enhanced updated Information sharing: Implemented efficient tracking systems for recruitment status.
• Leave Management Efficiency: Successfully managed leave applications and maintained accurate records for various types of leave (annual, sick, maternity), providing regular reports to management on leave balances and trends.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement: Actively contributed to organizing employee engagement activities and recognition programs, fostering a positive relationship with potential candidates and inclusive workplace culture.

• PATH Kenya (USAID Nuru Ya Mtoto), Human Resources Associate, 02/22, Present, Streamlined Recruitment Processes: Contributed to the optimization of recruitment processes by managing job advertisements, screening applicants, and coordinating the deployment of health workers to project sites. Additionally, ensured effective management of contract health workers, including supervision, timesheet management, and grievance handling., Provided HR Support to Leadership: Delivered comprehensive support to HRH and project leadership across various human resource functions, including recruitment, staffing, training and development, and performance management, ensuring efficient HR operations., Addressed HR Issues for USAID Project: Successfully resolved HR issues related to contract staff within the USAID Nuru Ya Mtoto Project, maintaining accurate records and providing timely responses to queries while ensuring up-to-date staff documentation., Generated and Maintained HR Reports: Produced and maintained monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual HR reports, offering a comprehensive overview of HR activities and staff performance, while ensuring the accuracy and currency of HRH data., Supported Employee Recruitment and Retention: Played a key role in recruiting, hiring, supporting, and retaining employees, enhancing workforce stability and talent acquisition., Established Compensation Structures: Contributed to the development of competitive compensation structures, evaluating competitor pay practices to ensure market-aligned compensation for employees., Managed Payroll Processing: Accurately prepared and processed monthly payroll for health staff, ensuring timely and precise salary payments., Conducted Performance Appraisals: Executed annual performance appraisals for county health staff, facilitating contract renewals and promoting continuous staff development., Trained Employees on HR Policies: Consistently trained employees on the organization's HR manual and Kenyan employment and labor laws, while monitoring and updating policies in response to changes in labor regulations.
• Plan International Inc., Administrative Officer, 05/16, 12/18, Kisumu, Nyanza, Monitored Day-to-Day Operations: Oversaw the organization's daily activities, ensuring uninterrupted continuity of operations and maintaining a productive work environment., Led Staff Recruitment and Retention: Played a pivotal role in staff recruitment, retention, and exit processes, contributing to a stable and efficient workforce., Supervised Front Office Operations: Managed front office operations to ensure a clean, hygienic, and risk-free working environment in compliance with occupational health and safety guidelines., Collaborated on Work Priorities: Worked closely with team members to establish work priorities, anticipate program requirements, and ensure the effective implementation of management policies and decisions., Coordinated Office Consumables and Equipment: Efficiently managed the use of office consumables, inventories, and equipment, optimizing resource allocation., Assessed Office Space and Technology Needs: Evaluated office space adequacy, identified technology needs, and oversaw the maintenance of equipment, software, and systems to support organizational operations., Maintained Assets and Contracts: Ensured proper maintenance and updates of assets, contracts, leases, and other agreements safeguarding the organization's resources and legal obligations., Organized and Coordinated Meetings: Successfully organized, arranged, and coordinated meetings, ensuring smooth and effective communication within the organization., Served as Security Focal Point: Acted as the security focal point for the field office, ensuring the safety and security of staff and operations.
• Plan International Inc., Sponsorship Facilitator, 05/12, 05/16, Kisumu, Nyanza, Coordinated Resource Mobilization and Relationship Building: Successfully coordinated resource mobilization and relationship-building efforts through prompt, accurate, and reliable communication., Facilitated Child Enrollment: Played a key role in facilitating the enrollment of children in the operation area, ensuring access to necessary resources and support., Ensured Data Integrity and Confidentiality: Maintained the integrity and confidentiality of data related to sponsored children and sponsor communications, safeguarding sensitive information., Adhered to Ethical Standards in Data Collection: Observed strict ethical considerations during data collection for sponsored children and during sponsor visits, ensuring respectful and responsible handling of information., Processed Sponsorship Communications: Efficiently processed sponsorship communications in the Child Data systems, meeting quality standards and adhering to corporate requirements., Collaborated on Child Protection: Worked closely with staff, communities, and partners to ensure adherence to the Organization's Child Protection Policy, promoting the safety and well-being of children.
• Upendo VCT, Administrative Secretary, 01/07, 12/10, Provided High-Level Data Management Support: Delivered high-level data management support, performing a variety of secretarial duties, including preparing reports, conducting research, and collecting data., Managed Epi Info Data System: Efficiently managed data within the Epi Info Data System, ensuring accuracy and reliability., Ensured Data Integrity and Confidentiality: Maintained the integrity and confidentiality of participants' information, safeguarding sensitive health-related data., Organized VCT/Health Records: Managed the filing and maintenance of VCT/health-related records and reports, ensuring organized and accessible documentation., Collaborated with Monitoring and Evaluation: Worked closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Department to conduct follow-ups and reporting, supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Kenyatta University, Secretary, 01/02, 12/06
• Homa Lime Company, Secretary, 01/01, 12/01