Compensation and Benefits Lead (Internal / External) Full Time NEW

As the Compensation & Benefits Lead, you will play a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the organization’s reward strategies. Your primary focus will be on creating and maintaining fair and competitive compensation structures while managing people costs sustainably. This role is key to ensuring our company remains an attractive employer in the market.

 At Safaricom Ethiopia, we are a purpose-led technology company dedicated to transforming lives through digital connectivity and inclusive financial services. In under four years, we have grown to serve over 10 million customers, with our network now reaching 55% of Ethiopia’s population – a testament to our bold vision and trusted partnerships.

Guided by core values such as customer obsession, innovation, integrity, and get it done together, we are building a workplace that is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering. We believe our greatest strength lies in our people. That’s why, for two consecutive years, we have proudly get earned the Top Employer Award – in recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment to people.

Join Safaricom Ethiopia and be part of a team that is shaping the digital future of Ethiopia. Here, your work has meaning, your voice matters, and your growth is our priority. Together, we are transforming lives for a digital future.

Reporting to the EHOD – Reward & Organizational Effectiveness, the Compensation & Benefits Lead is responsible for designing, managing, and continuously improving the organization’s reward frameworks to ensure internal equity, external competitiveness, and cost effectiveness. The role balances market competitiveness with sustainable people cost management, while strengthening reward governance, communication, and capability across the business.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

Reward Strategy & Governance

• Participate in annual and ad-hoc salary surveys; analyze and interpret results to inform reward structuring and leadership decision-making.
• Support the design, implementation, and review of competitive and equitable compensation and benefits frameworks aligned with business strategy.
• Review and update compensation and reward-related policies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and best practice.

Salary Review & Incentives

• Provide expert guidance to HR Business Partners and line managers during annual salary review and performance–reward discussions.
• Coordinate the implementation of annual salary and bonus review cycles in line with approved governance and guidelines.
• Support the design, review, and implementation of short-term incentive schemes aligned with sales and commercial strategies, in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Recognition & Total Reward

• Drive company-wide and departmental recognition programs on an annual and quarterly basis.
• Lead the rollout of annual Total Reward Statements, including employee communication and education
• Deliver reward education sessions to enhance employee and manager understanding of salary, bonuses, and reward processes.

People Cost & Financial Management

• Lead people budgeting and forecasting cycles (e.g., 2+10, 5+7, 9+3, Detailed Budget) in partnership with Finance and HR stakeholders.
• Conduct monthly people cost variance analysis (budget vs actual), develop insights, and provide clear reporting to leadership and business units.
• Ensure strong cost control while supporting talent attraction, retention, and performance outcomes.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

Business Competencies:

• Creativity and Innovation
• Business Know how
• Working with Change
• Project and Program Management

Functional Competencies:

• Compensation & Benefits Design
• Reward Analytics & Market Benchmarking
• Financial & Budget Management
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influencing
• Policy Development & Governance

Key performance indicator:

• Accuracy and timeliness of people cost forecasts and reports.
• Successful delivery of annual salary and bonus review cycles.
• Market competitiveness and internal equity of reward frameworks.
• Effectiveness of reward communication and employee understanding.

Financial Responsibility:

• Ownership and coordination of people budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in partnership with Finance.
• Input into reward-related financial modeling and cost impact assessments.

Must have technical / professional qualifications: 

• Graduate from recognized university with qualifications in HR, Finance or Business
• 5 years of Compensation and Benefits experience for postgraduate and 7 years for bachelor’s degree.
• Strong interpersonal skills and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Proven ability to self-start and effectively manage multiple assignments.
• The ability to work under pressure and be resilient and tenacious to get results
• Microsoft Excel and Data Analytics skills

Desired 

• Experience in large and complex organizations.
• Exposure to telecoms, FMCG, or similar dynamic industries.

   

   

How to Apply

If you feel that you are up to the challenge and possess the necessary qualification and experience, kindly proceed to create/ update your candidate profile on the recruitment portal and then Click on the apply button. Remember to attach your resume.

Apply Link: https://egjd.fa.us6.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/STEP/job/1300