Copia was founded in Silicon Valley in 2013. Copia started its operations in Kenya and is now serving over two million unique customers through a network of over 35,000 agents who operate as ordering and delivery points and, in return, benefit from up to a 40% increase in income through commissions.  Building on its success in Kenya, Copia has expanded into Uganda and is now looking at additional African markets for further growth.   

Copia’s purpose is “Making Living Easier – Every Day” and it is aiming to become “The #1 E-Commerce Choice for the African Mass Market”.   In this way, it is transforming an often-neglected market into empowered global consumers.   Copia aims to be the best of Amazon or Alibaba combined with a FedEx or DHL run by experts in serving the base of the pyramid.   

Copia improves the quality of life for consumers at the base of the economic pyramid by making a wide range of trusted, affordable, reliable consumer goods accessible, from rice to hammers, mattresses to iron sheets, and soap to solar lights. 

Working with Copia will give you an opportunity to:

• Have IMPACT by bringing accessibility to affordable goods and services to traditionally underserved customers and locations
• Quickly GROW your professional skillset by being part of a fast-paced, high growth and innovative organization.     
• THRIVE in a fun and entrepreneurial culture that values input and action from all.

Background

Copia was founded in Silicon Valley in 2013. Copia started its operations in Kenya and is now serving over two million unique customers through a network of over 35,000 agents who operate as ordering and delivery points and, in return, benefit from up to a 40% increase in income through commissions.  Building on its success in Kenya, Copia has expanded into Uganda and is now looking at additional African markets for further growth.   

Copia’s purpose is “Making Living Easier – Every Day” and it is aiming to become “The #1 E-Commerce Choice for the African Mass Market”.   In this way, it is transforming an often-neglected market into empowered global consumers.   Copia aims to be the best of Amazon or Alibaba combined with a FedEx or DHL run by experts in serving the base of the pyramid.   

Copia improves the quality of life for consumers at the base of the economic pyramid by making a wide range of trusted, affordable, reliable consumer goods accessible, from rice to hammers, mattresses to iron sheets, and soap to solar lights.

REPORTING

The successful candidate will be part of the global executive team and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

KEY DELIVERABLE

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the Company’s growth by aligning the people strategy with the overall group strategy. This includes strategic ownership of all human resources activities including, but not limited to, culture, organizational design, workforce planning, recruitment, employee experience, rewards and recognition and talent management and development. This role will oversee the entire human resources function across all Copia markets.

LOCATION

Nairobi, Kenya

ROLE

Working directly with the Chief Executive Officer, responsibilities will include:

• Serve as a strategic business partner to the senior leadership team, translating business strategy into strategic people plans.
• Take a multi-year approach to developing Copia’s people strategy so that the organization has the people capability required for the massive multi-market growth that is ahead
• Drive and connect the development of all people workstreams in a way that supports a high-performance organization.
• Come with an innovative mindset abut the workforce of the future and the best people strategies to attract, retain and develop high performers.     Develop a clear employer brand that is distinctive in the market. 
• Guide the organization through the growth into a global multi-market organization 
• Act as a coach and mentor to operational and functional leadership. 
• Manage, coach, and develop direct reports, providing leadership for the human resources team.
• Establish a strong cooperative relationship with operational leaders by providing the information, tools, and services necessary to carry out their people-management responsibilities, and ensure that the people processes are compatible with and support operational needs
• Oversee the investigation of all employee complaints or allegations dealing with issues related to legal, policy, and practice violations
• Contribute to the establishment of a learning environment and support with educational and professional development opportunities for staff
• Be the spokesperson on behalf of people matters with the Board, investors, regulators, and other relevant stakeholders. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 15 + years’ experience of progressive human resources responsibility with previous experience as the senior-most Human Resources leader in a mid-large size organization.   
• Experience working in multiple African markets in a high growth organization – both organically in existing markets and through geographical expansion.
• Experience in an industry with large geographically distributed field or warehouse based entry-level workforces preferred.   Tech experience would also be highly advantageous.  
• Previous experience working at Board level and with investors.
• Exceptional business acumen and judgement.  
• Deep knowledge of legal human resources compliance matters
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate and discuss sensitive or challenging topics with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The ability to think strategically yet pay close attention to detail
• Ability to be recognized as a positive change agent

You are also:

• Customer-centric – You put the customer first in everything you do. You are obsessed with fostering a positive customer experience.
• Prompt and decisive - You have a sense of urgency. You act promptly and with intention to make things happen efficiently and effectively. You do what needs to be done immediately, without being asked and in the most thorough way possible to achieve results.
• A team player – You proactively contribute to the team with the aim of adding value. You make positive contributions to team discussions that help the team move forward in achieving their goal
• Result oriented - You deliver results boldly. You recognize what results are important and you take the necessary steps to achieve them.
• Positive and fun – You learn from everything you do. You also give and take constructive feedback.