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Irene Brendell

@irenebrendell

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Senior HR leader driving talent, compliance, payroll and process improvements.

Namibia

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What I'm looking for

I seek a strategic HR role where I can lead talent, payroll and compliance improvements, build high-performing teams, and drive process efficiencies in a values-driven organisation.

I am an HR specialist with over 20 years' experience delivering talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, learning and development, and payroll administration. I have a proven record of contributing at both strategic and operational levels to deliver effective people-management strategies.

At Peace Corps Namibia I managed recruitment, payroll and HR administration for large staff contingents using systems such as VIP Softline, ACPAC, Acumatica, Monster ATS and Odyweb/ForPost, and led audits and compliance activities. I improved recruitment turnaround by implementing an ATS and developed benefits tracking systems that strengthened regulatory and internal compliance.

In prior roles I managed payroll, benefits and procurement processes for organisations including Namibia Nature Foundation and TUCSIN, negotiated supplier contracts that generated significant savings, maintained labour compliance, and supported clean audit outcomes. I also led closure and handover processes for large donor-funded projects and coordinated volunteer programmes with international partners.

I hold higher certificates in Human Resources Strategic Management, Training and Development, and Conflict and Negotiation. I am driven to build and retain high-performing teams, streamline HR operations, and implement systems that improve efficiency and compliance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

HR Specialist

Current

Peace Corps Namibia

Nov 2017 - Present (8 years)

Manage HR operations for 70+ staff and 110+ payroll employees, implemented electronic systems (VIP, ACPAC, Acumatica, Odyweb) to improve payroll accuracy and reduce processing time; supported recruitment, performance management, compliance, and benefits administration.

Payroll Administration Recruitment & Selection HRIS (VIP ACPAC Acumatica Odyweb)Performance Management Benefits Administration & Compliance Employee Relations Training Development

HR Manager

Namibia Nature Foundation

Jun 2016 - Nov 2017 (1 year 5 months)

Managed HR, payroll, tax reconciliation and benefits for 100+ staff, negotiated supplier contracts to reduce costs and updated operations and finance manuals to improve efficiency and labour compliance.

Payroll Policy Development HR & Administration Board Reporting Vendor Management

Finance & HR Manager

The University Centre Studies in Namibia

Mar 2015 - May 2016 (1 year 2 months)

Prepared monthly and annual financial reports and managed HR administration including recruitment, performance management and payroll using VIP and SharePoint, achieving clean audits and improved compliance with tax and labour authorities.

Financial Reporting Payroll HR & Administration Recruitment Performance Management & Compliance SharePoint

Closure Advisor

Millennium Challenge Account Namibia

May 2013 - Nov 2014 (1 year 6 months)

Led project closure activities including archiving, risk registers and closure plans adopted by government ministries; coordinated board communications and liaised with MCC Washington on closure queries.

Stakeholder Management Risk Register Board Reporting Cross‑Government Liaison Process Development

Country Manager

Australian Red Cross

Nov 2012 - Apr 2013 (5 months)

Managed volunteer operations and safety/security for 30+ volunteers, produced placement and end-of-service reports for Canberra, and coordinated partner and government stakeholder engagement.