Open to opportunities

Joanna Kanaiya

@joannakanaiya

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HR Specialist with expertise in global people operations and engagement.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that values people-first culture, offers growth opportunities, and allows me to drive impactful HR strategies.

I am an HR Specialist with over 7 years of global experience in people operations, contract management, employee engagement, and performance systems. My expertise spans the full employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to offboarding, ensuring compliance and delivering positive employee experiences. I have a proven track record of improving HR processes and managing remote teams across multiple countries, including Kenya, South Africa, and Europe.

Throughout my career, I have successfully led HR operations and strategy across 7+ countries, ensuring localized compliance while maintaining a unified people strategy. My achievements include streamlining HR processes through systems integration, enhancing productivity and retention through structured onboarding and performance systems, and driving digital transformation in HR operations. I am passionate about fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures and leveraging HR data to inform strategic decisions.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate People Partner

Current

Carry1st

Dec 2023 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Led seamless onboarding for new hires across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S., overseeing contracts, visa/work permit processing, and culture induction. Managed the full employee journey from hiring to offboarding, ensuring compliance and high employee satisfaction.

Global Onboarding Payroll Administration HRIS Compliance Employee Engagement Talent Development

Operations Coordinator

Open Restitution Africa

May 2023 - Present (2 years 2 months)

Served as an internal HR advisor, improving recruitment systems, onboarding workflows, and performance management frameworks. Managed full administrative oversight of employee and consultant documentation, contracts, and onboarding records in compliance with regional labor laws.

HR Consulting Onboarding Performance Management Budget Management Stakeholder Engagement Project Management

Administration Manager & Acting Personal Assistant

Women Political Leaders (WPL)

May 2021 - Present (4 years 2 months)

Led global roll-out of Salesforce CRM and Teamwork ERP, enhancing task management and project tracking for international teams. Supported global HR functions including onboarding, timesheet validation, and cross-border payroll coordination.

CRM ERP Implementation Policy Development Budget Management Event Management

Administration Manager

Subaru Kenya (A Division of EC TA Limited)

Feb 2015 - Present (10 years 5 months)

Managed all HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding, training, disciplinary actions, and employee benefits administration. Developed and implemented administrative and HR policies aligned with business strategy and local legal compliance.

HR Operations Recruitment Onboarding Training Employer Benefits Policy Implementation Vendor Management CRM Systems

Head of Administration & Personal Assistant

Afya Fresh Produce Ltd

Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 6 months)

Supported the Executive Director through high-level calendar, meeting, and travel management, while drafting strategic briefs and reports. Coordinated daily operations of the administrative office to ensure compliance with business and export policies.

Finance Operations Inventory Management Quality Control Compliance Procurement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of East London

MBA, Human Resources

Currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources. This program focuses on advanced HR strategies and organizational impact.

Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing

Graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing. The curriculum provided a strong foundation in business principles and marketing strategies.