kelly lonete
@kellylonete
I’m a Head of People & Culture who builds high-performing HR systems and talent strategies that drive business outcomes.
What I'm looking for
I’m a Senior HR and Organizational Effectiveness professional with 15+ years of international experience across Europe, Africa, and Asia, supporting organizations in complex, fast-changing environments. I structure HR functions, improve workforce performance, and lead end-to-end talent strategies aligned with business priorities.
Based in Kigali, I partner with companies and NGOs to strengthen HR operations, optimize team structures, and improve organizational effectiveness. I combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution—designing scalable HR processes, guiding leadership teams, and delivering learning, employability, and leadership development through training, coaching, and organizational development.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Training Consultant & Partner
University of Kigali
Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 5 months)
Delivered employability and soft-skills training sessions for students and young graduates, covering workplace readiness, professional communication, and interview preparation. Designed and facilitated workshops to support career orientation and professional development.
HR Operations Manager
LK Recruitment Rwanda
Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 5 months)
Led end-to-end recruitment for critical roles for private-sector companies and NGOs operating in Rwanda. Advised leadership on organizational structuring, workforce planning, and performance management, and helped design scalable HR processes to improve efficiency and role clarity.
Human Resources Manager
Urban Waste Extraction Authority
Jan 2021 - Jan 2024 (3 years)
Managed HR operations for a 500+ employee public-sector organization, overseeing recruitment, workforce planning, and performance management processes. Implemented HR policies and labor-law compliance, supported employee relations including disciplinary processes and conflict resolution, and improved organizational structuring and operational efficiency.
Founder & Executive Recruiter
LK Recrutement
Jan 2019 - Jan 2021 (2 years)
Delivered recruitment and HR consulting for public and parapublic sectors, including onboarding frameworks and competency-based interview processes. Coached managers on recruitment, team integration, and hiring best practices to support stronger talent acquisition.
HR Consultant
Light Consultants
Jan 2016 - Jan 2018 (2 years)
Conducted national recruitment campaigns for senior public executives (A & A+ levels). Led change management and organizational restructuring projects for local authorities and designed leadership coaching programs for senior public-sector leaders.
Business Development Manager
Smart Traffic
Jan 2012 - Jan 2014 (2 years)
Managed multicultural remote teams across Europe and Asia and developed digital marketing and communication strategies to support business growth. Drove client acquisition and market expansion to improve commercial performance.
Recruiter (Life Sciences)
Pharma Professional
Jan 2010 - Jan 2012 (2 years)
Conducted executive search for pharmaceutical and biotech roles across Europe and managed end-to-end recruitment, including candidate assessment and selection. Built and maintained strong client relationships in a competitive market.
Account Manager (Recruitment)
Randstad Inhouse Services
Jan 2009 - Jan 2010 (1 year)
Managed large-scale recruitment and onboarding for 400+ temporary staff and coordinated payroll, performance monitoring, and compliance. Ensured operational efficiency in high-volume staffing environments.
Communication & Events Officer
Casino Bateliere Plazza
Jan 2007 - Jan 2009 (2 years)
Managed communication activities and promotional campaigns for a luxury entertainment environment and coordinated client events and brand activations. Supported customer engagement, loyalty initiatives, and guest experience enhancement alongside marketing and commercial teams.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Paris 8 University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Studying a B.A. in Psychology at Paris 8 University, with end year 2026.
Francesity Charles de Gaulle, Lille
Master’s, Human Resources & Organizational Communication
Earned a Master’s in Human Resources & Organizational Communication in 2009.
University of the french West Indies
Bachelor’s in Communication Design, Communication Design
Studying a Bachelor’s in Communication Design at the University of the French West Indies.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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