Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a dynamic HR professional to oversee student employment and create a seamless experience for our talented and ambitious student workforce. This position is responsible for all aspects of student employment at its location in Rwanda, Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), ensuring smooth recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, and compliance with institutional policies. The role will support a growing student population, which is expected to exceed 400, with approximately 50% engaged in student worker roles.

About Carnegie Mellon University:

Since its founding in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has been a birthplace of innovation. CMU has globally top-ranked programs in engineering, computer science, and information and communication technology, as well as a rich history of entrepreneurship. CMU is dedicated to producing creative and technically strong engineers who have a meaningful impact in their communities and accelerate positive technological change in the world.

In 2011, CMU extended its global footprint into Africa with Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa), based in Rwanda’s Kigali Innovation City. In a region booming with opportunities, CMU is the only U.S.-based research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa. The Africa location is fast-growing, with over 300 enrolled students from more than 20 African countries. You can read more about CMU-Africa's vision and mission on our website. CMU’s presence in Rwanda provides a platform to engage in Africa’s most significant opportunities and challenges across the continent through world-class education and contextually relevant research and innovation. CMU-Africa enjoys strong collaboration and exchange with the main campus in Pittsburgh, USA.

Core Responsibilities:

While specific responsibilities will vary, they will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

Recruitment and Hiring

Manage the student employment process from recruitment to offboarding.Facilitate training and information sessions for student workers on work hour limits, pay rates, and employment policies.Coordinate job postings on the Salesforce portal, ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria in partnership with Student Services and other teams.Draft and issue student employment offer letters, ensuring accuracy and compliance with university policies.Process Workday transactions for student workers, including hiring, onboarding, and updating student worker positions and compensation information.Partner with the Payroll team to manage student payroll inquiries and ensure swift resolution.

Stipend Payment Process

Onboard students in Workday for stipend payments at the beginning of each academic year.Verify student enrollment status and eligibility for student jobs and stipend payments.Process terminations in Workday for students who are no longer enrolled for payroll purposes.Confirm student participation in eligible programs to ensure stipend payments align with university guidelines.

Onboarding and Training

Guide student workers through the Workday onboarding process, ensuring all required information is submitted accurately and on time.Host information sessions for student workers and their supervisors on employment policies, regulations, and workplace conduct.Maintain and update Workday guides and relevant training materials to support student workers and supervisors.

HR Administration and Compliance

Coordinate time tracking for student workers, ensuring timely and accurate approvals to meet payroll deadlines.Collaborate with the university’s Student Worker Services team to ensure alignment with broader student employment policies.Track and manage work permits and visa applications for international employees (including staff, faculty, and alumni), ensuring compliance with local labor laws.Handle general HR logistics for new staff and faculty hires, including orientation, accommodation, flights, and ground transportation.Support employee correspondence related to banks, embassies, immigration, and other external institutions.Other duties as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.Accreditation with professional HR body.At least 3-5 years of HR experience, preferably in higher education or student employment management.Proficiency in HR systems such as Workday and Salesforce is highly desirable.Strong understanding of payroll processing, compliance, and HR best practices.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, and administrative staff.High level of accuracy and attention to detail in handling employment records and payroll data.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment.Experience working in a multicultural and international environment is a plus.A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Why You Should Apply!

Work in a global, high-energy environment with students from all over the continent.Gain exposure to cutting-edge HR technologies like Workday and Salesforce.Be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team that values innovation.Enjoy a fast-paced and rewarding role where you make a real impact on students' careers!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Job Function

HR Services and Operations

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

More Information: 

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

Statement of Assurance