For the last ten days, BBK employees (Current and former) have exposed the skeletons in the closet following this article. What Is Wrong At Barclay’s Bank Kenya?
Which makes me wonder. Are they any good employers in Kenya? From the outside, Barclay’s Bank looks like a great place to work and am sure some of their employees are not thinking of changing employers any time soon. But from the comments we can tell that there is one ‘rotten department’ and the
earlier management addresses the situation the better for the employees and BBK as a whole.
Anyway, this is not an article on BBK. My question is, what makes a good employer? Below are a few things all job seekers should consider when evaluating potential employers.
Work environment
On paper, a job may seem great — good salary, comprehensive benefits, impressive title — but it’s important to think about how working for a certain company or at a certain job will align with your personality and interests. Often, it’s your fit with the company and job — not your salary or title — that will determine true happiness at work.
In the case of BBK there is allegation of well connected employees being graded differently even when they haven’t performed.
Co-workers
Like your work environment, your co-workers can play a big part in how happy you will be at a job. “Liking the people with whom you work and sharing at least some of the same values is more than a mere nicety,” an expert says. “It takes a great deal of effort to be a square peg in a round hole; if much of your efforts are going into trying desperately to fit the mold, you will have that much less to give to your work product.”
Your co-workers don’t have to become your best friends, but naturally fitting in with the people you work with every day will go a long way in ensuring your happiness — and effectiveness — at work.
Company values
During the application process, job seekers should try to get a feel for the company’s reputation. What does the company value? Have people had positive experiences working with — and for — the company? Are there any complaints against the company
Growth potential
While many of us evaluate job offers based on short-term factors (Is the initial salary higher? Will I have a better title?), it’s also important to consider the long-term growth potential you’ll have with an employer.
Job security
If there’s one thing job hunting has taught me, it’s the value of job security.
“There isn’t a feeling worse than uncertainty, and especially uncertainty surrounding your job,” A HR Manager advices. “Knowing that you have a stable position within an organization not only is comforting, but it also is in the employer’s best interest because it will eliminate that fear that tends to stifle a worker from being productive. If that looming dark cloud of, ‘When will my job end?’ isn’t hanging over your head, you can focus on what you have been hired to do versus worrying if you should find a new job.”
There you go. Those are the pointers that make a company a ‘good’ employer!
I want to hear from you. Would you consider the company you work for as a good employer? For those working at Barclay’s we’ve read the negative, is there some good working there? How about other banks, the NGO world and most importantly those who work hard in industrial area.
Clarkson Notcutt Insurance Broker Branch Manager Job in Mombasa Kenya
Our business philosophy is to make quality service, reliability, highest standard of integrity and professionalism to be the driving force to uphold our reputation and image locally and internationally.
Vision: To be the standard of quality in insurance and risk management
Mission Statement: To continuously build careers, product innovations and deliver quality value added services to clients, while ensuring financial strength and sustainable growth of the company for the benefit of its stake holders
Our Values: We embrace a team that is of integrity and shared purpose. One that is innovative, caring and focused on its development while having a social responsibility to the community it serves We are looking for an ambitious, self?driven candidate to fill the following vacancy:
1. Branch Manager – Mombasa
Key Responsibilities:
- To co?ordinate all activities that relate to the marketing of the insurance products offered by the company.
- To act as the contact person between the client, and Clarkson Notcutt (Insurance Brokers) Ltd.
- To have comprehensive knowledge of all the products and to be able to explain them to the prospective clients very well.
- To analyze whether the risks involved.
- To manage the financial aspects of the branch, check that all activities are within the budget.
- To manage all administrative tasks related to the branch office
- To prepare proposals both for new projects and on going projects that needs an additional section to the project.
- Administratively ensure the smooth running of the office, by supervising the staff at the branch.
- Ensure any company properties at the branch are safeguarded.
- Ensure all premium underwritten is collected
- Any other duties as assigned
- Bachelors Degree with an Insurance option
- ACII Qualification
- Excellent knowledge of general insurance
- 5 years relevant experience at a senior position in a similar organization
- Demonstrate excellent understanding of insurance industry
- Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills
- Applicants should demonstrate a high level of integrity.
- Team leader
- Team player
- Computer literate
Applications received after the closing date shall not be accepted.
East Africa Communication Manager at Shell
Location: Nairobi
Description:
East Africa Communication Manager at Kenya Shell Ltd in Nairobi – Kenya Jobs, Careers and Vacancies
We are looking for talented individuals to fill the following exciting roles within Kenya Shell:
EAST AFRICA COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Reporting to the Government Relations and Communication Manager for Shell South Africa, the East Africa Communication Manager will be responsible for strengthening and enhancing Shell’s reputation by adapting and implementing global business communications strategies in Kenya and Uganda.
Key Performance areas for the role:
- Lead the development and implementation of local communications strategies and plans to achieve local business goals in line with the Shell Group’s business communication strategies.
- Provide communication counsel on areas of reputation opportunity and risk at a country level.
- Work closely with relevant stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential risks and issues that could potentially harm Shell’s reputation.
- Act as focal point on crisis management.
- Strengthen and enhance business reputation through effective communications support to key Shell projects.
- Lead development of communication strategy and stakeholder engagement plans to support successful project stages from start up to execution.
- Lead social performance across both Kenya and Uganda, focusing on business objectives and maintaining social license to operate, with specific regard to strategy, planning and strategic social investment opportunities.
- Develop a comprehensive government relations engagement programme.
Minimum requirements/competencies
- Degree in communication related field with with over 10 years’ experience in communication preferably in the media/ energy Industry
- Able to think strategically and translate business objectives into multi channel strategies / plans;
- Strong communications background with track record experience in external affairs and/or media management;
- Self-starter with high degree of personal initiative, drive, and desire to come up with new creative solutions;
- Proven skills to deliver under time pressure
- Very good English writing skills
- Working knowledge of crisis management framework and standard on preparedness, activation & resolution.
Applications
If you are up to the challenge and possess the necessary qualification and experience please send your detailed resume with your cell phone contact via email to hr@ksl.shell.com or to the address below.
Deadline for application is 24th April 2012.
The Human Resource Manager
Kenya Shell
P.O Box 43561, 00100
Nairobi.
Only short-listed applicants would be contacted.
Kenya Shell is an equal opportunity employer!
Sales Manager at BIAB International AB
Location: Nairobi
Description:
Sales Manager at BIAB International AB in Nairobi – Kenya Jobs, Careers and Vacancies
BIAB International AB is a trading company, incorporated in 1980 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Our main business ever since has been supply of products and services to UN and to other International organizations. Through our persistent business dealings, we have gained valuable experience and trust of our customers, to be a supplier to organizations of significant reputation and values in the World. We feel proud to assist those who consistently struggle to make the World a better to live.
SALES MANAGER
The Swedish trade council is looking to recruit a Sales Manager for BIAB international.
The profile
The Manager should have the following basic responsibilities:
- Manage and lead sales for the East African region
Candidates for consideration should have the following profile:
- Preferably a degree in Business / Sales & Marketing or equivalent
- A good understanding of the United Nations rules and regulations.
- At least 3 years experience in proactive customer related sales, service and marketing
- Proven record of development, management and execution of sales and marketing strategies and activities within a consumer goods sales environment
- A team player, customer focused, accurate and target driven
- Fluent in English and Swahili – Other language spoken in the region would be an advantage.
- Willingness to travel extensively
- A Customer oriented atitude is a key requisite
- Entrepreneurial mindset and open to different cultures and their different behaviours
Requirements
The sales manager should:
- Understand general trading concept, features and advantages, capable to implement this in the marketing and sales strategies.
- Be independent (self-sufficient), capable to negotiate and handle business deals on managerial level.
- Be able to coordinate with the head office in Sweden and with the supply office in China.
If your background, experience and competence match the above specifications, please send us your application together with a detailed CV giving full contact details of your referees to reach us not later than 17th February 2012 to: recruitment.nairobi@swedishtrade.se
Only short listed candidates will be contacted
Clarkson Notcutt (Insurance Broker) is one of the oldest brokerage firms in the industry.
Our business philosophy is to make quality service, reliability, highest standard of integrity and professionalism to be the driving force to uphold our reputation and image locally and internationally.
Vision: To be the standard of quality in insurance and risk management
Mission Statement: To continuously build careers, product innovations and deliver quality value added services to clients, while ensuring financial strength and sustainable growth of the company for the benefit of its stake holders
Our Values: We embrace a team that is of integrity and shared purpose. One that is innovative, caring and focused on its development while having a social responsibility to the community it serves.
We are looking for an ambitious, self?driven candidate to fill the following vacancy:
1. Chief Accountant
Key Responsibilities:
* Reviewing the existing control structures within the organization for adequacy and effectiveness, recommending areas for improvement where the existing controls are weak.
* Responsible for knowing critical functions within the department and capable of mentoring and assisting employees within the department.
* Utilizing teamwork to develop departmental synergy.
* Preparation of management accounts
* Monitoring compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and company procedures.
* Reviewing, investigating, and correcting errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports.
* Carrying out reviews on the plans, policies, and procedures of the organization with a view to enhancing economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity.
* Liaising with external auditors for efficient external audits.
* Reviewing company’s quarterly returns to the commissioner of insurance
Job Requirements:
* Bachelors Degree with an Accounting option
* CPA(K) /ACCA or its equivalent
* 5 years relevant experience at a senior position in a similar organization
Competencies/ Personal Attributes:
* Demonstrate above average understanding of the statutory accounting and tax requirements
* Good interpersonal and supervisory skills
* Team leader
* Team player
* Computer Literate
2. Reinsurance Manager
Key Responsibilities:
* Analyse the risks accepted by the reinsurance department and evaluate the captive exposure, adequacy of premium, appropriateness of the terms and conditions of each and every risk accepted.
* Follow up with broker/ceding company for timely submission of closing and accounting documents as well as for settlement of premium from ceding companies and recovery of claims from reinsurers.
* Prepare reinsurance slips / reinsurance contracts ensuring its accuracy with reference to original terms at which reinsurance is accepted.
* Prepare reinsurance underwriting and claims statistics including outstanding claims and reinsurance recoveries there?from on a regular basis and update the same at periodic intervals as per requirement.
* View reinsurance payments/recoveries relating reinsurance premium, commissioning and claims. Review reinsurance securities and report on their status.
* Calculate reinsurance premium, profit commission and other reinsurance deductions and able to prepare relevant documentation
Job Requirements:
* Bachelors Degree with an Insurance option
* ACII/FCII Qualification
* Excellent knowledge of reinsurance and general insurance
* 5 years relevant experience at a senior position in a similar organization
* Daily oversight of the department and people management
Competencies/ Personal Attributes:
* Demonstrate excellent understanding of insurance industry
* Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills
* Applicants should demonstrate a high level of integrity.
* Team leader
* Team player
* Computer literate
3. Branch Manager – Mombasa
Key Responsibilities:
* To co?ordinate all activities that relate to the marketing of the insurance products offered by the company.
* To act as the contact person between the client, and Clarkson Notcutt (Insurance Brokers) Ltd.
* To have comprehensive knowledge of all the products and to be able to explain them to the prospective clients very well.
* To analyze whether the risks involved.
* To manage the financial aspects of the branch, check that all activities are within the budget.
* To manage all administrative tasks related to the branch office
* To prepare proposals both for new projects and on going projects that needs an additional section to the project.
* Administratively ensure the smooth running of the office, by supervising the staff at the branch.
* Ensure any company properties at the branch are safeguarded.
* Ensure all premium underwritten is collected
* Any other duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
* Bachelors Degree with an Insurance option
* ACII Qualification
* Excellent knowledge of general insurance
* 5 years relevant experience at a senior position in a similar organization
Competencies/ Personal Attributes:
* Demonstrate excellent understanding of insurance industry
* Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills
* Applicants should demonstrate a high level of integrity.
* Team leader
* Team player
* Computer literate
4. Underwriter – Kampala Branch
Key Responsibilities:
To assist in ensuring smooth running of the Company’s insurance program, while contributing to the overall efficiency of the branch.
To assist in the management, administration, and the control of the company’s underwriting operations to ensure profitable and timely service.
Job Requirements:
* Bachelors Degree with an Insurance option
* ACII Qualification (Minimum 5 units)
* Excellent knowledge of reinsurance and general insurance
* 3 years relevant experience in similar position in a similar organization
Competencies/ Personal Attributes:
* Demonstrate excellent understanding of insurance industry
* Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills
* Team leader
* Team player
* Computer literate
Interested candidates should provide a detailed CV, including present position, current remuneration, names, addresses, and phone contacts of three professional referees, copies of professional/educational certificates to: hr@clarknot.com by 20th January 2012.
Applications received after the closing date shall not be accepted.
The office That Sees It All. Washing Dirty Linen At The Office.
The angry woman was shouting in vernacular and pointing at two children cowering near the door. Within minutes, the whole office was standing in the reception area watching the woman who claimed to be Mike’s (one of the managers) wife tear his reputation to shreds. Her case; Mike’s philandering ways and total abandonment of his parenting duties. She was punctuating her rants with, “yes now I have your attention” and “you like acting bossy, now people know how irresponsible you are!”By the time the security guard had threatened her enough to calm her down, Mike, had nowhere to put his head.
As much as the story sounds like a scene from a Nigerian movie, it happens more often than one can imagine. As many human resource managers and several unfortunate men will attest, some women
deliberately choose to embarrass their spouses at the office. What makes a sane woman throw all propriety to the wind and rave like a mad woman? What is the reason some women choose to go the very unafrican way of washing their dirty linen in public?
Desperate situations
Monica, a business woman and wife, thinks by the time a woman is not afraid of embarrassing herself or her husband, she really has a good reason. Sometimes a man is neglecting his parenting duties and getting away with it. “How can you sit and watch your children suffer while their father is not bothered?”She says she would try to get to him through a relative or close friend but if that does not work, he will get a visit at the office. According to Monica, it all goes back to the old adage; ‘desperate situations call for desperate measures’.
Hell hath no fury!
Everyone knows a scorned woman is capable of anything. Anita, a sales executive, thinks that women who show up to cause a scene at the husbands’ office act out of bitterness and therefore hit where it is likely to hurt most. “A workplace is a man’s sacred place, especially when his family life is not working out so well.” She says. She was unfortunate enough to watch one such incidence at a client’s office. “The lady was angrily accusing her husband of not being a good provider but when he asked her to name what he hadn’t provided, she changed her story to accuse him of leaving their marital home to stay with ‘prostitutes’. Finally she broke down and started asking why he left her.” She thinks that such women know that usually when it comes to family matters and especially in public, it is her word against his and most times her word carries more weight.
Jealousy
Joan, who has been married for seven years, can understand why a woman would show up at her husband’s workplace and embarrass him out of jealous. She went to her husband’s workplace after discovering that a female colleague was plaguing him with calls. “I didn’t want to know who was encouraging who; I just needed to prove a point. She no longer calls him, at least as far as I know and trust me, I know,” she says with a smile. Joan didn’t really cause a scene, but says she was ready to, if her husband or the said lady had given her reason. She knows she couldn’t really stop her husband from having an affair, but thinks exposing them would be enough. “I am educated, and have no issues with self esteem. I just wanted my husband to introduce me as the wife and for the co-worker to see I am not the ignorant housewife she assumed I was,” she explains.
Plain old drama
Middle aged Mama Sara, thinks some women have no idea about acceptable behaviour. “There are women who just can’t say anything without shouting. Even a small disagreement can be turned to an all out scene if the woman is the type who likes attention,” she stresses. Julius, a father of two agrees with her. “Some women just exaggerate situations. Even if a man won’t listen, what makes a woman think he will, once she embarrasses him before his collegues? He might even cut her off completely!” Julius who is sure his wife will never come to sort out their issues in the office adds; “Most women who attack their husbands in the office just want sympathy. That is what I call an attention disorder.”
The office that sees it all
“We get cases of disgruntled wives coming to seek our help,” says a human resource officer at one of the leading NGO’s in the country who prefers to be identified by one name Diana. “Usually its women claiming child suppor. We usually call the man to validate the claims,” she says. She explains noting that the several cases their office has seen were pretty straightforward because the men accepted fathering those children and were willing to reach some sort of settlement with the women. If we get further complaints and establish he did not follow through on his promise, we have to ensure some money goes to the child’s guardian or school by deducting a portion of his salary.”
Diana says they have not had cases of false accusations because the men always accept they are indeed the fathers. But if a man disputes having fathered a child with the said woman, she would be required to produce a paternity test for proof.
She says their office distances itself from all other arguments between a couple and only handles child support issues. “We understand that women come to us because they have nowhere else to go.” She however insists that they do not listen to just any woman off the street making random accusations
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