Country HR Officer (CHRO), Kuwait

Role Overview

Country HR Officer (CHRO) for Kuwait at Citi, based in Kuwait. This full-time position leads professional HR activities and advisory services for the Kuwait franchise.

Company Overview

Citi connects millions of people across hundreds of cities and countries through an unparalleled global network. The organization provides a broad range of financial services and products to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions, and has operated for more than 200 years.

Role Purpose

Accomplish results through the management of professional HR activities and advisory services for the Kuwait franchise. Integrate subject matter expertise, industry knowledge, and local regulatory understanding to contribute to standards across the franchise. Coordinate and contribute to the strategic human capital objectives of Citi while demonstrating commercial awareness and deep understanding of the local banking sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advisory & Consulting

• Provide a broad range of HR consulting services to client groups and business functions within the Kuwait franchise, including strategic advice on Talent Acquisition, Talent Management (assessment, high-potential development, and succession planning), compensation and year-end processes, organizational effectiveness (change management, leadership effectiveness, organizational design, coaching), and employee engagement.
• Partner with the Citi Country Officer & Banking Head (CCOBH), HR Leadership, and business/functional line management in recommending, developing, executing, and implementing human capital strategies, headcount plans, and organizational change initiatives in support of the franchise.
• Attract and retain high-potential national and international talent by helping define and establish career paths, executive development programs, and talent pipelines tailored to the Kuwait market and regulatory guidelines.
• Coach and develop business leaders and managers in executing objective, merit-based performance management, succession planning for regulated/critical roles, and providing counsel on people, leadership, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance & Kuwaitization

• Apply thorough knowledge of HR principles, Kuwait Labor Law, and Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) regulatory frameworks to resolve complex people matters.
• Support the franchise in the Kuwaitization strategy efforts to meet and sustain regulatory nationalization requirements.
• Manage employee relations, grievance handling, and disciplinary actions in compliance with local statutory mandates and Citi's Global Disciplinary Review Procedures.

HR Operations & Governance

• Partner closely with HR Disciplines (e.g., HR Business Partnership, Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management & Engagement, Learning and HR Delivery) to deliver comprehensive HR solutions, ensure local statutory compliance, and measure/report key human capital metrics to local and regional governance committees.
• Assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients, and assets.
• Drive compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, adhering to policies, and applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct, and business practices.
• Escalate, manage, and report control issues with transparency, and effectively supervise HR activity and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–10+ years of progressive HR experience.
• Deep knowledge of Kuwait Labor Law, employment practices, and regulatory requirements; experience managing employee relations in a tripartite environment is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in managing employee relations and nationalization/Kuwaitization strategies in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in HR Risk, Controls, and Governance, including internal/external audit readiness and regulatory reporting.
• Experience working within a complex, global matrix organization with multiple reporting lines and regional stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree or University degree required; Master's degree or relevant professional HR certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) preferred.
• Kuwaiti National status required; eligibility for this position is restricted to Kuwaiti Nationals only.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong bilingual communication skills with professional fluency in both Arabic and English, written and spoken.
• Developed communication and diplomacy skills required to guide, influence, and advise senior stakeholders, including the Citi Country Officer & Banking Head, members of the Kuwait Citi Country Committee, HR Partners, and external regulatory bodies.

Additional Information

• Job Family: Human Resources Management.
• Contract Type: Full time.
• Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.