Staff Spotlight: Phylis Awimbo

Phylis Awimbo is Landesa’s HR Officer for the Africa Region based in Kenya. Phylis started working for Landesa in 2023.

What brought you to Landesa?

I was drawn to Landesa’s mission of advancing land rights and its global impact. The opportunity to contribute to a region-wide HR strategy that aligns with such a meaningful vision inspired me to join. Having worked in an NGO that focuses on health, it was a good opportunity to broaden my impact by supporting communities through land rights and sustainable development, while applying my HR expertise in a new sector.

What are your core responsibilities in your role?

I lead HR across the Africa region, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and compliance. I also champion capacity building and organizational development to ensure alignment with Landesa’s strategic goals. In addition, I provide guidance on labor laws across different countries, support employee engagement initiatives and deliver training sessions to strengthen people management capabilities among line managers.

What is the most rewarding part of your work at Landesa?

The most rewarding part is fostering a positive work environment where staff feel engaged, supported, and empowered. Seeing teams thrive and knowing HR initiatives contribute to both individual growth and organizational impact is deeply fulfilling. I especially value moments when staff express how HR programs such as engagement initiatives or performance management systems have made their work easier and more meaningful. Those moments remind me that HR is not just about processes, but about people and their experiences.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

Outside of work, I enjoy mentoring young professionals, supporting community initiatives, and spending quality time with family. I also find joy in organizing events that bring people together and strengthen relationships. In addition, I love nature walks and long-distance drives, which give me time to reflect, recharge, and appreciate the beauty around me.

Describe your vision for a better world.

My vision is a world where organizations prioritize people, equity, and inclusion creating spaces where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. I believe that through empathy, collaboration, and sustainable practices, we can build stronger communities and lasting impact.