Employee Relations Officer – Human Resources Department

1. Main Function of the Role

The Employee Relations Officer within the Human Resources Department is tasked with fostering and maintaining healthy inter-office and inter-departmental relationships. This role ensures effective collaboration between employees and management while promoting compliance with Namibian labor laws. The incumbent serves as a trusted advisor on employee relations matters, upholding mutual respect and rewarding labor-management relations across the organization.

2. Key Performance Areas

1. Employee Relations
   • Act as a mediator between employees and management to address grievances and resolve conflicts.
   • Implement and monitor employee relations policies, procedures, and agreements.
   • Provide guidance to branches and departments to ensure fair and consistent handling of employee matters.
2. Health and Safety
   • Oversee and enforce adherence to workplace health and safety regulations.
   • Collaborate with departments to develop and implement safety programs.
3. Training and Development
   • Identify training needs and coordinate employee development programs.
   • Facilitate workshops and ensure employees are equipped with skills that align with organizational goals.
4. Performance Management
   • Support the performance appraisal process and provide feedback mechanisms.
   • Assist in setting measurable performance objectives and addressing underperformance effectively.
5. Compliance and Advisory Services
   • Ensure full compliance with Namibian labor statutes and employment laws.
   • Advise management on contemporary labor relations issues, case law, and trends.
6. Ad Hoc Tasks
   • Perform various tasks aligned with the scope of employee relations as assigned by management.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• Educational Requirements:
  • Minimum: B-degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, or Industrial Psychology (essential).
  • Postgraduate qualification in a related field (advantageous).
• Professional Experience:
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience in industrial relations (IR), with at least 2 years in a unionized environment.
• Other Requirements:
  • Valid Code B driver’s license (mandatory).

4. Skills and Attributes

• Knowledge and Expertise:
  • In-depth understanding of Namibian employment laws, labor legislation, and trade union dynamics.
  • Familiarity with employee relations trends, case law, and best practices.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  • Strong verbal, written, and listening skills.
  • Effective negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Ability to multi-task and manage conflicting priorities.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, even under pressure.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Computer literacy, with a focus on productivity tools and HR systems.
• Professional Attributes:
  • Diplomatic, tactful, and a team player.
  • Confident, professional attitude with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse workforce.