Human Resources Manager

Job Description

Reference No: 03/2025

Applications close on 13 June 2025

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to oversee all aspects of HR and performance management for our growing team. Another core focus of this role is in promoting staff wellbeing and fostering positive employee relations to achieve the Centre’s strategic objectives while supporting our diverse and inclusive work environment.

The HR Manager serves as the conduit between staff and management, providing support in addressing employees’ various concerns, and in implementing the skills and development plan of the organisation to enhance satisfaction and staff retention. Knowledge of labour laws and compliance requirements and in maintaining efficient HR systems are part of the responsibilities as well as internal communications and report writing. The ideal candidate should be approachable, trustworthy, and possess strong interpersonal skills. We welcome applicants who have a genuine interest and passion for advancing environmental and social justice, along with a commitment to the shared values of our organisation.

Location: Cape Town or Johannesburg

Qualifications, skills and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources management and office administration (a postgraduate qualification would be an advantage; we will consider other relevant or appropriate qualifications)
• A minimum of 5 years’ working experience as HR manager or other HR management role
• Good understanding of labour laws, human resources best practices
• Excellent written and spoken English, additional South African languages an advantage
• Excellent people, management and networking skills
• A strong communicator with high emotional intelligence
• Able to work under pressure, multi-task and meet multiple deadlines
• Complete reliability, and ability to take initiative to improve systems and practices and attention to detail
• A commitment to high quality service
• A sensitivity to social issues and the needs of communities impacted by environmental degradation and injustice
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion and transformation
• Proficient in MS Office suite and use of technology and other office & computer systems

Key responsibilities

• Management: Responsible for all aspects of human resource management, overseeing the entire employee life cycle, maintain accurate employment records, ensure the well-being of staff from recruitment through offboarding, drive staff development initiatives, address employee concerns, and commit to enhancing the overall employee satisfaction and retention of staff members. Manage the HR team.
• Leadership & strategic planning: Work with executive management and the management team to contribute to the Centre’s strategic development, strengthen our institutional framework, and enhance organisational resilience
• Financial management: Plan and manage the department’s budget and resources; monitor and control expenditures; contribute to reporting to funders
• Compliance and risk management: Ensure the Centre complies with labour laws and regulations and fair employment standards; contribute to developing and implementing sound policies and procedures; identify potential legal, health, safety, and reputational risks and mitigation measures
• Communication and employee relations: Promote positive employee engagement by fostering open communication; work with the leadership team to ensure clarity in important messages, building trust and transparency while upholding CER’s organisational values and culture
• Networking and empowerment: Support initiatives in strengthening relationships with donors and partners

Salary: The salary range for the position is between R 663,221 – R741,236 (total cost to company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate. The salary package includes medical aid and pension subsidies.

At CER we value health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. We therefore offer other benefits including generous leave, wellness and psychosocial support, and study support.

Working for the CER

The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation and law clinic of activist lawyers who work with communities and civil society organisations in South Africa to realise our Constitutional right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice.

We seek a just, equitable, compassionate society which is resilient, celebrates diversity, and respects the inter-dependence between people and the environment. We work across the following core themes: Mining, Pollution and Climate Change, Corporate Accountability & Transparency, and Activist Support & Training. We have our main office in Cape Town, with another office in Johannesburg.

How to apply

All applications must be addressed to Action Appointments melissa@actionappointments.co.za cc: recruitment@cer.org.za with the email subject line: “CER HR Manager, Ref 03/2025, Your Full Name”, along with the following attachments:

• A cover letter setting out your skills, relevant experience, and why you want to work at the CER;
• A copy of your CV;
• At least two recent contactable written references not older than 6 months

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete relevant tests or an assignment to demonstrate competency.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Centre reserves the right not to appoint should there be no suitable candidate.

Deadline for Applications: June 13, 2025

“While we try our best to keep our information updated, the closing date of the actual job source may be changed by the recruiter without prior notice. With this, please make sure to check the official job link when submitting your application. Thank you.”