Job description

International School of Lusaka invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Human Resource and Administration Manager. Reporting to the Head of School, the Human Resource and Administration Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across the School’s human resource and administrative functions. This is a senior management position requiring an experienced HR generalist with proven ability to lead an organisation-wide HR function in a multifaceted operating environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the School’s strategic priorities.
2. Serve as the principal adviser to the Head of School and senior leadership on workforce planning, organisational design, employee relations, employment risk and compliance.
3. Lead investigations, disciplinary proceedings, grievances, appeals, and performance matters. 
4. Develop, review, and ensure the consistent implementation of HR policies, Conditions of Service, and supporting procedures.
5. Lead recruitment, safer-recruitment compliance, onboarding, probation, performance management, succession planning and offboarding.
6. Oversee employment contracts, payroll and benefits coordination, leave, insurance arrangements, employee records and HR reporting.
7. Ensure compliance with Zambian employment legislation, professional requirements, safeguarding standards and School policy.
8. Use workforce data and HR systems to strengthen planning, decision-making and service delivery.
9. Lead and develop HR and administrative personnel and promote a professional, accountable and inclusive workplace culture.
10. Oversee assigned administrative and support-service functions, including relevant contracts, statutory requirements and operational coordination.
11. Prepare high-quality reports and recommendations for senior leadership and the School Board, as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience 

1. A bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Organisational Psychology or another directly relevant discipline. Applicants with a degree in another field must hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management.
2. Current membership of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) and a valid practising certificate.
3. At least ten years of progressive human resource generalist experience.
4. At least five years in a substantive HR management or senior leadership role with organisation-wide responsibility for the human resource function.
5. At least three years of demonstrated experience leading and developing HR personnel and multidisciplinary administrative teams.
6. Substantial experience advising executive leadership on employee relations, organisational and employment-compliance matters.
7. Proven responsibility for performance management.
8. Strong working knowledge of Zambian employment legislation and contemporary HR practice.
9. Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, recruitment, policy development, remuneration and benefits, HR reporting and organisational development.
10. Excellent communication skills with the ability to produce policies, reports, formal correspondence and executive-level recommendations independently.

A relevant master’s degree and/or experience within a multicultural environment will be an added advantage.

Application Process 

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter of no more than two pages, directly addressing the essential requirements, including the applicant’s total years of HR generalist experience, years at a substantive management level, and the size of the workforce or teams previously led.
2. A detailed CV.
3. Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.
4. Evidence of current ZIHRM membership and a valid practising certificate.
5. Contact details for three professional referees, including a current or most recent direct supervisor. Referees will only be contacted with the candidate’s prior consent.

All documents must be combined into a single PDF and sent to jobs@isl.sch.zm. 

The deadline for receiving applications is 17:00 CAT on Friday, 21 August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding Notice 

At the International School of Lusaka, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our students. We have a rigorous safeguarding policy in place and adhere to the highest standards of child protection. As part of our recruitment process, we require all applicants for the position to undergo thorough background checks and provide references. Our school is an inclusive and diverse community, and we expect all members of our staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and to act in the best interests of our students. By applying for this position, you acknowledge your willingness to comply with our safeguarding policies and practices. We prioritise creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for all our students.