Farm Compliance & HR Officer

Job description

Job Description: Farm Compliance & HR Officer

Position: Farm Compliance & HR Officer
Location: Kabwe
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Farm Owner / Farm Administrator/ Senior Accountants

Job Summary:

The Farm Compliance & HR Officer ensures that the farm adheres to all legal, labor, environmental, and safety regulations while also managing human resources functions. This includes monitoring compliance with government policies, labor laws, farm regulations and certification standards while enforcing employee legitimacy, attendance tracking, cost allocation, and farm discipline to support efficient farm operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the farm complies with national and regional agricultural laws, including land use, environmental protection, and food safety regulations.
Assist in obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses and certifications (e.g., GLOBALG.A.P., Fair Trade, Organic, Rainforest Alliance).
Stay updated on labor and employment regulations, ensuring policies are always compliant. Our farm is a Member of NUPAAW.

2. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Compliance

Implement and enforce health and safety protocols to create a safe working environment.
Ensure correct PPE is worn in the correct circumstances, maintained and accounted for at all times.
Conduct regular risk assessments and safety audits to prevent workplace hazards.
Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Promote sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation measures.

3. Human Resources & Labor Management

Employee Verification & Legitimacy

Ensure all employees are legitimate and legally employed, verifying identity and documentation.
Eliminate ghost workers from the payroll by conducting thorough employment audits.

Attendance & Punctuality Enforcement

Conduct physical registration of all employees at the start and end of each workday.
Enforce punctuality by ensuring workers report on time, and address late arrivals.
Perform midday attendance checks to ensure no employees leave work after being checked in.
Investigate and act upon absenteeism or unauthorized departures.

Payroll & Cost Allocation

Maintain accurate payroll records, ensuring timely salary processing.
Allocate cost centers weekly, distributing total labor costs per crop or department.
Employee Relations & Performance Management

Develop workplace policies on disciplinary actions, promotions, and terminations.
Mediate workplace conflicts and foster a positive work culture.
Conduct performance reviews and recommend training programs for employees.

4. Documentation & Reporting

Maintain detailed records of compliance audits, labor contracts, payroll reports, and workplace incidents.
Prepare and submit compliance reports to farm owners and regulatory authorities.
Ensure all attendance registers, payroll data, and cost allocations are properly documented.

5. Training & Awareness

Conduct regular training for farm staff on compliance, labor laws, and workplace policies.
Develop and distribute HR and compliance manuals for easy reference.
Promote a culture of accountability and efficiency among employees.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Diploma/Degree in Human Resources, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Law, Occupational Health & Safety, Agribusiness, or a related field.
2+ years of experience in HR management, compliance, payroll, or farm operations.

Technical & Soft Skills:

Knowledge of Zambian labour laws , NUPAAW requirements and agricultural regulations.
Experience with payroll management and cost allocation preferably in farm settings.
Strong HR administration skills, including contracts, payroll, and attendance tracking.
Proficiency in MS office specifically Word and Excel, knowledge of QuickBooks would be helpful.
Analytical and problem-solving skills for compliance and labor cost monitoring.
Attention to detail for record-keeping and workforce auditing.
Communication and training skills to educate farm employees.

Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience.
Professional training and development opportunities.
Potential housing or transport allowance (if applicable).