HR, Industrial Relations (IR) and Onboarding Officer

Job description

Job Title:

HR, Industrial Relations (IR) and Onboarding Officer

Location:

Project Site – Lumwana Expansion Project

Company:

Bowie Instrumentation and Electrical Zambia Limited

Reports to:

Project Manager

Employment Type:

Project-based

Duration:

11 months or based on project lifecycle

Job Purpose:

To coordinate and implement effective Human Resource and Industrial Relations support for a E&I contractor operating in Zambia, ensuring full compliance with Zambian Labour Laws and smooth cross-border workforce management. This role involves working closely with both local employees and expatriate staff to foster a compliant, fair, and harmonious work environment on-site.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct recruitment and selection processes in line with project needs and in compliance with the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019, ensuring fair and transparent hiring practices.
Promote a healthy, safe, and inclusive working environment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and internal company policies.
Handle employee grievances, disciplinary actions, and labour disputes in accordance with internal procedures and Zambian labour regulations.
Develop and implement orientation and training programs for new employees, ensuring they understand site expectations, employment conditions, and health and safety practices.
Draft and manage both permanent and limited duration contracts, in compliance with Zambian labour law—including clauses on probation, termination, and leave entitlements.
Ensure compliance with all statutory obligations under NAPSA, NHIMA, ZRA, and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board, including registration, contributions, and reporting.
Provide employee relations support, addressing conflicts and fostering a respectful and productive workplace culture.
Build strong relationships with the workforce, providing HR support that reflects an understanding of local customs, language, and cultural diversity.
Lead and manage disciplinary hearings, warning processes, and appeal procedures, ensuring consistency with labour law.
Draft, review, and enforce HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with both Zambian legal standards and company practices.
Administer leave entitlements (annual, sick, maternity, paternity, etc.) and employee exits in line with legal requirements.
Support compliance during labour inspections, audits, and reporting to relevant government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Labour, NAPSA, NHIMA).
Represent the company in collective bargaining, labour tribunals, or conciliation/mediation sessions as required.
Monitor and implement Employment Equity and non-discrimination practices, ensuring fair treatment and adherence to both national laws and project standards.

Minimum Requirements:

Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of 4 years’ HR/IR experience in construction, engineering, or mining sectors.
Strong working knowledge of Zambian Labour Law and statutory obligations (NAPSA, NHIMA, ZRA, Workers’ Compensation).
Familiarity with cross-border HR practices, expatriate administration, and immigration/work permit processes.
Experience in a project-based or remote site environment, particularly in the E&I or heavy industry sector.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic HR information systems.
Membership with the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) – Compulsory.
Understanding of South African HR/IR legislation is an added advantage.

Desirable Competencies:

Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions on a remote site.
Cultural sensitivity and the ability to manage a diverse workforce respectfully.
Experience in union engagements and understanding of site-level bargaining dynamics.
A proactive, ethical, and solutions-focused approach to HR & IR operations.

Application Instructions:

Submit your CV, cover letter, ZIHRM membership certificate, and contactable references to cv@bwie.co.za

Please include “HR & IR Officer – Zambia Site” in the subject line