Human Resources Manager

Job description

Human Resources Manager

Job Advert

About the Project

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to protecting biodiversity and wilderness areas through sustainable resource management, partnerships, and promoting environmental and social equity.

In Zambia, Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) works in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) to protect and conserve the North Luangwa landscape. The NLCP supports effective and efficient protected area management, with a wider focus on empowering communities to manage natural resources in the Game Management Areas adjacent to the park.

About the Position

The Human Resources Manager (HRM) plays a pivotal role in cultivating a productive, equitable, and legally compliant work environment that aligns with the organisation’s conservation mission. As the primary point of contact for HR matters, the HRM provides hands-on guidance and technical support to managers and staff across sites, bridging the gap between central HR functions and field operations.

This role is central to delivering high-quality human resource services across the employee lifecycle—including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, training, HR operations, and compliance. The HRM ensures that all HR processes are efficient, inclusive, and aligned with both organizational values and local labour laws.

A critical part of the HRM’s function is the effective use of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), leveraging it to maintain accurate data, streamline workflows, generate insights for decision-making, and enhance the overall employee experience.

By supporting managers and employees across functions, the HRM strengthens internal capacity, drives accountability in HR practices, and contributes to a resilient and engaged workforce, especially in a remote and field-based context.

The position reports to the Programme Manager, with a dotted line to the Senior Human Resources Manager and collaborates closely with the project operations and administrative leadership. Although the role has no direct reports, it has a high functional influence across departments.

Your Tasks

HR Operations & Compliance

Maintain accurate, up-to-date employee records and documentation in line with organisational and legal requirements.
Promote consistent application of HR policies and ensure compliance with local labour laws and organisational standards.
Facilitate regular communication and awareness sessions on employee obligations, responsibilities, and key HR procedures.
Conduct routine internal audits of HR files and ensure full compliance during audits, inspections or donor reviews.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Workforce Planning

Coordinate end-to-end recruitment processes (advertising, shortlisting, scheduling, interviewing, and placement) for both staff and Scouts.
Advocate for gender balance and local representation during recruitment, especially for community-linked roles.
Facilitate seamless onboarding and induction experiences that build understanding of roles, expectations, and organisational values.
Track contract expiries and proactively notify managers to ensure timely renewals or offboarding decisions.

Performance & Talent Management

Monitor appraisal timelines and support managers in delivering timely, constructive, and measurable performance evaluations.
Promote a performance culture by ensuring KPIs are developed using both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Track and document performance issues and development needs to support succession planning and continuous improvement.

Employee Relations & Engagement

Serve as the first line of support for staff concerns, grievances, and employee feedback.
Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive work culture by applying both informal and formal resolution methods.
Ensure grievance and disciplinary processes are understood and consistently applied in accordance with policy.
Support regular engagement forums, including Workers’ Committee meetings, to strengthen employee participation.

Payroll & Benefits Administration Support

Review monthly timesheets for accuracy and completeness; escalate discrepancies for resolution.
Support monthly payroll processing by verifying input data, contract changes, and benefit adjustments.
Distribute pay slips and employment information to staff without computer access, ensuring confidentiality and accessibility.

Training & Staff Development

Coordinate logistics for internal and external trainings, workshops, and skills development initiatives.
Facilitate access to tailored learning opportunities for non-literate or semi-literate staff through appropriate delivery methods.
Maintain complete and accurate training records within the HRIS for reporting and audit purposes.

HRIS Management

Ensure timely and accurate updates of employee data across onboarding, transfers, exits, attendance, and leave.
Train and support users in navigating the HRIS platform, including managers and field supervisors.
Generate reports to inform HR planning, compliance monitoring, and workforce analytics.
Troubleshoot user issues and support system adoption to enhance HR service delivery across the organisation.

Field HR Support & Employee Welfare

Conduct routine field visits to ensure staff have direct HR access and support in remote locations.
Monitor and coordinate employee welfare initiatives such as housing, health & safety, medical support, and uniform provision.
Serve as a trusted HR presence in the field, strengthening relationships and addressing issues in real-time.
Promote occupational health and safety standards across all work sites, in collaboration with operations teams.

Your Profile

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related business field.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in an HR management role, preferably in an NGO or remote setting.

Experience with HRIS systems for onboarding, attendance, and reporting.

Understanding of local labour laws and practices.

Experience working with low-literacy or mixed-skill teams is an advantage.

Member of Zambia Institute of Human Resources Management

Skills & Competencies

Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication.

High attention to detail and administrative precision.

Conflict resolution and active listening.

Field-readiness and flexibility in workstyle.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic reporting tools.

Willingness to work in a remote location

Behavioural Attributes

Empathetic and approachable.

Culturally respectful and inclusive.

Discreet, trustworthy, and principled.

Adaptable and proactive.

Community-oriented with a service mind-set.

What We Offer

A chance to support a meaningful conservation impact.

A supportive and mission-driven team environment.

Accommodation and field support.

Opportunities for professional development.

Your Application

If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation to join Frankfurt Zoological Society, please send your application via https://zoologisch.jobs.personio.de/job/2223212

The application due date is Friday, 18th July 2025.