HR Generalist - Public Sector Consulting

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first

Travel opportunities

Training & development

Competitive contract rate

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned HR Generalist for a challenging project based in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will provide comprehensive HR support to government departments, manage employee relations, and develop HR policies within a public sector framework.

The role requires 6+ years of broad HR generalist experience, deep knowledge of South African public sector legislation, and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HRM, Industrial Psychology or related discipline.
• 6+ years of broad HR generalist experience in public sector environments.
• Solid knowledge of SA public sector labor legislation and HR frameworks.
• Experience in employee relations, performance management and policy development.
• Strong talent management and organizational development understanding.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficient in HRIS and standard office software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive HR support to government departments and projects.
• Resolve employee relations issues and disciplinary actions per public sector rules.
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Support performance management, succession planning and learning initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with public sector legislation and regulations.
• Lead HR induction and onboarding for new staff.
• Advise management on HR best practices and legal requirements.
• Contribute to HR project management and timely deliverables.
• Maintain accurate HR records and documentation.
• Support recruitment processes as needed.

Skills

Employee relations

Talent management

Policy development

Compliance

Communication

Negotiation

Independence

Travel planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management or Industrial Psychology

Tools

HRIS

Office software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading consultancy firm specializing in public sector transformation and human capital development, is seeking a seasoned HR Generalist for a challenging project based in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role requires a versatile HR professional with extensive experience across various HR domains, including employee relations, talent management, policy development, and HR compliance. You will be instrumental in supporting the implementation of HR strategies and programs for government departments and related entities. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful public service initiatives and gain exposure to diverse governmental HR frameworks. The position demands a high level of autonomy, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. You will work closely with government stakeholders and internal project teams to ensure successful HR outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive HR support to assigned government departments and projects.
• Manage and resolve employee relations issues, including grievances and disciplinary actions, in line with public sector regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Support talent management initiatives, including performance management, succession planning, and learning and development.
• Ensure HR practices are compliant with relevant public sector legislation and regulations.
• Facilitate HR induction and onboarding processes for new employees.
• Advise management on HR best practices and legal requirements.
• Contribute to HR project management, ensuring timely delivery of HR-related deliverables.
• Maintain accurate HR records and documentation.
• Support recruitment and selection processes as needed.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of broad HR generalist experience, with specific expertise in the public sector environment.
• Thorough knowledge of South African public sector labor legislation, policies, and HR frameworks (e.g., Public Service Act).
• Proven experience in employee relations, performance management, and HR policy development.
• Strong understanding of talent management and organizational development principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior government officials.
• Proficiency in HRIS and standard office software.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Experience within Pretoria, Gauteng or proximity to the region is preferred.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally may be required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive contract rate commensurate with skills and experience.
• This role provides significant exposure to high-impact public sector projects, offering invaluable professional growth.
• Access to specialized training and development opportunities relevant to public sector HR is provided.
• A flexible work arrangement is available, supporting a remote-first approach for greater autonomy.
• You will be part of a professional and results-driven team, contributing to meaningful societal impact.
• Opportunities to expand your professional network within government and consulting sectors are abundant.
• Performance-based contract renewals are possible based on successful project outcomes.
• Comprehensive support is provided for project-related queries and resource needs.