Junior Human Resource / Compliance Officer

Smart Talent; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Talent in Johannesburg seeks a Junior Human Resource / Compliance Officer to manage HR operations within an educational institution. You will support recruitment, handle ITC checks, maintain staff records, and assist in payroll compliance while ensuring adherence to labor laws and institutional policies.

You will collaborate with department heads to meet staffing needs, support employee relations, and coordinate training and performance evaluations.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years in HR administration, preferably in an educational institution.
• BBBEE and POPI Compliance experience will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist recruitment process: postings, screening, interviews, onboarding.
• Administer ITC and qualification checks.
• Maintain updated records of faculty and staff, employment history, contracts and qualifications.
• Collaborate with department heads for staffing needs and workforce planning.
• Handle employee inquiries and guide on policies, benefits and workplace issues.
• Assist in handling grievances, conflict resolution and disciplinary actions.
• Coordinate staff training and development programs.
• Assist performance evaluations and probation periods, contract renewals and promotions.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, education regulations and HR policies.
• Maintain handbooks and HR policies; prepare HR reports and workforce insights.
• Assist with BBEE and POPI compliance.
• Assist audits and payroll related compliance.
• Ensure fixed term contracts renewal/termination and audits across companies.

Skills

HR best practices

Labor laws

Education sector regs

Communication skills

Confidential info handling

MS Office

Payroll systems

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma in Human Resources

Diploma in Business Administration

Related field

Tools

Deel Local Payroll

Payspace

HR software suite

Job description

# Junior Human Resource / Compliance Officer* June 3, 2026* 11:49 pmJob Purpose: The Human Resources Assistant is responsible for managing HR operations within an educational institution, including recruitment, employee relations, payroll processing, performance management, and compliance with labor laws. This role ensures a well-functioning and supportive work environment for faculty, staff, and administrative personnel while aligning HR practices with the institution’s goals and values. The positioned is coupled with compliance assistance. Key Performance Areas: Recruitment & Staffing: ● Assist in the recruitment process, including job postings, screening candidates, scheduling interviews, and onboarding new hires. ● Administering ITC and qualification checks. ● Maintain an updated database of faculty and staff, ensuring accurate records of employment history, contracts, and qualifications. ● Collaborate with department heads to identify staffing needs and assist in workforce planning. Employee Relations & HR Support: ● Serve as a point of contact for HR-related inquiries from employees, providing guidance on policies, benefits, and workplace issues. ● Assist in handling employee grievances, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions in line with institutional policies. ● Foster a positive work culture through employee engagement initiatives and well-being programs. Training & Performance Management: ● Coordinate staff training and professional development programs to enhance skills and knowledge. ● Assist in performance evaluation processes, ensuring fair and constructive feedback for career growth. ● Monitor probation periods, contract renewals, and promotions to ensure smooth career progression. Compliance & HR Policy Implementation: ● Ensure compliance with labor laws, education regulations, and institutional HR policies. ● Maintain and update employee handbooks, HR policies, and workplace procedures. ● Prepare HR reports, analyze workforce data, and provide insights to support decision-making. ● Assisting with compliance in respect of BBEE and POPI . HR Administration & Record Keeping: ● Maintain confidential employee records and ensure accurate documentation of HR transactions. ● Manage HR software (Deel Local Payroll – Payspace) and systems for tracking attendance, leaves, and personnel records. ● Support HR audits and compliance checks as required by accreditation bodies and labor authorities. ● Ensure compliance with employment contracts and salary structures as per institutional policies ● Ensuring Fixed Term contracts are renewed or terminated. ● Assisting with audits, CHE and Financial Year end audits across the companies. General: ● Assisting HR / Back Office Manager with various ad hoc tasks as and when required. Working Conditions: Office-based role with regular interactions with faculty, staff, and administrators. Occasional travel for training sessions or external HR compliance meetings. Flexible work hours may be required for special HR events, orientations, or urgent employee matters. Requirements Necessary for the Job: Education: Education: ● Diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience: ● Minimum of 3–5 years in HR administration, preferably in an educational institution. ● BBBEE and POPI Compliance experience will be an advantage. Skills: ● Strong knowledge of HR best practices, labor laws, and education sector regulations. ● Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills. ● Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism. ● Proficiency in HR software, payroll systems and MS Office applications. ● Organizational and multitasking abilities to handle various HR functions efficiently. Technical Skills: ● Proficiency in Microsoft Office. ● E-Mail ● Deel Local Payroll – Payspace will be an advantage Soft Skills: ● Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Communication: Effective internal and external communication skills are essential for coordination with academic departments and support services. Competencies: Knowledge & Competencies: ● Ability to adapt to operational needs and regulatory changes. ● Proficiency in using technology to enhance institutional operations. Organisational Core Competencies: ● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.. Managerial/Leadership Competencies: ● Emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and personal development Behavioral Competencies: ● Adaptability to changing operational demands and regulatory environments. ● Commitment to enhancing the student and faculty experience.**Job Type:** Permanent**Job Location:** Johannesburg**CTC:** R180K - R204K**Industry:** Higher Education Administration