Readvertisement: HR Officer (3 year contract)

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 424,000 - 570,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University's Division of People and Culture invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the HR Officer (3-year contract) role. The successful candidate will support Senior HR Practitioners and the Recruitment Partner, delivering professional HR administration and basic services across units.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in Industrial Psychology or HR with about three years’ experience, including HR administration and HR IT systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in Industrial Psychology or HR with about three years’ relevant experience.
• Experience in HR administration and implementing electronic administrative systems.
• Experience in a high-volume, pressurised environment with a large staff (min 1000 employees).
• Higher Education sector experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior HR Practitioners and Recruitment Partner in providing a professional HR service.
• Execute HR administrative tasks and basic HR services across units.
• Work across units under the Managers: Recruitment and Staffing and Senior Manager: Recruitment and Staffing.
• Contribute to high-quality service delivery.

Skills

HR administration

HR IT systems

Service delivery

Education

Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in Industrial Psychology or HR

Tools

HR information system

Job description

Division of People and Culture

The Division of People and Culture is inviting suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

HR Officer (3 yearcontract)

Division of People and Culture is inviting suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

To support the Senior HR Practitioners and the Recruitment Partner in providing a valued and professional HR service, specifically through the execution of excellent HR administrative and basic HR professional services. The HR Officer and the Senior HR Practitioner will operate across units. These units report to the Managers: Recruitment and Staffing, who in turn report to the Senior Manager: Recruitment and Staffing.

The Requirement

A Bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) with a major preferably in Industrial Psychology or Human Resources, plus approximately three years’ relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• Administration with a strong focus on implementing electronic administrative systems and processes.
• At least one year of experience in HR administration within an environment utilising an HR information technology system.
• Implementing structures, systems, and processes to ensure service delivery of a high quality that is valued by others.
• Exposure to most, if not all, areas of HR (for example, Recruitment and Selection, Employee Relations, Training and Development, Remuneration, Performance Management, HR IT systems, and Well-being) will be a considerable advantage.
• At least 24 months of experience in a pressurised, high-volume administrative environment, dealing with a large staff complement (minimum of 1000 employees).
• Previous experience within the Higher Education sector will be an advantage

Selection Process (provisional Date, Subject To Change)

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for 14 September 2026
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade 11)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R424 059

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R569 518

Closing Date

19 October 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These Values Are

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.