Senior HR Practitioner - 3 year contract

Rhodes University; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 631,000 - 827,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University in South Africa is seeking a Senior HR Practitioner for a 3-year fixed-term contract (renewable subject to funding). The role sits in the Recruitment and Staffing section within the People and Culture Division, responsible for delivering high-quality HR services to Faculties and Divisions.

The post requires a degree in HR or I/O Psychology, about 6 years in HR, extensive recruitment experience, and leadership in a high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• A relevant B. Degree (NQF Level 7) plus approximately 6 years’ relevant HR experience.
• Extensive recruitment and selection experience across levels.
• Experience across HR functions (HR Admin, IR, Training, Remuneration, Performance).
• Management experience or accredited management development certificate (NQF 7).
• Experience with HR information systems.
• Ability to develop structures and processes for high-quality service delivery.
• Experience in a high-volume staff environment (≥500).
• HER within Higher Education is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HR services to Faculties/Divisions in Recruitment and Staffing.
• Contribute to policy and process development for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead and support HR activities within the unit and division.
• Support HR IT systems and data accuracy for reporting.

Skills

Recruitment

HR Administration

Industrial Relations

Training and Development

Remuneration

Performance Management

HR IT systems

Well-being

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in HR or I/O Psychology

Tools

HRIS

Job description

Senior HR Practitioner (Grade 14) 3-year fixed-term contract (may be renewable depending on the availability of funding)

People and Culture Division

The People and Culture Division invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

As the line manager of the relevant unit, the Senior HR Practitioner and the unit team are required to offer a professional and valued HR service to the relevant Faculties and/or Divisions. Within the Recruitment and Staffing Section, the individual is also expected to contribute to the development of best practices, policies, and processes that enable and drive increased long-term efficiency and effectiveness of staff within the relevant Faculties/Divisions.

The HR Officer and the Senior HR Practitioner will operate in a unit. These units are in the Recruitment and Staffing Section. The Recruitment and Staffing section is within the P&C Division.

Requirements

A relevant B. Degree (preferably in Industrial/Organisational Psychology or Human Resources - NQF Level 7) plus approximately 6 years’ relevant experience where such experience includes:

• Approximately 6 years of intense recruitment and selection experience at all levels within or for an organisation. Experience using recruitment software will be a distinct advantage.
• Some experience in most, if not all, areas of HR (for example, HR Administration, Industrial Relations, Training and Development, Remuneration, Performance Management, HR IT systems, and Well-being).
• At least one year of management experience or have an accredited management Development Program Certificate of Competence at the NQF level 7.
• Must have used and/or be familiar with HR information technology systems.
• Assisting with the development of structures, systems, and processes to ensure service delivery of a high quality that is valued by others.
• At least 24 months of experience in a pressurised, complex, and high-volume people management environment, dealing with a large staff complement (minimum of 500 employees).
• Previous experience within the Higher Education sector will be an advantage.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change)

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the 9 November 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 14)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R631 442

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R827 312

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 12 October 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received.

If you are not contacted within 30 days of 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 that 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 underpin 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.