LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICER: EEA AND PSA EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (X21 POSTS)

This role is a Labour Relations Officer position within the Education District Office of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, focusing specifically on Employee Relations matters pertaining to the Employment of Educators Act (EEA) and the Public Service Act (PSA). There are twenty-one posts available across various district offices, including Alfred Nzo East and West, Amathole East and West, Buffalo City Metro, Chris Hani East and West, Nelson Mandela Bay, Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo Coastal and Inland, and Sarah Baartman. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive labour relations support to the department, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and fostering a harmonious working environment within the education sector.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification at NQF level 6 in Labour Relations, Labour Law, Human Resources Management, or Industrial Relations, coupled with a minimum of two to three years of practical experience in a labour relations or labour law environment. A valid driver's licence is essential. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of key legislation, including the Labour Relations Act, the Employment of Educators Act, the Public Service Act, and the Public Service Regulations, as well as other pertinent employment legislation and policies. Knowledge of the education sector will be a distinct advantage.

The core duties involve handling misconduct cases from inception to conclusion, conducting thorough investigations, and compiling detailed reports. The officer will facilitate grievance procedures, investigate grievances received, and identify findings and recommendations. They will provide expert advice and development on labour relations matters, handle dispute cases effectively, and facilitate the resolution of disputes. A significant responsibility is drafting submissions for mandates and representing the employer in disciplinary hearings, ensuring procedural and substantive fairness throughout.

The ideal candidate will possess strong verbal and written communication skills, strategic planning and leadership abilities, and excellent presentation and facilitation skills. Report writing, people management, monitoring and evaluation, negotiation, and conflict resolution are critical. A customer-focused approach and computer literacy are also required. The position is graded at Level 07.

The department is committed to Employment Equity Affirmative Action Measures, with targets for race and gender representation adhered to. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial, qualification, and previous employment verification. They will also be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of twelve or twenty-four months. Applications are submitted via the provincial e-recruitment system, requiring a fully completed Z83 form and a detailed CV, with certified copies of qualifications only required for shortlisted candidates. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those not contacted within six months should consider their application unsuccessful.