EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SPECIALIST – NAMIBIAN PORTS AUTHORITY

NAMPORT is a leading strategic and dynamic institution facilitating trade for national development. We are unique in our trade and operate in a highly competitive global sphere. Opportunities are available for creative and high potential individuals who have the zeal to learn, grow, and contribute in a high-performing environment. As a reputable Employer of choice, we offer competitive rewards and prospects in return.

Our vision is to be the best performing seaports in Africa. If you resonate with our vision and have the right attitude; we encourage you to apply for the following position:

DEPARTMENT: HUMAN CAPITAL
LOCATION: PORT OF WALVIS BAY
JOB GRADE: 07

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
To promote positive employee relations and facilitate an organisational culture of high performance and discipline through the delivery of a robust Corporate Employee Relations Strategy. The role is further accountable for the provision of high quality and comprehensive employee relations advice and services to all relevant stakeholders for organisational success. The position operates at an experienced specialist level of work and reports directly to the Manager: Remunerations & Employee Relations.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
• Partake in the development, review and monitoring of the Human Capital (HC) plans, programmes, projects and interventions for organisational performance and success.
• Develop and lead the implementation of employee relations strategies and programs that support the company’s objectives and foster positive working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Develop, review and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines for employee relations, including collective bargaining agreements, discipline, and dispute resolution.
• Account for the effective management of all employee relations cases within Namport at all levels of the organisation and advice management accordingly to reduce time and costs spent on employee relations.
• Contribute to a positive employee experience and workplace harmony through effective, fair and consistent management of discipline and grievances, disputes, and complaints and account for effective process management.
• Develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with internal stakeholders (i.e. employees, shop stewards and management) and external stakeholders (i.e. trade unions, government authorities, and legal counsel) to minimise labour disagreements and associated costs.
• Provide advice and support to employees, shop stewards and management on matters related to employee relations, employment laws, and HC policies.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in collective bargaining negotiations and related employee relations activities to ensure favourable outcome for the organization.
• Research, analyse information and data necessary to define and discern cost and policy implications of negotiations and disputes. This may include management and union proposals, pay scales and wages, benefits, working conditions, and other mitigating circumstances.
• Collaborate with the Legal Advisory function on all conciliation and arbitration matters, ensuring thorough case management.
• Plan, conduct and (where applicable) guide and oversee investigations into employee misconduct or violations of company policies and make relevant recommendations to management.
• Monitor, analyse and report on employee relations data and trends, identify potential risks and develop risk mitigating strategies to address them.
• Develop and deliver capacity development programs for line management on effective employee relations practices and procedures and facilitate continuous workplace awareness.
This include specific interventions for the role-players in disciplinary proceedings, i.e. chairpersons, initiators and investigators.
• Facilitate and enforce compliance with applicable policies, procedures, labour laws, regulations, and industry standards.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
• Honours Degree [NQF Level 8] in Human Resources, Employee/ Industrial/ Labour Relations, Labour Law, Industrial Psychology, or equivalent.
• A minimum of six (6) years relevant professional experience in employee/ industrial relations, of which two (2) year should have been in a highly unionised work environment at a specialised and/or supervisory level.
• Postgraduate qualification/ Certification in Labour Law, Arbitration/ Conciliation, or equivalent, will be an added advantage.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of employee relations practices, employment laws and regulations and the shifting needs of employees, coupled with superior application experience and correct interpretation thereof.
• Superior ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a proven track record of negotiating bargaining agreements and other labour relations activities as well as in interacting with trade unions, maintaining transparency and securing common ground within reasonable time.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving ability in navigating complex labour relations matters and developing mitigating strategies and solutions.
• Must be influential with well-developed the emotional intelligence, conflict mediation and resolution ability in fostering a harmonious work environment and resolve disputes effectively.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial and/ or confrontational situations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure compliance and prevent disputes.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply and will be given preference.