About the Organisation
The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation and law clinic of activist lawyers who work with communities and civil society organisations in South Africa to realise our Constitutional right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice. We seek a just, equitable, compassionate society which is resilient, celebrates diversity, and respects the inter-dependence between people and the environment.
As South Africa’s largest public interest environmental law organisation, we use our expertise and commitment to fight for environmental justice and advance the right to a healthy environment for all. We take on the big environmental battles: cases in which we can empower local communities, have an enduring impact, set powerful precedents for other cases, and help improve policy and practice across the country.
About the Job
The Human Resources Manager is a strategic leadership position responsible for driving the organisation’s people strategy, culture, and organisational development agenda. The role provides leadership across all human resource functions, ensuring that the organisation attracts, develops, supports, and retains high-performing talent while fostering a healthy, inclusive, and values-driven workplace.
As a member of the management team, the Human Resources Manager contributes to organisational strategy, institutional strengthening, compliance, risk management, and employee well-being. The role is instrumental in building a resilient organisation where people and culture are recognised as key drivers of impact, sustainability, and performance.
We welcome applicants who have a genuine interest and passion for advancing environmental and social justice, along with a commitment to the shared values of our organization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Organisational Development
Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategic objectives and priorities.
Provide strategic advice to leadership on human resources, organisational development, workforce planning, and change management.
Lead initiatives that strengthen organisational effectiveness, sustainability, and institutional resilience.
Ensure alignment between people management practices and the organisation’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
Support leadership in fostering a high-performance and mission-driven organisational culture.
Human Resources Management
Lead and oversee all human resource functions across the organisation.
Manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, staff development, succession planning, employee engagement, retention, and offboarding.
Ensure the maintenance of accurate employee records and HR systems.
Culture, Well-being, and Employee Experience
Champion organisational culture as a core pillar of staff well-being, engagement, and organisational success.
Foster a positive, inclusive, equitable, and values-driven workplace culture.
Lead initiatives that promote employee well-being, psychological safety, collaboration, and belonging.
Policy Development and Compliance
Lead the development, review, and implementation of human resource policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Ensure compliance with labour laws, employment regulations, and organisational policies.
Coordinate regular reviews of HR policies and ensure they remain current and aligned with legal and organisational requirements.
Risk Management and Governance
Identify and manage people-related risks, including legal, operational, health and safety, and reputational risks.
Develop and implement mitigation measures to support organisational compliance and good governance.
Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and organisational reporting requirements.
Financial and Resource Management
Develop and manage the departmental budget.
Monitor departmental expenditure and ensure effective utilisation of resources.
Contribute to organisational budgeting, planning, and resource allocation processes.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Support the development and maintenance of strategic relationships with donors, partners, and key stakeholders.
Represent the organisation in relevant forums and networks related to human resources, organisational development, and people management.
Contribute to organisational initiatives that strengthen partnerships, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Administration, Organisational Development, or a related field. (We will consider other relevant or appropriate qualifications)
A postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Organisational Development, Leadership, or a related discipline is an added advantage.
A minimum of 5 years’ working experience as HR manager or other HR management role.
Demonstrated experience in developing HR strategies, policies, and organisational culture initiatives.
Strong knowledge of labour legislation, employment practices, and compliance requirements.
Experience managing employee relations, performance management, and organisational change processes.
Experience in the non-profit, development, research, or civil society sector is desirable
Skills and Competencies
Strategic leadership and decision-making skills.
Strong people management and coaching abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and spoken English, additional South African languages an advantage
Proficient in MS Office suite and use of technology and other office & computer systems
High emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
Strong policy development and implementation experience.
Budgeting and financial management skills.
Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and drive organisational change.
A sensitivity to social issues and the needs of communities impacted by environmental degradation and injustice.
A commitment to diversity, inclusion and transformation
To apply
The salary range for the position is between R 689 740 – R770 886 (total cost to company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate. The salary package includes medical aid and pension subsidies.
At CER we value health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. We therefore offer other benefits including generous leave, wellness and psychosocial support, and study support.
To apply, email your application (completed AA bio form, one page motivation letter and updated CV) [all in MS Word format]) by Friday, 31st July 2026 to [email protected]
More Information
- Job City Cape Town, Johannesburg, South Africa
