Human Resource & Administration Manager - International School of Lusaka (ISL)

About the Company

The International School of Lusaka (ISL) is a leading international school established in 1963, committed to providing high-quality education in a diverse and inclusive learning environment. ISL is seeking an accomplished and experienced Human Resource & Administration Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across the School's human resource and administrative functions.

Reporting to the Head of School, this senior leadership position requires an experienced HR generalist capable of leading an organization-wide HR function within a multifaceted operating environment.

About the Role

The Human Resource & Administration Manager will oversee the School's human resource strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and administrative services. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to develop a high-performing, professional, and inclusive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resource Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the School's strategic priorities.

• Serve as the principal HR adviser to the Head of School and senior leadership.

• Provide advice on workforce planning, organizational design, employee relations, employment risk, and compliance.

• Lead and develop HR and administrative personnel while promoting a professional and accountable workplace culture.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Lead investigations, disciplinary proceedings, grievances, appeals, and performance management processes.

• Develop, review, and ensure consistent implementation of HR policies, Conditions of Service, and supporting procedures.

• Lead recruitment, safer recruitment compliance, onboarding, probation, succession planning, performance management, and offboarding.

• Provide leadership on employment contracts, payroll and benefits coordination, leave administration, insurance arrangements, employee records, and HR reporting.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Zambian employment legislation, safeguarding standards, professional requirements, and School policies.

• Oversee assigned administrative and support-service functions, including statutory requirements and operational coordination.

• Utilize workforce data and HR systems to improve planning, decision-making, and service delivery.

• Prepare high-quality reports and recommendations for senior leadership and the School Board.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Organizational Psychology, or another directly relevant discipline.

• Applicants with degrees in other fields must possess a recognized postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management.

• Current membership with the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) and a valid practicing certificate.

Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• At least 10 years' progressive Human Resource generalist experience.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a substantive HR management or senior leadership role with organization-wide HR responsibility.

• At least 3 years' demonstrated experience leading and developing HR personnel and multidisciplinary administrative teams.

• Significant experience advising executive leadership on employee relations, organizational development, and employment compliance.

• Proven responsibility for performance management.

• Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, recruitment, remuneration and benefits, HR reporting, policy development, and organizational development.

• Experience working in a multicultural environment will be an added advantage.

• A relevant Master's Degree will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of Zambian employment legislation and contemporary HR practices.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills.

• Strong organizational planning and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to prepare policies, executive reports, formal correspondence, and strategic recommendations.

• High ethical standards, professionalism, and integrity.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a complex organizational environment.

What the School Offers

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to:

• Join one of Zambia's leading international schools.

• Work within a multicultural and inclusive educational environment.

• Lead strategic HR initiatives that support educational excellence.

• Contribute to the development of a high-performing and supportive workplace culture.

Application Method

Interested candidates should combine all application documents into a single PDF and submit:

• Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the essential requirements, including:

  • Total years of HR generalist experience.

  • Years served in a substantive management role.

  • Size of workforce or teams previously led.

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications.

• Evidence of current ZIHRM membership and valid practicing certificate.

• Contact details for three (3) professional referees, including a current or most recent direct supervisor (referees will only be contacted with the applicant's consent).

Safeguarding Notice

The International School of Lusaka is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. Successful applicants will be required to undergo thorough background checks and provide professional references. All staff are expected to uphold the School's safeguarding policies and contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.

Job Summary

Employer: International School of Lusaka (ISL)
Position: Human Resource & Administration Manager
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Education / Human Resources & Administration