Partner - Employee Relations Corporate Services at MTN

RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Deliverables
The Partner: Employee Relations will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:
Role Attributes

• Support the Senior Manager in continually developing a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working
• Support open communication channels across the Human Resources function and implement change management interventions where necessary
• Encourage knowledge transfer through the implementation of a knowledge transfer plan and drive Employee Relations philosophy through the knowledge transfer plan
• Promote a ‘MTN centric’ and ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to MTN SA and MTN Group governance
• Governance
• Escalations
• Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource impact
• Provide input to solutions to escalations that have multiple processes / functions impact on critical path of service delivery

Reporting

• Report on a regular basis to the Senior Manager: Employee Relations relating to progress made within the function and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organisation
• Report on an ad hoc basis on specific projects, as required

Employee Relations:

• Support the development of ER policies and procedures for MTN SA
• Coordinate the identification of opportunities for improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the employee relations practices and administration in MTN SA
• Manager implementation of terminations, re-deployments and changes to workforce are administered in a fair and effective manner, in compliance with the local regulations and legal requirements
• Administer the management of appeals raised by employees on disagreements with the sanctions or decisions issued as an outcome of disciplinary actions, grievances, performance related concerns etc
• Liaise with Senior Manager Employee Relations/Employee Relations Consultant on advice from Legal and Compensation and Benefits teams to finalize retrenchments/termination procedures where applicable
• Support the labour relations collective bargaining framework, processes, policies and procedures such as wage negotiations, dispute management, trade union management, strikes, etc.
• Manage the relevant risks and mitigation actions in minimizing possible unfavourable impact to the company reputation
• Ensure the implementation of related processes, policies and guidelines that not only meet legal obligations but to ensure the processes are aligned to MTN Group mandate
• Assist Senior Manager and Consultant Employee Relations with preparations for training to be conducted for HR Partners, Operations and line managers
• Support the training and communication of ER related process policies and guidelines to HR Partners, Operations and Line Managers
• Provide advice on ER issues in line with SA law and regulations, company policy and previous precedents set, taking account of relevant business objectives/imperatives and industry best practice, in order to minimize legal risks
• Continually check for effectiveness and compliance with ER and legislative guidelines within the role
• Provide timely solutions for non-compliance issues as per delegated authorities
• Provide input to business cases for initiations proposed by the business. Research and consider best practice, local conditions, trends, as well as competitor activity
• Support MTN Group to rollout Employee Relations related surveys and benchmarking
• Facilitate and where required chair the disciplinary hearings, grievances, and appeal hearings of a complex nature
• Conduct all Employee Relations related processes in a manner that upholds integrity and all other good governance principles
• Ensure that Employee Relations solutions provided fall within the legislative framework that enable the creation and sustainability of a highly motivating and harmonious working environment
• Proactively take steps to assist the Employee Relations team mitigate employee relations disputes and problems through providing effective and relevant training, awareness, meaningful and practical solutions and communications. Strive to empower all to behave appropriately and take correct decisions

Administration:

• Generate reports relating to ER matters conducted
• Maintain the integrity of files so that all information is present and correct
• Complete file notes with regard to all telephone conversations and other interactions with clients
• Ensure compliance to respective internal policies, SLAs and with regulatory requirements
• Manage documentation and closure of all cases, proceedings and actions in adherence to company and regulatory policies

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

• Minimum of 3-year tertiary degree (specialization in Labour Relations / Labour Law / Human Resources as appropriate)

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in Employee Relations domain with extensive exposure to labour relations
• Experience in Telecom Business will be advantageous

Competencies:

• Functional knowledge
• SA Labour Legislation (BEAC, EEA, OHSA, COIDA, Skills Development Act) etc.
• Business Culture and Practices
• HR policies and procedures