The Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the Employee Relations Strategy and must provide Employee Relations advisory expertise to the line managers within business. The ER Specialist must ensure effective implementation of Employee Relations frameworks, agreements and practices of the Group and must drive the creation of a harmonious working environment. Responsible for driving the implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the business.
Job Summary
- Employer: AECI Corporate
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Human Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-10-13
Key Responsibilities
- Stay up to date and ensure compliance with the latest amendments to the Employment law (labour, diversity and workplace transformation related legislation), which is constantly changing.
- Must be able to interpret, advise and apply employment legislation and ensure alignment to workplace transformation best practices.
- Execute and implement Employee Relations initiatives in support of HR strategy and ensure alignment between HR and ER initiatives across the Group.
- Act as a custodian of the Employee Relations and Human Capital policies and best practice programmes.
- Provide guidance and support to business line managers matters in line with respective legislation.
- Lead the Group in various countries of operations in plant wage negotiations.
- Ensure that collective agreements are aligned with in-country legislation and the Group’s values.
- Manage dispute resolution process in business area.
- Serve as an advisor to the HC Fraternity on all ER matters and ensure that equitable and pragmatic resolutions to disputes and major industrial issues are achieved by exercising sound judgment based on relevant knowledge, experience and competence.
- Empower, guide and advise line management and HR Partners on the resolution of employee problems, including incapacity, grievances, workplace disputes, etc.
- Strike / Protest action management in the relevant business area.
- Appropriately support the business through consultation and by providing advice and guidance on ER processes.
- Advise line management and HR Partners on relevant amendments to various in-country labour legislation and on the operation of legal awards and agreements.
- Design, develop and implement workplace forums, programs and activities aimed at improving relations between management, employees and organised labour.
- Initiate training programs and/or forums aimed at improving line management, HR Partners and Shop Stewards ER knowledge and the quality of labour relations.
- Maintain industry and business form involvement in order to protect and foster the interests of the AECI Group.
- Engage and participate in all business area related in union negotiations, consultations, engagement and information sharing.
- Ensure a robust and healthy working relationship with the recognized union representatives in the relevant business areas.
- Provide regular employee relations training and development opportunities to union representatives to ensure effective workplace harmony and stability.
- Manage and/or coordinate the dispute resolution function for the business at all Mediation, Conciliations, Arbitration.
- Ensure effective legal representation is sourced for all Labour Court applications / litigation proceedings impacting on the business area.
- Lead the implementation and embedment of the Performance Enhancement policy and practices across the organisation.
- Ensure the cascading of the Performance targets down to the lowest level within organisation and ensure appropriate performance contracting that will roll up and deliver on Strategic objectives.
- Enable and support line managers with the conducting of performance reviews and management of feedback to employees.
- Report of the Performance Enhancement process and implement actions to support and drive a high-performance culture across the Group.
Requirements
- Minimum: Relevant Bachelor’s degree preferably in Employee / Labour relations, Human Resources or related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Employee Relations with a solid record of accomplishment in problem solving at operational tactical and strategic level.
- Proven experience in labour relations, mediation, arbitration and litigation.
- Proven experience in working with Unions, and dispute resolution at all levels.
- Planning and organizing
- Negotiating agreements
- Conflict resolution
- MS Office
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Stakeholder management
- Creative and innovating
- Numerical and Mathematical
- Adhering to principles and values
- Relating and networking
- Persuading and influencing
- Presenting and communication information
- Deciding and initiating action
- Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
- Coping with pressures and setbacks
- Working with people
- Following instructions and procedures
How to Apply
REF Code: 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Employee Relations Specialist role in Botswana?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, or Labour Relations from institutions like the University of Botswana or BIUST. Professional certifications such as those from the Botswana Institute of Human Resource Management (BIHRM) or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) are highly valued. Experience with Botswana's labour laws, including the Employment Act and Trade Disputes Act, is essential.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of an Employee Relations Specialist in Botswana?
Daily tasks include handling employee grievances, mediating workplace disputes, advising managers on disciplinary procedures, and ensuring compliance with local labour regulations. You will also draft workplace policies, conduct investigations into misconduct, and facilitate communication between staff and management. Regular interaction with trade unions and the Department of Labour is common in unionized environments.
How does local work culture in Botswana affect the Employee Relations Specialist role?
Botswana's work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and consensus-building, so conflict resolution requires diplomatic communication and patience. Relationships and personal connections (botho) matter significantly, making face-to-face engagement preferred over purely formal processes. Understanding Setswana cultural nuances and community dynamics helps in building trust with diverse workforces across mining, corporate, and public sectors.
What career progression opportunities exist for Employee Relations Specialists in Botswana?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Employee Relations Manager, HR Business Partner, or Head of HR roles within large corporations or government parastatals. Specializing in industrial relations or labour law can lead to consultancy opportunities or positions with employer federations like BOCCIM. Further studies such as an MBA or Master's in Labour Relations from regional institutions enhance promotion prospects.
What typical benefits should I expect in an Employee Relations Specialist position in Botswana?
Standard benefits usually include paid annual leave of 15-25 days, medical aid coverage (often extending to dependents), and pension contributions through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes. Larger employers may offer housing allowances, performance bonuses, and professional development support. Always verify specific benefits during the offer stage as packages vary significantly between public and private sector employers.
How should I apply for Employee Relations Specialist roles in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize?
Apply through company career portals, recruitment agencies like HRMC or CareerPool Botswana, and professional networks such as BIHRM. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with Botswana labour law, strong mediation skills, and fluency in English and Setswana. Tailor your CV to highlight specific case resolutions and policy implementations, and prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on conflict scenarios.
