HR and Payroll Administrator

ABOUT US: African Leadership Academy (ALA) seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting a new generation of young leaders who will lead the continent towards lasting peace and shared prosperity for all. Since our inception in 2008, we have worked to lay the foundations of this audacious mission by identifying and developing a group of exceptional young leaders who will work together to shape Africa’s future.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, the HR & Payroll Administrator will play a key role in supporting HR operations, payroll administration, employee benefits, reporting, compliance, recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with employees, managers, and external service providers to ensure efficient and compliant HR service delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Coordinate the monthly payroll process with the external payroll provider.
• Ensure accurate processing of payroll inputs, including salary changes, overtime, bonuses, deductions, new hires, and terminations.
• Administer employee benefits and liaise with benefit providers.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data.
• Monitor fixed-term contracts and coordinate renewals.
• Support annual salary review and budgeting processes.

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Assistance with recruitment administration
• Prepare employment contracts and onboarding documentation.
• Coordinate onboarding and induction activities.
• Conduct pre-employment verification checks.

Compliance and Reporting

• Prepare HR reports
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation, statutory requirements, and internal policies.
• Coordinate COIDA reporting.
• Monitor employee compliance documentation, including work permits.

Employee Experience and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the first point of contact for HR-related enquiries.
• Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and service providers.
• Support employee relations processes.
• Promote a positive and values-driven employee experience.

HR Projects and Systems

• Support HR projects, change initiatives, and employee engagement activities.
• Coordinate training administration and performance management processes.
• Act as HR systems superuser.
• Manage outsourced payroll and leave administration systems.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required Education and Experience:

• Diploma or Degree in Human Resource Management or a related field.
• 5 years of general work experience with at least 2 years of experience in payroll administration and HR operations.
• Experience in processing payroll in a medium-sized organisation.
• Experience administering employee benefits, contracts, leave management, and personnel records.
• Working knowledge of South African labour legislation and payroll regulations.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience in an educational institution, NGO, or non-profit environment.
• Experience with PaySpace, TeamFlect, SimplifyHR, or similar systems.

COMPETENCIES:

Technical

• Payroll administration and statutory compliance
• HR systems and data management
• Strong analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Relationship building and customer service orientation
• High levels of integrity and confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

Generic

• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good computer skills and an ability to learn new computer programs easily.
• A proactive problem solver, collaborator, and implementer.
• Project Management skills.
• Ability to prioritise and work independently.
• Logical and rational decision-making approach.
• Attention to detail
• Able to work independently.

Attributes

• High levels of integrity and confidentiality, and emotional maturity.
• Good Interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders and staff at all levels, together with the ability to resolve conflict.
• Resilient and possesses the ability to defuse confrontation situations.
• Capacity to remain calm and work under pressure of deadlines.
• Patience, diplomacy, empathy, and flexibility when dealing with a range of situations and people.
• Self-confidence and a willingness to accept responsibility and, where required, take initiative.
• Ability and willingness to build a positive relationship with all stakeholders.
• Committed and enthusiastic.

Reports To: Head of Human Resources.

Job Location: ALA Campus, Johannesburg

Potential Start Date: 01 September 2026