Human Resources Specialists

Corporate Recruiter

Employment Representative

HR Analyst (Human Resources Analyst)

HR Coordinator (Human Resources Coordinator)

HR Generalist (Human Resources Generalist)

Human Resources Representative (HR Rep)

Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)

Personnel Analyst

Personnel Officer

Recruiter

What is a Human Resources Specialist?

A Human Resources Specialist is a professional responsible for various aspects of an organization’s human resources functions, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, compliance with labor laws, and the management of employee benefits. They serve as a vital link between management and employees, ensuring that the workplace is productive and aligned with organizational goals. These specialists are involved in developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures that foster effective workplace environments. Their work may also encompass conducting training sessions, organizing employee evaluations, and analyzing staff performance to help shape workforce management strategies. In essence, Human Resources Specialists play a critical role in guiding organizations through the complexities of labor relations while ensuring a respectful, equitable, and compliant work atmosphere.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$42900.0 - $121800.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.

Technology Skills

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Data base user interface and query software
Human resources software
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Graphics or photo imaging software

Tools Used

Photocopiers
- Photocopying equipment
Scanners
- Computer scanners
Video conference cameras
- Web conferencing cameras
Notebook computers
- Laptop computers
Inkjet printers
- Office inkjet printers

Knowledge

Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

12 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R29,147pm

How to know if you are ready to be a Human Resources Specialists in South Africa

Entering the field of Human Resources in South Africa requires a unique blend of emotional intelligence, legal knowledge, and administrative precision. As the bridge between management and employees, a Specialist ensures that a company’s most valuable asset—its people—is managed effectively within the framework of South African labor laws. However, the current market is highly competitive; presently, there are only 11 active jobs available in the South African market, with an average salary sitting at R5,637 per month for entry-level or junior specialist roles. To succeed, you must be certain that this career path aligns with both your personality and your professional goals.

Is Human Resources Specialists Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to the qualifications, evaluate your natural inclinations. An HR Specialist must balance empathy with firm adherence to policy. Use the following checklist to determine if you possess the core traits required for this role:

High Ethical Standards: Do you have the integrity to handle sensitive employee data and confidential company information?
Conflict Resolution Skills: Are you able to remain neutral and objective when mediating disputes between colleagues?
Attention to Detail: Can you manage complex contracts and payroll data without making errors?
Interpersonal Sensitivity: Do you possess the "people skills" to support employees through personal or professional crises?
Resilience: Are you comfortable delivering difficult news, such as disciplinary actions or retrenchment notices?
Cultural Competence: Can you navigate the diverse socio-economic and cultural landscape of the South African workforce?

Day in the Life of a South African Human Resources Specialists

Your day typically begins at 08:00 within a corporate office environment. The morning is often dedicated to administrative compliance—reviewing Employment Equity (EE) reports or updating Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) documentation to ensure the company meets national standards. You might spend an hour screening CVs for a niche role, mindful that with only 11 active jobs currently advertised nationwide, the volume of applicants for any position you post will be significant.

Mid-day often involves "people work." This could mean sitting in on a disciplinary hearing as a representative for fair procedure, or meeting with a Department Head to discuss talent retention strategies. You aren't just filing papers; you are interpreting the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA) in real-time. By the afternoon, your focus shifts to employee wellness or training coordination, ensuring that the R5,637pm average entry-level budget for junior staff is being utilized effectively to foster growth and productivity within the organization.

Required Skills vs. Your Skills

Success in HR requires a dual-threat skill set. You must bridge the gap between technical "hard" skills and the "soft" skills necessary for human connection.

Technical (Required Skills)	Personal (Your Skills)
Labor Law Knowledge: Deep understanding of the LRA, BCEA, and EE Act.	Communication: The ability to explain complex policies in simple, empathetic terms.
HRIS Proficiency: Experience with software like SAP, Sage VIP, or Workday.	Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Reading the room and understanding the "why" behind employee behavior.
Data Analysis: Ability to track turnover rates and recruitment costs.	Problem Solving: Finding creative solutions to staffing shortages or morale issues.
Payroll Administration: Understanding tax brackets, UIF, and SDL deductions.	Discretion: Maintaining an absolute "vault" mentality regarding private information.

Education needed in South Africa

To be recognized as a professional HR Specialist in South Africa, formal education is non-negotiable. Most employers look for candidates who are registered (or eligible for registration) with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP).

Typical educational pathways include:

Bachelor’s Degree: A BCom in Human Resource Management or a BA in Industrial Psychology is the gold standard. Leading institutions include the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Pretoria (UP), and Wits.
Diplomas: A National Diploma in Human Resources Management (NQF Level 6) from a University of Technology like CPUT or TUT provides a practical, hands-on entry point.
Postgraduate Study: An Honours degree is frequently required for "Specialist" designations, focusing on advanced labor law or organizational development.
Distance Learning: UNISA offers comprehensive HR programs that are widely respected by South African recruiters and allow for working while studying.

While the current market data shows a modest starting salary of R5,637pm for certain roles, those who invest in their education and gain specialized skills in labor relations or psychometric testing often see significant salary growth as they move into senior management tiers.

Skills

Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

47 %

Work Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Detailed Work Activities

Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Administer personnel recruitment or hiring activities.
Update knowledge of legal or regulatory environments.
Administer compensation or benefits programs.
Perform human resources activities.

Work Interests

Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.