Job Ref #: GCHRO2026
Industry: Human Resources
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for a Group Chief Human Resource Officer to be part of The Aurum Institute NPC (GROUP) from 2027, and you are invited to apply should you meet the requirements for the position.

 THE KEY OBJECTIVES ARE THE FOLLOWING:

The G-CHRO develops and leads Human Resource strategy, policy, systems and practices across the Aurum Group that will provide an employee-oriented, high-performance culture that emphasises empowerment, quality, productivity, standards, goal attainment, and the recruitment and ongoing development of a superior workforce. This strategy must be aligned to the Aurum Group business strategy and transformation plan and comply with the appropriate legislation in the jurisdictions in which Aurum operates.

The G-CHRO serves as a strategic business partner, working directly with leaders and staff across the organisation.  The focus is to build Human Resources capacity and capability while providing hands-on operational Human Resources support to Country teams.

The G-CHRO coordinates the implementation of the full Human Resources suite, including transactional and support services, policies, systems and programs through Human Resource staff at the Group level and in-country. The G-CHRO reports to the Group CEO and serves on the Group executive management team and assists and advises executives and country directors on HR issues.

THE JOB WILL BE TO:

• Support and assist in the development of strategic plans, setting goals, developing an operational framework to execute strategy, and designing or developing new Group systems that support the company's vision, values, and long-term objectives.
• Undertake abstract, conceptual and comparative analysis of Human Resource management and specialist information across the Group, test propositions, identify and connect related and apparently unrelated variables and develop high-level reports for strategic decision making.
• Proactive identification of interconnected operational problems, of which the causes are often ambiguous and uncertain, and the solutions are diversified.  Model alternative solutions and update operational frameworks.
• Determine Human Resource related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, interpret changing social and organisational environments, and design or develop the Human Resource components of new Group entities and systems.
• Support implementation of strategic sourcing to meet the needs of planned or pending grants.
• Integrate and assign Human Resources across multiple operating units/entities, identify gaps in resources available, and take appropriate action to ensure optimum utilisation of Group resources through reallocation and setting operational specifications.
• Exemplary understanding of country-specific labour laws and regulations, and monitoring and ensuring compliance with these requirements and mitigating Human Resources-related risks for the organisation.
• Detailed budgeting for efficient and effective Human Resource operations by translating strategic objectives into goals with specific output and targets, monitoring and tracking expenditure, and maximising cost-benefit ratios.
• Leading Human Resources analytics and reporting, providing insights to guide decision-making and improve Human Resources processes, with specific emphasis on AI adoption.
• Planning for and implementing strategic and operational changes in Human Resources processes or systems, specifying the priorities of operations and resource inputs needed and establishing metrics to monitor effectiveness.
• Ensuring talent management, succession planning and mentoring programs for the human resource capacity of the Group, especially with respect to senior executives and specialist technical staff.
• Designing and executing employee engagement programmes, ensuring a positive work environment and a strong company culture
• Playing an active part in the Group Executive leadership team of the Aurum Institute
• Contributing to the maintenance of an exemplary, auditable governance, risk and compliance environment across the Aurum Group

Job Requirements

Education

• Have a post-graduate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field at NOF level 9

  Advantageous

• Master's degree or relevant certifications, Relevant Human Resource/business qualification at NQF level 9 (e.g., MBA, MPA)

Experience

• Experience
• Proven experience in senior Human Resources leadership roles, with a track record of successfully implementing and managing Human Resources strategies and initiatives.
• At least fifteen (15) years’ experience in a similar environment, five (5) years in a senior executive management role.
• Management of strategic change programmes.
• Implementation of country-specific requirements for Employment and Labour Law, Occupational Health and Safety, and applicable South African law on SDA, UIA, EEA, BBBEE, COIDA,
• Human Resources Corporate Governance and Risk.
• Solid knowledge of the Global Health programme and research industry
• Experience working in multiple African countries, with knowledge of employment legislation and best practices in those countries, is desirable
• Strong professional Human Resources network

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to the Aurum Institute Covenant, Vision, Mission and Values
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Human Resources-related processes and technology
• Understanding of leadership dynamics and the key drivers of organisational culture
• Able to navigate a complex organisation in strategic transition, bringing a flexible attitude and growth mindset
• General business knowledge and understanding
• Systems thinking
• Excellent people-management/leadership skills
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Advanced computer skills 
• Able to travel across Africa and internationally