(related titles: personnel officer, staff officer, equal employment opportunities officer)
JOB DESCRIPTION
A human resources officer helps to look after staff welfare
and may specialise in one of the following areas: recruitment,
compensation and benefits, occupational health and safety,
training and development.
MAIN TASKS
assists in preparing the payroll and banking in employees’ monthly pay
writes job descriptions
advertises available jobs
may help shortlist and interview people for jobs
assists in managing the recruitment area of the company website
assists in staff appraisal exercises
assists in staff training and development programmes
talks to staff about personal or work problems
mediates in workplace disputes
may be involved in the implementation of human resources information systems
may be involved in long-term strategic human resources planning and policy
PREFERRED PERSONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
Human Resources officers must genuinely be concerned about
peoples’ welfare. They must understand how employees contribute
to an organisation’s success and be able to contribute to
strategies to retain and develop these employees. On a day
to day basis, they should have good people and communication
skills. Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills are
also important. An eye for detail, a meticulous work ethic,
and good time-planning help in juggling the multiple and
often administrative tasks that a human resources officer
must handle. In most organisations, it is essential that
the human resources officers are computer literate and manage
minor projects. Last but not least, a cheerful disposition
and a keen interest in keeping up with the latest HR developments
helps.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Corporations usually prefer graduates who have specialised
in human resources, psychology or industrial relations.
In smaller firms, a diploma or certificate in business or
administration may suffice. If one wishes to work one’s
way up to be involved in Strategic HR issues, an MBA or
any business related Masters degree is usually required.