About Chengelo

Chengelo School is a Christian international boarding school in rural Zambia, with Primary and Secondary sections and an Outdoor Education Centre. We educate and train young people to become witnesses to the light of Jesus Christ in Zambia and beyond.

The role

We seek an experienced HR leader to provide strategic direction and effective day-to-day management of the school’s HR function. Working closely with the Principal, school leaders, Finance and the recognised union, the successful candidate will advise on people matters, strengthen HR systems and promote fair employment practices, staff wellbeing and the school’s Christian ethos.

Key responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy, workforce planning, succession planning and the review and implementation of HR policies and conditions of service.
• Manage recruitment, safeguarding checks, onboarding, contracts, probation, renewals and employee exits across the school.
• Advise managers on employee relations, grievances and disciplinary procedures; maintain constructive union relations and support collective bargaining.
• Coordinate compensation, benefits and payroll inputs with Finance; oversee accurate records and statutory compliance, including expatriate employment and permit coordination.
• Lead performance management, staff development and employee wellbeing; coach managers and supervise the HR team.
• Prepare HR reports and analysis for leadership and Board committees; maintain confidential records, reliable HR data and effective HR systems.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management or a related field, supported by a recognised HR qualification. A relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
• Current membership of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM), in good standing, with documentary evidence.
• At least eight years of progressive HR experience, including a minimum of three years in an HR management or leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of Zambian employment and labour law, statutory obligations and practical experience managing compliance.
• Proven experience in employee relations, union engagement, recruitment, performance management, compensation and benefits, and HR policy development.
• Ability to advise senior leaders, manage sensitive cases fairly, lead a team and turn HR data into clear recommendations. Strong communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in HR information systems, Microsoft Office and Excel, with sound judgement in handling confidential staff information.
• Experience in education, a boarding environment or a multicultural organisation is an added advantage.
• A practising Christian who shares Chengelo’s vision, demonstrates integrity and will participate in the life of its rural school community.

Remuneration and benefits

Staff at Chengelo work out of a sense of calling and are paid at good local Zambian rates. Benefits include on-site accommodation, discounted school fees, a main meal during term time, local medical cover, transport home every two years and an end-of-contract gratuity, subject to the applicable conditions of service.

• Lead HR strategy, workforce planning, succession planning and the review and implementation of HR policies and conditions of service.
• Manage recruitment, safeguarding checks, onboarding, contracts, probation, renewals and employee exits across the school.
• Advise managers on employee relations, grievances and disciplinary procedures; maintain constructive union relations and support collective bargaining.
• Coordinate compensation, benefits and payroll inputs with Finance; oversee accurate records and statutory compliance, including expatriate employment and permit coordination.
• Lead performance management, staff development and employee wellbeing; coach managers and supervise the HR team.
• Prepare HR reports and analysis for leadership and Board committees; maintain confidential records, reliable HR data and effective HR systems.

• Strong working knowledge of Zambian employment and labour law
• Statutory obligations
• Practical experience managing compliance
• Employee relations
• Union engagement
• Recruitment
• Performance management
• Compensation and benefits
• HR policy development
• Ability to advise senior leaders
• Manage sensitive cases fairly
• Lead a team
• Turn HR data into clear recommendations
• Strong communication
• Negotiation
• Report-writing skills
• Proficiency in HR information systems
• Microsoft Office
• Excel
• Sound judgement in handling confidential staff information

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management or a related field, supported by a recognised HR qualification.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
• Current membership of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM), in good standing, with documentary evidence.
• At least eight years of progressive HR experience, including a minimum of three years in an HR management or leadership role.
• Experience in education, a boarding environment or a multicultural organisation is an added advantage.
• A practising Christian who shares Chengelo’s vision, demonstrates integrity and will participate in the life of its rural school community.