Gauteng: IR Co-ordinator posted by Signa Opportunity

The IR Coordinator Intern will provide administrative and operational support within the Industrial Relations function. This internship is intended to develop a junior employee into a capable IR practitioner through structured exposure, practical workplace experience, and ongoing training. The intern will assist with document control, filing, investigations, drafting, case preparation, conciliations, hearings, and selected junior matters at the CCMA or Bargaining Council under supervision.

The role requires a person who is organised, professional, eager to learn, and able to work with confidential and sensitive employee relations matters. Over time, and after appropriate training, the intern will be developed to handle more complex IR responsibilities independently.

Key Responsibilities:
Industrial Relations Administration and Coordination

• Assist with the day to day administration of IR matters across client sites and internal matters.
• Maintain accurate filing systems for all IR related documents, including warnings, notices, suspensions, dismissals, outcomes, settlement agreements, certificates of outcome, and case correspondence.
• Ensure all employee relations records are properly filed, updated, and easily retrievable.
• Track important case dates, hearing dates, conciliation dates, and deadlines.
• Communicate case updates, hearing notices, outcomes, and procedural requirements to relevant parties.
• Maintain confidentiality and proper control of sensitive employee and client information.

Bundles and Document Preparation

• Prepare disciplinary, grievance, incapacity, and retrenchment bundles.
• Collate, sort, index, paginate, copy, scan, and bind case documents and hearing packs
• Prepare bundles for conciliation, arbitration, disciplinary hearings, and consultations.
• Ensure all supporting documents, witness statements, evidence, and notices are included in the correct order.
• Assist in preparing client files and case packs for submission or presentation at the CCMA or Bargaining Council.

Investigations and Case Support

• Assist with workplace investigations into misconduct, poor performance, absenteeism, and related labour matters.
• Take statements from complainants, witnesses, and affected employees under guidance.
• Collect, organise, and summarise documentary evidence relevant to investigations.
• Assist in preparing investigation reports and recommendations for management review.
• Support senior IR staff with fact gathering and follow up actions required before hearings or conciliations.

Drafting and Written Communication

• Draft notices to attend hearings, warning letters, suspension letters, outcome letters, and other IR related correspondence.
• Assist with drafting charges, case summaries, witness statements, and referral responses.
• Prepare meeting notes, minutes, and written summaries of consultations and proceedings.
• Draft professional correspondence to clients, employees, union representatives, the CCMA, and Bargaining Councils.
• Demonstrate strong written communication and drafting skills in all formal documents.

Conciliations, Hearings, and External Forums

• Attend conciliations with the CCMA or Bargaining Council together with or under the guidance of senior IR personnel.
• Attend to smaller and less complex matters at the CCMA or Bargaining Council as delegated and under supervision.
• Assist in preparing for conciliations and arbitrations by ensuring documents and evidence are ready.
• Observe and assist during disciplinary hearings, grievance hearings, and consultation processes.
• After successful training and subject to management approval, assist with or conduct internal hearings appropriate to the intern’s level of development and competence.
• Take notes during proceedings and ensure proper records are kept.

Client and Stakeholder Support

• Support the IR Manager in delivering professional labour relations services to clients.
• Liaise professionally with employees, clients, witnesses, shop stewards, union representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Assist clients with procedural preparation and document readiness for workplace processes.
• Maintain a professional image of the organisation in all engagements.

Learning and Development

• Actively participate in training on labour law, disciplinary procedures, dispute resolution, drafting, and case management.
• Build practical knowledge of the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and applicable labour procedures.
• Develop the confidence and competence to handle junior IR matters with increasing independence over time.
• Accept coaching, correction, and mentoring as part of the internship and growth process.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the intern should be able to:

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of basic industrial relations procedures and administration.
• Prepare, organise, and manage IR files and hearing or conciliation bundles accurately.
• Assist with workplace investigations and basic case preparation.
• Draft standard IR documents and formal correspondence professionally.
• Attend conciliations and selected junior CCMA or Bargaining Council matters under supervision.
• Understand the practical application of South African labour legislation in workplace matters.
• Support hearings and, after appropriate training, assist with or conduct internal hearings suited to their level.
• Communicate professionally with clients, employees, and external stakeholders.

Key Focus Areas:

• Industrial relations administration
• Filing and document control
• Bundle preparation and case readiness
• Investigations and evidence gathering
• Drafting of IR documents and correspondence
• Conciliations and junior dispute matters
• Hearing preparation and procedural support
• Labour law compliance and practical application
• Professional communication and confidentiality
• Time management and attention to detail

Minimum Requirements:

• South African unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34.
• Must not have participated on the YES programme before.
• Matric Certificate (with results).
• Currently studying towards or recently completed a Diploma or Degree in Labour Relations, Human
• Resources, Law, Industrial Psychology, or a related field.
• Strong interest in Industrial Relations and labour law.
• Good drafting, writing, and communication skills.
• Good organisational and administrative ability.
• Ability to file and manage documents in a neat and systematic manner.
• Attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters professionally.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and scanning or document preparation.
• Willingness to travel when required.
• Willingness to learn, take instruction, and grow within the role.

Advantageous:

• Basic understanding of the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and CCMA processes.
• Previous exposure to HR, IR, legal administration, or employee relations work.
• Experience with preparing files, bundles, minutes, or formal correspondence.
• Ability to speak and write professionally in English.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Additional Requirements and Attributes:

• Professional conduct and appearance.
• Ability to deal with conflict sensitively and objectively.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work independently on junior tasks once trained.
• Willingness to attend proceedings, consultations, and hearings as required.
• Commitment to learning and developing into a competent IR practitioner.

Please consider your application unsuccessful when you have not heard from the Signa Opportunity team within two weeks of submitting your application.