HR and Administration Manager

Thanda is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization based in KZN. We aim to strengthen communities by providing educational and skills-building opportunities to individuals and their households. We work with 1900 beneficiaries on a daily basis through numerous programmes.

Thanda is currently seeking an HR & Administration Manager to join the team. This person will work under, and closely with, the Head of Capacity Building and Development.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a highly competent, organized, and flexible administrator who is able to take initiative, able to take instructions and follow existing systems, as well as work independently and create and improve systems as appropriate.

A large part (around 50%) of this role will be HR related, and this person will be the primary person responsible for overtime calculations, leave capture, staff rosters, staff contracts, and related filing, as well as being responsible for working with our consultants in relation to disciplinary processes, health and safety, and employment equity. Thanda currently has 138 staff within the organisation.

Excellent administration skills and a high level of attention to detail are essential for this role. Some existing systems knowledge - such as working in Labournet CRM - would be an asset in this role. This person will also be involved in recruitment processes for site staff. Knowledge and experience with HR would be an advantage, however we are also open to capable fast learners.

The HR & Administration Manager will play a key role tracking staff performance, and will be a primary person involved in disciplinary processes when they arise. Thanda works closely with external HR consultants and thus it is important to note that HR & Administration Manager will not be in a decision making role in relation to HR and disciplinary issues, but rather an executing role (issuing warnings, following up on processes, informing people that they have been dismissed, where appropriate). Under the guidance of consultants, the HR & Administration Manager will play a key role in disciplinary hearings, including preparing for hearings, taking statements, “laying charges” on Thanda’s behalf, and sitting in on hearings, as well as taking on follow up procedures. It is essential that this person is comfortable with taking on this active role in disciplinary processes, which may not always be a comfortable or pleasant role.

The other major aspect of the HR & Administration Manager’s role is administration, which includes programme administration and general administration.

This Manager will be responsible for specific supply budgets, and will be the primary person tasked with maintaining accurate financial records for programmes petty cash. Being good with numbers, proficient in excel, and a high level of attention to detail is essential. Basic Bookkeeping knowledge would be an advantage here too.

Working under the Head of Capacity Building and Development, the HR & Administration Manager will conduct research in order to draft programme manuals. He/she will also be regularly tasked with documenting existing protocols and creating user-friendly manuals as well as following procedures required for registration or renewal of government registrations. From time to time this role will also include policy work in collaboration with the Head of Capacity Building and Development.

It is essential that the person in this role is dedicated to improving systems wherever possible, and be open to taking on “lower level” tasks such as improving supply or storage solutions, and/or other things that improve systems and efficiency.

This is a full-time, on-site position, based between Thanda’s Admin office, and Thanda’s site office in Mtwalume on the South Coast of KZN. Time will be split according to the needs of the job, with this person spending a minimum of 2 days per week on the Thanda site.

This position is ideal for someone who lives on, or is willing to relocate to, the beautiful KZN South Coast. This position is not available remotely or partially remotely. The culture at Thanda is one of passion, energy, hard work, and a good sense of humour. We promote flexible working hours with an atmosphere of trust and teamwork.

Core Responsibilities of the Role:

• Maintain and manage HR related systems (overtime capture and calculations, leave capture, staff rosters, staff contracts, and related filing)
• Ensure the integrity of HR systems, making accurate information easily available to Senior Managers
• Maintain and improve existing performance tracking systems (in collaboration with Head of Capacity Building and Development and external consultants)
• Execute disciplinary related HR procedures (in collaboration with Head of Capacity Building and Development and external consultants)
• Maintain and manage health and safety and employment equity related systems
• Administer programme and supply budgets including excellent record keeping
• Maintain and manage programmes financial records, including petty cash systems, ensuring that is is up to date and all monies are accounted for and all transactions are properly recorded
• Conduct research for manuals upon request of Head of Capacity Building and Development
• Create manuals, complete registrations, and record procedures as requested by the Head of Capacity Building and Development
• Take on special projects as requested by the Head of Capacity Building and Development
• Create, improve and refine system upon request of the Head of Capacity Building and Development
• Assist with administrative and other tasks as delegated by the Head of Capacity Building and Development, Executive Director and/or Senior Managers

Required Skills, and Attitude:

• Very strong administrative skills
• Strong organization and coordination skills
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work with and upskill staff and team where appropriate
• Ability to take on the role of coach in performance management settings
• Experience managing people preferred
• Willingness and ability to execute staff disciplinary procedures (decision making led by consultants)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge and experience of HR preferred
• Strong numeracy skills (basic bookkeeping experience preferred)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
• Ability to handle diverse and sometimes demanding workload
• Ability to meet deadlines with little oversight
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Passion for development and community work
• Drivers license

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (ideally directly related to the role), with two or more year’s relevant experience; OR
• Extensive relevant experience

We are also open to high capacity candidates who possess the required skills and attitude who are coming from another field and/or might not have the above-mentioned formal qualifications and/or above-stated experience - please let us know why you would excel in this role in your cover letter.

Remuneration: R240 000 - R360 000 CTC per annum, depending on skills, qualifications, and experience

To apply: Please send the following to applications@thanda.org

• Your CV (max 4 pages) in PDF format
• A one-page cover letter (explaining why you are interested in working at Thanda specifically, and how your skills are relevant to job description) in PDF format
• Please do not send any additional documents at this stage.
• In the subject line of your email, please write “Application: HR & Administration Manager 2026_[Insert Your Name]”

Application deadline: 8 April 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you do not hear back from us by 21 April 2026, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Please do not call our offices. If you have questions, please ask them via email, please put the word “question” and the name of the position in the title of your email to ensure it gets responded to timeously.

Flexible working hours

English