Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a panel of experienced Labour Relations experts to provide specialised services to the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) for a period of three years. The services aim to strengthen ARC's capacity to handle complex employee relations matters, including chairing disciplinary hearings, grievance processes, incapacity hearings, investigations, and related interventions, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with labour legislation.

Scope

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Serving as an independent and impartial chairperson in disciplinary, grievance, and incapacity hearings.
• Ensuring compliance with ARC policies, Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and other relevant labour legislation.
• Delivering written findings and recommendations within specified timelines.
• Handling cases related to sexual harassment, incompatibility, and other employee relations issues.
• Chairing Section 188A inquiries and pre-dismissal arbitration inquiries where required.
• Providing services across all provinces where ARC operates, including in complex and sensitive employee relations matters.

Technical Requirements

Proposed service providers must demonstrate:

• Accreditation from CCMA or recognized dispute resolution organizations to conduct Section 188A inquiries.
• Proven track record in chairing disciplinary, grievance, and incapacity hearings.
• Experience in investigations and related interventions.
• Ability to deliver written reports and recommendations within agreed timelines.
• Confidentiality and impartiality at all times.
• Capacity to support ARC in complex employee relations issues, including sexual harassment and other misconduct cases.

Skills Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Labour Relations, Law (LLB), or a postgraduate qualification in Labour Law.
• Admitted Attorney status (preferred).
• At least five years of relevant experience in labour relations, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Strong understanding of labour legislation, including the Labour Relations Act, BCEA, and related laws.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate independently with high integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality.