People Shared Service Specialist

About the role

Cisco's People Support team in the Middle East & Africa provides country support in its African countries, using standardized processes, HR technology and self-service platforms to improve the employee experience. As a People & Communities Representative (listed as People Shared Service Specialist) based in South Africa, you will be the primary point of contact for employee inquiries, working with stakeholders, P&C Consulting partners and external vendors. The role ensures people operations run efficiently and in full compliance with local labour laws.

Key responsibilities

• Benefits lifecycle management: coordinate the full benefits lifecycle (medical/life insurance, pension and more) with global and local vendors.
• Onboarding and employee support: help new hires start successfully and guide employees through life transitions and escalations to the right benefits or policies.
• Data and local compliance: collect employee data according to South African requirements, maintain compliance calendars and audit schedules, and drive employee-action communications to 100% completion.
• HR programs and engagement: support programs designed by P&C that focus on employee engagement.
• Process improvement and technology: use HR IT and self-service platforms to automate and streamline processes, monitor service KPIs and take part in continuous improvement projects.
• Vendor and stakeholder collaboration: work with Procurement so vendors meet contractual obligations and SLAs, and align P&C services with business and employee needs.
• Portfolio and project management: support planning and budget forecasting, and oversee project coordination, production and logistics for service delivery.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, local labour law, business administration or a similar field.
• 2-3 years of experience in HR operations, administration or a similar client-facing support role (or equivalent).
• Foundational knowledge of South African labour laws, compliance regulations and HR administrative processes.
• PREFERRED: proven customer service record, experience in continuous improvement or change management, familiarity with third-party vendors, and experience tracking service KPIs.

Required skills

• Data management and process coordination.
• Use of HR technologies and self-service platforms.