Industrial Relations & Compliance Specialist at Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company

Buoyed by a mission to redefine customer experience and be the provider of choice wherever energy is consumed, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc (Ikeja Electric), Nigeria's largest power distribution network powers lives and businesses with innovation and unwavering drive for excellence. The company began its new phase of growth and expansion on November 1st, 2013 following the handover of the defunct Power Holding Company Of Nigeria (PHCN) to NEDC/ KEPCO Consortium under the privatization scheme of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The consortium has the Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) which generates about 84,000MW in capacity and has a global efficiency record of a maximum down time period of slightly above three minutes annually as technical partners. This partnership has positioned IE to effectively drive its commitment to deliver efficient and sustainable power supply through investments in new technology, infrastructure upgrade and human capital development. Ikeja Electric has over 600,000 customers who the company is committed to serve with a New Spirit, New Drive and New Energy. This resolve continues to elicit a passion for service excellence and new thinking on how to empower lives and businesses across the IE network.
Role Purpose

The Industrial Relations and Compliance Specialist is responsible for managing employee relations, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and fostering effective relationships with union representatives at Ikeja Electric.
Reporting to the People Operations Manager, this role oversees employee relations processes, including conflict resolution, compliance audits, and union interactions.
In a unionized environment like Ikeja Electric, the Industrial Relations and Compliance Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining open communication with union officials through both formal and ad-hoc meetings, supporting a collaborative and compliant workplace that aligns with Ikeja Electric’s HR transformation goals.

Role Accountabilities
Union Relations and Engagement:

Serve as the primary liaison with union representatives, facilitating open communication to address employee concerns, contractual obligations, and labor relations matters.
Coordinate and participate in regular and ad-hoc meetings with union officials, providing updates on workplace policies, addressing union concerns, and fostering positive relations.
Collaborate with union officials to resolve issues before they escalate, ensuring mutual understanding and alignment with Ikeja Electric’s policies and values.

Employee Relations Management:

Manage employee relations cases, including grievances and disputes, in alignment with labor agreements and company policies.
Work with managers and union representatives to address workplace conflicts, ensuring all cases are handled fairly, transparently, and within regulatory guidelines.
Facilitate mediation and conflict resolution sessions as needed, promoting a collaborative and respectful workplace

Policy Compliance and Auditing:

Conduct regular audits to assess compliance with company policies, labor agreements, and regulatory standards, ensuring a compliant and secure workplace.
Develop strategies to enhance policy awareness and adherence, working with the People Operations Manager to update policies as needed to reflect changes in labor laws and union agreements.
Act as a resource for employees, managers, and union representatives on compliance-related questions, ensuring understanding and alignment.

Disciplinary Process Support:

Support disciplinary processes by gathering information, documenting proceedings, and providing recommendations to ensure fair and consistent outcomes.
Ensure all disciplinary hearing, processes and consequence management actions align with Ikeja Electric’s code of conduct guidelines, labor laws, and preserves business interest while maintaining transparency and compliance.
Collaborate with union officials during disciplinary actions involving union members, ensuring processes are fair and mutually understood.

Labor Relations and Compliance Training:

Stay informed about labor laws, union agreements, and best practices for industrial relations, providing advice to the HR team and managers as needed.
Deliver training sessions for managers on union relations, compliance requirements, and employee rights, ensuring a knowledgeable and compliant workforce.
Liaise with regulatory agencies as necessary to address labor-related concerns, providing timely updates to union representatives and internal stakeholders.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

Track data related to employee relations cases, union interactions, and compliance audits, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
Report regularly to the People Operations Manager on labor relations outcomes, providing insights and recommendations to enhance compliance and employee engagement.
Use data insights to identify patterns in union concerns and proactively address potential issues.

Requirements
Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations, Human Resources Management, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
A relevant professional certification (e.g., CIPM, SHRM, or equivalent) is an added advantage.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years experience in industrial/employee relations, compliance, or human resources, preferably within a unionized work environment.
Proven track record in managing union relations, collective bargaining processes, and conflict resolution.

Knowledge & Skills:

Strong understanding of Nigerian Labour Laws, Trade Union Acts, and other relevant employment regulations.
Experience conducting compliance audits and investigations.
Excellent negotiation, mediation, and conflict management skills.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with union representatives and internal stakeholders.
Strong communication, documentation, and report-writing skills.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, and attention to details

Competencies:

Strategic industry management.
Knowledge in Category management.
Negotiation skills.
Financial acumen.
Analytical skills.
Aptitude for technology.
Results focused.
Customer Centricity
Risk Management
Entrepreneurship
Organisational Learning
Change Management
People Leadership.