HR Officer

Wellington College International Lagos (WCIL) is a new world-class co-educational day and boarding school opening in September 2027 in Alaro City, Lagos, Nigeria. The school is a partnership between Wellington College International (WCI), the global arm of the prestigious Wellington College in the UK and Rendeavour, Africa’s largest new city developer.

WCIL will serve 1,500 students aged 3–18, delivering an outstanding holistic education rooted in the English National Curriculum, leading up to A-Levels. The school will offer exceptional teaching and facilities across academics, sports, music, and the arts, while also pioneering education in AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The school reflects the ethos and values of Wellington College, UK, a leading British institution founded in 1853 and renowned for academic excellence, character development, and its commitment to five core values: Kindness, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility. WCIL will uphold these values throughout its culture, recruitment, and educational approach.

As part of the Wellington global network which includes successful schools in China, Thailand, and India—WCIL will benefit from deep educational expertise, international collaboration, and continuous quality assurance.

Located in Alaro City, a 2,000-hectare modern, secure, master-planned urban development within the Lekki Free Zone, WCIL offers an inspiring environment for both students and staff. Alaro City provides high-quality infrastructure, growing residential and leisure amenities, and excellent safety standards, making it an attractive destination for top teaching and administrative talent.

WCIL is poised to redefine premium education in West Africa, bringing global best practice and Wellington heritage closer to home for Nigerian and international families.

 At Wellington College International Lagos, we believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success and that contributions should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary responsibilities but not limit the employee nor Wellington College International Lagos to only the work identified. It is the expectation of the school that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our organisation.

Scope of the Role

The HR Officer will support the smooth and effective operation of the College’s HR function, working closely with the Head of HR and wider school community. As a key member of the HR team, you will provide professional and efficient HR support across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee records, performance management, staff development, employee relations and general HR administration.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment:

• Support the recruitment process from requisition approval through to appointment.

• Coordinate job advertisements, candidate communication, interviews and assessments.
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and recruitment trackers.
• Manage the process of pre-employment checks, including references, identity verification, safeguarding checks and other required checks.

Onboarding:

• Coordinate and support the onboarding and induction of new employees.

• Prepare onboarding documentation, checklists and staff information.

• Support the administration of probation, confirmation, transfers, promotions and exits.
• Maintain accurate records throughout the employee lifecycle.

HR Operations and Employee Records:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic and physical employee records and personnel files.
• Maintain HR databases, trackers and staff records.
• Prepare HR letters, forms, certificates and other employee documentation.
• Respond to routine employee enquiries and escalate more complex matters.

Performance Management:

• Support the administration of the College's performance management and appraisal processes.
• Maintain performance and probation trackers.
• Support managers in completing probation reviews, performance reviews and related documentation.

Learning and Development:

• Support the coordination of staff orientation, scheduled induction, training including Safeguarding and professional development activities.
• Maintain accurate training and CPD records.
• Support the coordination of relevant professional development opportunities for academic and non-academic staff.

Employee Engagement and Wellbeing:

• Support initiatives that promote positive employee engagement and staff wellbeing.
• Assist with staff events, activities and internal communications.
• Support the HR team in maintaining positive employee relations.
• Promote a professional, respectful and inclusive working environment aligned with the College's values.

HR Policies & Compliance

• Implement HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records required for HR and statutory purposes.

Qualifications:

• A good degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Management or any relevant field.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) or progress towards professional membership is preferable.

Experience:

• 5 – 7 years experience as an HR Officer, HR Administrator, HR Coordinator or similar HR role is essential.
• Experience in recruitment, onboarding and HR operations.
• Experience working in an educational setting is preferable.
• Experience working in a start-up or developing organisation would be advantageous.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information appropriately.
• Strong problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• A self-starter who can work effectively in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and discretion.

Wellington College International Lagos is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and expects all applicants to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices which are aligned to the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. All appointments are subject to an interview, identity checks, criminal record checks, and successful references, as well as due visa and work permit process as required by Nigerian law.