Regional HR Advisor (08/24 PTA) - Pretoria at British High Commission

Main purpose of job:

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has a Regional Finance, Human Resources, and Procurement Hub based in Pretoria overseeing corporate services for all High Commissions, British Embassies and Consulates (also referred to as Posts/Missions) across the Africa region.

The Regional HR Hub is an integral part of the global HR team supporting staff working in the overseas network for the UK Government.  The role of Regional HR Hub is to be a   strategic partner for Posts and deliver country-based staff (CBS) HR services in the areas of recruitment, pay and reward, HR  advisory.

The role of the Regional HR Advisor is to support HR policy and operations for CBS working in Posts/Missions and other offices in the region. The role is responsible for providing HR advisory services through exercising initiative in the processing and analysis of relevant information (ie CBS policy, terms and conditions, local employment legislation); applying sensible judgement and discretion in the application of  policies, procedures and regulations; and ensuring HR policies and processes are applied through a consistent, locally appropriate and globally aligned approach.  The Regional HR Advisor is a member of the HR Hub team and is expected to demonstrate strong teamwork as well as the FCDO and BHC Pretoria values.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Act as HR Hub lead for allocated Missions/Posts in the region on all HR advisory related tasks.
• Engage with a wide network of internal and external contacts to understand and keep up to date with workforce regulations, HR policy compliance and related issues across the region.
• Liaise with colleagues and legal advisers in diplomatic missions to ensure CBS Handbooks (ie terms and conditions), policies and procedures are consistent with local employment law and practices.
• Liaise with CBS Policy leads, HR Direct UK and other HR Hubs on CBS HR related matters to ensure consistency and best practice is constantly applied. Support where required on HR projects and actively contribute in providing feedback on the development of new/amended CBS HR policies.
• Advise and share best practices to Posts on CBS Handbook reviews, disciplinary matters, Bullying Harassment and Discrimination (BHD), managing poor performance, grievances, and other HR practices.
• Manage complex CBS HR casework by providing expert advice to Post management,  guiding decision-making, and supporting on policy, procedural and local employment compliance.
• Manage CBS HR Advisory database in the HR Hub for country and network and  ensure accurate collation and continuous updates of information and quality checks.
• Support the CBS HR enquiries function including monthly reporting and analysis of key trends/issues to ensure high standards of customer service and in alignment with the regionalisation model and defined SLAs.
• Support on activities related to Hera CBS HR/HR Hub Management (ie FCDO HR and Finance management system). Liaise with the Hera team on updates and improvement areas for Hera administration in the HR Hubs.
• Manage delivery of regional CBS HR processes (exit interviews, probation, fixed term processes) in alignment with FCDO guidance and policies.
• Support and monitor appraisal/review cycles with Line Managers and Senior Management at Posts
• Consult with various levels of Post Management on strategic and proactive implementation of various CBS HR programmes to ensure compliance with ongoing initiatives such as Global People Principles, Good Line Manager Campaign, and upcoming changes in local employment legislation.
• Support the HR Hub in providing updates for the HR SharePoint – recent activity, performance management communication, etc.
• Support in the development and delivery of appropriate communications to support the delivery of CBS HR services in the region.
• Contribute to, drive and manage operational CBS HR projects under the guidance of HR Hub Senior Management.
• Support in the preparation of business cases and provide data/supporting evidence for recommended decisions.
• Highlight and manage operational bottlenecks in the delivery for CBS HR services in the region.
• Implement decisions taken at a senior level and adjust services provided for CBS HR operations accordingly.
• Support and guide Posts on restructuring and/or organizational change in keeping with relevant CBS policies.
• As appropriate, line manage the Regional HR Officer(s). 
• Deputise during absence of the Deputy Head of HR Hub.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Possibility of line managing the Regional HR Officer(s). 

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 

• Qualification in HR, Industrial Psychology or a HR-related field
• At least 5 years in a HR generalist/advisory role, including working with local employment legislation
• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal and organisational skills 
• Strong proficiency in IT skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint ability, HRMS

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 

• Further HR qualification (OD, IR etc) would be beneficial
• HR experience across Africa
• Experience in a shared services environment will be an advantage
• French or Portuguese would be an advantage 

Required behaviours 

• Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together