The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission (BHC) Nairobi is a large, complex and diverse organisation of around 400 people, including diplomats and country-based staff. As well as managing all aspects of the UK-Kenya bilateral relationship, BHC hosts most staff working for British Embassy Mogadishu and several staff with regional remits.

The Head of HR will lead an expanded HR function in support of every team working on the BHC platform. They will oversee delivery of high quality HR services from recruitment to retirement to almost 300 country-based staff. They will also provide an effective business partner function to managers and team leaders. Their principle objective is to ensure BHC gets the most out of its staff, and that staff get the most out of their time at BHC.

The Head of HR is a new position, replacing a combined HR/finance role, and reports to the Director of Corporate Services. It has the potential to improve materially the impact of BHC and the experience of those who work here. The successful candidate will be committed, dynamic, energetic, compassionate and efficient – with a solid track record in HR management.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Head of HR will:

• Be accountable for delivery through their team of quality, efficient HR services;
• Act as a business partner for managers and team leaders who need HR support;
• Liaise regularly with the FCDO’s regional corporate services hub in Pretoria, which undertakes some transactional services on BHC’s behalf (including recruitment logistics), as well as offering advisory services;
• Cooperate with the People Committee on various people-related initiatives to make BHC the happiest, most rewarding workplace it can be, supporting various thematic staff champions, and learning from best practice;
• Cooperate with various colleagues on initiatives (led by HQ and locally inspired) to promote and organisational culture that is in line with our values;
• Lead BHC’s efforts to stamp out bullying, harassment and discrimination and to promote fair and respectful treatment of staff;
• Keep up-to-date with changes to Kenyan labour law, and UK best practice, to ensure BHC remains compliant;
• Coordinate regular reviews of terms and conditions of service for country-based staff;
• Lead on complex or sensitive individual casework, including HR-related legal cases;
• Act as the key point of contact between BHC and its staff, specifically through cooperation with our country-based staff association.
• Maintain and report on HR metrics, including for BHC’s Executive Committee;
• Apply innovation and continuous improvement principles to ensure that the team is delivering as effectively and efficiently as possible;
• Lead on pay issues with the Corporate Services Director and Head of Finance, including the process of annual pay settlements and performance-related pay;
• Manage HR-related contracts (specifically medical and pension provision for country based staff), maintaining good working relationships with providers, and leading on procurement when contracts come up for renewal;
• Manage the HR team, including supporting team members’ personal and professional development, allocating tasks, and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all HR functions;
• Perform a role in BHC’s crisis preparations.

Resources managed:

• 1 x Learning, Development and Performance Manager (also Deputy Head of team) (grade EO)
• 2 x HR officer (grade AO)

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