Assistant Director Resources

Purpose of job: To lead and strategically implement all resources aspects of the British Council Lebanon operation.   Reporting to the Country Director, you will be the lead and senior responsible officer for the following: To provide oversight, strategic management and insight to the financial operations of the British Council Lebanon operation. Managing risk across all aspects of the operation. Support the Country Director by providing timely, accurate and effective management information. Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the operation in all aspects of estates/premises management. Provide direct management and effective strategic leadership of all aspects of human resources within the British Council Lebanon. Provide strategic support to the dispersed Syria team.   The post holder is a member of the Lebanon Country Leadership Team (CLT - one of four members), is direct line manager of three staff, leads a team of nine staff and provides support to the dispersed Syria directorate.     Context and Environment:  The British Council has been in Lebanon since 1946.  As the United Kingdom’s international organisation for education and cultural relations, we are building on the British Council’s respected and trusted brand by expanding existing programmes and developing new opportunities with government and key stakeholders across the public, private and NGO sectors.  We employ 40 staff, including five regional and one Syria post and our portfolio spans our main sectors of English, Education, Society and Arts.    Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties:   Financial controls and the strategic management of Lebanon office.  As a member of the Country Leadership Team (CLT), provide the necessary guidance and information to ensure that the Country Director and budget managers use the financial tools to greatest effect and ensure that finances are managed to minimum risk.  This post also provides Ensuring compliance with policy and corporate standards. Monitor financial indicators and establish financial tools and control policies in liaison with Director and CLT to audit standards. Oversee the Financial Control Compliance Framework (FCCF) process and ensure compliance on a monthly and quarterly basis, highlight risks areas and engage the relevant staff as appropriate. Ensure that finance department is offering good quality customer service to the satisfaction of stakeholders and is operating efficiently and effectively in line with corporate standards. Ensure high quality and timely reporting to British Council regional leads and corporate leadership. Manage country overhead/platform budgets. Monitor and update risk compliance across all areas in your portfolio in accordance with corporate standards.   Examine financial reports such as office balance sheet, trade debtors, staff travel advances in addition to accruals and Quarterly Business Review (QBR) reports.  Take appropriate action to eliminate risk.   Strategic management of resources, including premises, security, IT and transport to meet corporate standards, ensuring health and safety standards, environmental standards and local legislation requirements are met.  Oversee implementation of the administration and security services within British Council Lebanon. Ensure that the business support team is offering good quality internal and external service to the satisfaction of stakeholders and is operating efficiently and effectively to the satisfaction of the Country Director. Oversee office premises and ensure fit for purpose. Strategic planning and contingency planning for changes in the operation, including growth, contraction and response to any security concerns. Oversee office services contracts for insurance, maintenance, transport. Oversee office approved suppliers listings to ensure best value for money, transparency and accountability. Oversee office procurement processes ensuring compliance with corporate standards. Ensure Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and delivery is to the highest of standards and allows for business continuity in all circumstances. Act as a champion and take overall responsibility for the environmental performance management of Lebanon office ensuring premises and British Council activities uphold best environmental practice where possible.   Human Resources leadership Set strategic HR policies in consultation with the Country Director and in line with regional and corporate procedures.  Ensure that these policies are kept up to date, accessible and reviewed on a regular basis. Ensure compliance with corporate HR standards, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) policies and British Council values, as well as supplying regular data to corporate HQ. Contribute to planning and implementation of MENA HR policies. Provide and oversee support to line managers and CLT on HR issues across all areas. Lead on Talent Management and Learning and Development plans for Lebanon in consultation with management and staff to enhance individual and team performance, business delivery and support organisational change. Advise on and liaise with local experts including legal on local legislation in reference to Labour Law and any other issues that may directly impact the smooth running of operations in Lebanon. Provide strategic advice to staff and line managers on HR policies and regulations. To be the strategic lead on Performance Management (PM) and provide guidance to managers and line managers in line with the PM system and procedures. Oversee and monitor the implementation of HR policies and procedures in areas of recruitment, performance evaluation, Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS), grievance procedures and end of service indemnity payments. Present staff survey results to senior managers and staff.  Under the leadership of the Country Director, to devise the staff survey action plan and follow-up to ensure improvement in results. Ensure all duties are delivered in line with the British Council’s policies including EDI, Child Protection and Data Protection   Key relationships:   Internal: All British Council Lebanon staff The Country Leadership Team (CLT) Country Director British Council regional and corporate (Finance, HR and Business Support)   External Key suppliers (e.g. security services, lawyers, banks, travel agents, building landlords, service providers) Key ministries/local authorities, international organisations and the British Embassy.   Other important features or requirements of the job This job may involve some international travel.  There will be times when the postholder is expected to work a significant number of additional hours.  This will be compensated at other times when there are fewer commitments.  The post holder may be expected to other operational work related activity outside normal working hours.