Hr Business Partner

Role Information Role Pay Band Location Duration Reports to: HR Business Partner Pay band 6 Lebanon/Syria Indefinite Cluster HR Lead   Role purpose To deploy in-depth, applied understanding of complex procedures within HR functional support discipline to deliver high quality and efficient service to staff in general and management in particular.   About us The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. We do this by making a positive contribution to the UK and the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. Geopolitical/SBU/Function overview:    The Middle East and North Africa is home to eight percent of the world’s population, five percent of global GDP, and 58 percent of global reserves of oil and gas. It is also one of the most unstable regions of the world, characterised by protracted conflicts and complex issues around refugee and displaced communities. It has the highest rate of youth unemployment, and double the global average for female unemployment. Collectively this is placing a huge strain on existing political, social and economic structures, adding to the uncertainty and fragility of the region.   The British Council retains an on-the-ground presence in all 17 MENA countries. This includes maintaining operations and programmes in Libya, Yemen and Syria, working through partners and locally engaged staff. Over the last five years we have extended the scope of our work over by aligning our cultural relations activities to UK and international priorities, such as in relation to major issues affecting the region, namely the Syrian refugee crisis, and the rise of violent extremism. In parallel to this we continue to provide support to individuals, institutions and governments helping them address some of the underlying long-term demographic, societal and systemic features which have been holding back reform, stifling growth, and blocking opportunities for young people.   Our work takes a long term approach to engagement, helping to build trust and influence for the UK. Main opportunities/challenges for this role:   The role holder will cover the full spectrum of HR activities including providing advice and guidance on complex and sensitive employee relations matters, and escalating as necessary. The HR manager is to provide a comprehensive HR service which ensures that managers and employees are equipped with best practice to foster a high performance culture.They will work together with the HR Manager and the local Leadership team for identifying potential resourcing solutions, providing input on induction, Talent and performance management, and supporting and coaching managers on employee relations.   They will implement and communicate HR policies and procedures in line with British Council standards, values, and operational business objectives as well as with local labour law.  Main Accountabilities:   Consultancy, analysis & problem-solving ▪     Applies detailed understanding of HR methods, systems and procedures and provides practical advice and appropriate services to internal customers in the following areas: Recruitment &Selection, Performance & Talent management and Learning and Development, Employee Relations and engagement, and HR data management. ▪     Uses detailed understanding of  HR processes and systems to prepare reports and other materials using standard and non-standard formats and software ▪     Analyses and presents information clearly, drawing conclusions and identifying trends to support effective business/service planning and decision-making on the part of the internal customer(s)   Internal customer focus ▪     Responds knowledgeably and professionally to HR enquiries, to ensure internal customers receive high quality, prompt and timely service and/or advice.  Refers on to others only complex enquiries, or those outside own area of expertise ▪     Uses a range of enquiry, research and analytical approaches to ensure they have an accurate understanding of the internal customer’s business needs and concerns before providing appropriate services, advice or problem-solving support   Functional expertise ▪     Proactively maintains a sound working knowledge of developments in external HR policy, practice and regulation to build credibility, confidence and business insight. ▪     Is the “go to person” for first-line advice and guidance on specific HR practical processes and policies. ▪     Should have demonstrable experience of understanding and using best practice in HR processes and systems. ▪     Should be part-qualified within the HR discipline or has a relevant professional accreditation   Relationship & stakeholder management ▪       Develops good working relationships with appropriate colleagues throughout the British Council to facilitate the effective provision of high quality and customer-focused services and advice ▪       As required, represents the British Council in discussions and dealings with external suppliers/providers   Leadership & management ▪     Plans and prioritises own activities, which span across a range of different work streams or internal client relationships.  Responds to changing and at times competing requirements to ensure effective delivery of responsibilities over a monthly/quarterly time horizon ▪     Tasks and coordinates HR Administrator to complete activities in accordance with agreed corporate and regional procedures. Key Relationships: Internal Country Director, HR Manager,  Regional Head of HR, Head Employment Relations, Head of  Reward, Head of Talent, Learning & Development, Cluster HR leads, Staff in country and MENA HR team   External Professional and government bodies, country appointed legal counsel, and HR consultancies Role Requirements: Threshold requirements: Assessment stage Passport requirements/ Right to work in country Must have the right to work in country x Shortlisting Notes  DBS Clearance or local equivalent as required Shortlisting Person Specification: Assessment stage Language requirements (DELETE IF NOT APPROPRIATE) Minimum / essential Desirable Assessment Stage   English C1 (Aptis, IELTS 7 or equivalent)     Shortlisting Qualifications Minimum / essential Desirable Assessment Stage First degree in Human Resources or a relevant professional HR qualification   Shortlisting Role Specific Knowledge & Experience Minimum / essential   ▪       Strong HR generalist; well versed in all areas of the HR life cycle Knowledge of local law system   ▪       Working knowledge of employment and labour law in country where the post is   ▪       3 years demonstrable experience of understanding and using best practice in HR processes and systems   ▪       Good experience in handling complex HR matters   Desirable Assessment Stage   Interview           Shortlisting         Role Specific Skills (if any) Assessment Stage ▪       Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment Shortlisting AND Interview British Council Core Skills Assessment Stage Communicating and influencing (level 2). Relates communications to circumstances. Displays good listening, writing and speaking skills, setting out logical arguments clearly and adapting language and form of communication to meet the needs of different people/audiences.   Managing projects (level 2). Analyses project data Examines project data and performance, reporting on progress and recommending corrective action as needed.   Planning and organising (level 2). Plans ahead Organises own work over weeks and months, or plans ahead for others, taking account of priorities and the impact on other people.   Analysing data and problems (level 2). Uses data Reviews available data and identifies cause and effect, and then chooses the best solution from a range of known alternatives.   Managing risk (level 1). Follows good practices Demonstrates understanding of risk management policies and procedures and record of following them.   Shortlisting AND Interview British Council Behaviours Assessment Stage Connecting with others (Essential): Making regular opportunities to understand others better   Working together (More demanding). Ensuring that others benefit as well as me   Making it happen (Essential) Delivering clear results for the British Council      Interview