Human Resources Officer

The Commonwealth Foundation is committed to bringing Commonwealth civil society and its citizens into the centre of discussion and decision-making around critical issues that affect their lives. As Human Resources Officer in the Office of the Directorate, you will play a crucial role in managing and executing the Human Resources functions within the Foundation. This position is integral to the
Foundation’s governance, strategic direction, and operational effectiveness, with a significant focus on the HR aspects of finance, operations, and personnel management.

Applicants must have relevant experience. This position is only open to applicants with an existing right to work in the United Kingdom.

The organisation

The Commonwealth Foundation is mandated by its Member States to advance the interests of Commonwealth civil society. The Foundation seeks to nurture the growth of vibrant and free societies: championing the active and constructive participation of people in all aspects of governance. Our key focus areas are climate justice, health justice and freedom of expression. Our cross-cutting themes are gender equality, small and vulnerable states and young people.

The programme

The Office of the Directorate is headed by the Director-General of the Foundation, Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO. In addition to providing overall leadership, it brings together core functions related to governance, finance and people management.

The role

The Human Resources Officer, under the guidance of the Senior Office Manager (People and Finance), plays a crucial role in managing and executing the Human Resources functions within the Foundation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Managing the administrative aspects of recruitment and selection
• Overseeing staff induction processes
• Overseeing HR administration along the entire staff life cycle
• Maintaining and reviewing HR procedures and employment policies
• Acting as the point of contact for HR-related advice
• Managing monthly payroll processes
• Participating in Foundation-wide initiatives

The individual

We seek an individual with demonstrated experience in Human Resources within a dynamic professional setting. They should have a solid understanding of UK employment law and practices, supplemented, if possible, with CIPD qualifications. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to build relationships across the organisation and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive work environment.

The ideal candidate will exhibit a strong work ethic, reliability, independence, and the flexibility to adapt to new challenges and learn new skills.

What we offer

Salary expectation: £31,000 – £33,000

The Foundation is proud of our welcoming and accommodating working environment. We strive to be a great place to work.

We offer generous holidays 30 days (plus 8 bank holidays and 4 privilege days).

Fifteen percent of your salary is payable tax-free at stipulated periods in lieu of a formal superannuation scheme.

Foundation staff have access to our private health scheme, including dental cover.

We are based in Marlborough House, Pall Mall, central London. We are currently operating a flexible working policy which requires all staff to work from the office at least five days per fortnight including every Wednesday, and applicants must be able to affirm their capacity and willingness to work within this policy.

Our commitment

The Foundation celebrates diversity, and we are proud of our diverse and welcoming team. All qualified applicants already eligible to work in the UK will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status or pregnancy.

If you need us to make any special accommodation in the recruitment and selection process because of a protected characteristic, please let us know.

The process

Interested candidates should apply online through the link below.

The application requires you to provide a comprehensive CV as well as a motivation letter that clearly addresses the criteria as outlined in the person specification and the competencies framework.

You must possess and declare the right to work in the UK at the time of application submission for your application to be considered.

Closing date for applications

Wednesday 17 April 2024, 1pm BST.

Interviews

First-round interviews will be online on Wednesday 8 May 2024.

Second-round interviews will be held in person on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 May.