Who are we and what is the role about? 

The British Embassy in Moscow is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and we are looking for a People & Culture Officer who is passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience and shaping a positive, inclusive organisational culture.

This role is all about people: supporting their growth, strengthening engagement, and ensuring our values are lived every day.

You’ll work strategically across learning and development, wellbeing, culture, and employee engagement. As a trusted partner to managers and teams, you’ll help create an environment where colleagues feel supported, motivated, and able to perform at their best.

This is not a transactional HR role. Instead, you’ll focus on enabling people to thrive, embedding an inclusive workplace culture, and ensuring that people‑focused initiatives align with both FCDO and post‑level priorities. You’ll have the space to influence, innovate, and make a meaningful impact on how our workplace evolves.

Do you enjoy building environments where colleagues feel supported, valued, and able to perform at their best?
Are you looking for a role where your ideas directly influence culture and engagement?

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Shape the full employee experience, from onboarding and induction to performance, development, and exit processes.
• Partner with the regional HR Hub in Lisbon to coordinate recruitment campaigns and ensure a smooth, consistent hiring experience.
• Strengthen engagement and retention by developing initiatives that boost satisfaction and reduce voluntary turnover.
• Lead language training coordination as part of the wider learning and development strategy.
• Design and deliver Learning & Development programmes that support Embassy and FCDO priorities.
• Introduce and maintain People & Culture service standards, including SLAs that set clear expectations for communication, responsiveness and quality.
• Act as the main point of contact for employee relations, offering guidance on concerns, grievances, and conflict resolution in line with policy.
• Improve the quality of performance management, supporting managers to deliver meaningful, high‑quality appraisals.
• Work with senior leaders on key priorities such as wellbeing, bullying and harassment prevention and inclusive culture.
• Collaborate with the CLO (Community Liaison Officer), Counsellor Corporate, and DHM to embed Embassy values and promote a positive, respectful workplace.
• Partner with Corporate Services colleagues to ensure joined‑up, people‑focused service delivery.

How success will be measured:

• A positive upward trend in annual staff engagement survey results.
• Reduced voluntary turnover year‑on‑year.
• Consistent achievement of People & Culture SLA response times.
• Delivery of at least two engagement or wellbeing initiatives each quarter.
• Implementation of an annual L&D plan with strong participation and measurable impact.

Our ideal candidates shows:

• Fluent English and Russian (C1 level CEFR*)
• Strong, proven experience across the employee lifecycle (HR, L&D, organisational development, or corporate HR).
• Demonstrated background in staff engagement, retention, and culture‑building.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to support, motivate, and develop staff at all levels.
• Relevant degree in HR, Psychology, Business Administration, Organisational Development, or similar.