The British Embassy in the UAE has a vacancy for a Human Resources Manager, job grade Executive Officer (EO). This role is for a fixed-term contract until 30 April 2027 to cover for Maternity and will be based in Dubai.

The jobholder will report into the Deputy Director of Corporate Services and will lead the delivery of the Embassy’s HR function as well as key HR and OD related workstreams and projects. This is a key team manager role within the Embassy’s Corporate Services team with line management responsibility.

The jobholder will lead a small team who are the main source of HR-related advice for over three hundred locally employed Country Based Staff (CBS). The jobholder will be guided and supported by a regional HR Hub and will be responsible for ensuring all HR processes and decisions are compliant with FCDO policies and UAE Labour Law.

The role calls for an experienced and qualified Human Resources professional, with the ability to problem solve, make effective decisions and drive continuous improvement in HR delivery.

The FCDO is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We do not discriminate on any basis, including categories protected by law. In keeping with the FCDO’s commitment to disability inclusion in the workplace, hiring managers must incorporate the principles set out in the FCDO Disability Confident scheme job applications in the CBS recruitment process.  Our CBS are recruited by Missions in-country in line with local employment laws.

Duties and responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Leadership 30% 

• Lead the delivery of Human Resource services and people-related initiatives against the local Corporate Services Charter, Country Business Plan and People Strategy.
• Be a trusted advisor to local leadership and partners on the platform, building key relationships with leaders across the Embassy, including the wider Corporate Services team, Staff Committees, Staff Networks and the Country Based Staff Association to ensure a joined-up and informed approach to the delivery of people related matters.
• Horizon scan to enable proactive resource management within the HR team and actively plan and prioritise delivery of HR services and projects in alignment with Embassy objectives and risks.
• Seek out new and effective ways to improve organisational HR, OD and Learning and Development initiatives, with prioritisation placed on continuous improvement.
• Contribute to in-house advocacy to ensure Human Resource policies are aligned to global and local requirements and understood by all partners on the platform. 

Delivery 30%

• Work closely with the HR hub to manage elements of staff recruitment as well as taking a lead on staff onboarding and induction, contract management, payroll and salaries, medical insurance cover and other staff employment matters.
• Lead on the overall employer proposition, including terms and conditions of service, pay, benefits for staff and staff reward and recognition, ensuring compliance with local labour law.
• Direct management of Human Resource initiatives and issues, together with the regional HR hub, ensuring that UK and local standards are met through planned and reactive management; and in compliance with corporate procedures, including local and UK regulations and policy.
• Deliver through and actively update on HR function delivery via the appropriate Embassy governance, with the active management, mitigation and escalation of issues and risks. 

Management 30%

• Provide guidance and support on sensitive HR matters for staff, including management issues, dispute resolution and performance management, engaging with the regional HR hub, Country Based Staff Association and the Ambassador’s Honorary Legal Advisory where required.
• Line management of two HR staff to ensure effective delivery of HR-related matters.
• Managing and overseeing the HR team’s workloads, defining work methods, monitoring workflow and ensuring active prioritisation takes place.

Resilience 10%

• Take on an active role in Embassy wide crisis response.
• Ensure cross-training within the Corporate Services team to provide resilience to overall team delivery.

Resources Managed

•  Direct line management of 2 employees.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. 

Key behaviours required: 

• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Developing Self and Others: Focus on continuous learning and development for self, others and the organisation as a whole.
• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Managing a Quality Service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

Eligibility:

• Applications will only be considered from those who are currently residing in the UAE.

• Proven experience working in HR Management level in a complex organisation.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience/qualification.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Strong understanding of UAE Labour Law.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in presenting and briefing senior leaders.
• Excellent team management and line management skills.
• Ability to review complex information and make sound judgments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Excellent computer & IT skills (Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills).