Purpose of job:
To manage HR operations in support of all teams based in South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town). To provide HR services that support the delivery of British Council South Africa’s overall objectives and business priorities, in line with regional and corporate policies. To manage the delivery of a range of agreed HR services to other internal customers, and to lead on and contribute to the agreed HR projects in the region.
To provide British Council staff based in South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius and Mozambique with advice on a range of HR issues, provide accurate and accessible information and support the achievement of operational goals.
Context and environment: (e.g. dept description, region description, organogram)
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international non-profit organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. For over 80 years, we have created international opportunities and trust between people of the UK and other countries worldwide through our work in the Arts, English, Education and Society. We call this Cultural Relations. We have offices in over 100 countries, and 250 cities.
The HR function is an integral part of Business Support Services team and the Global HR community.
The HR Manager is managed by the Head of Operations. The HR Manager will make a major contribution to the successful management of HR as well as providing vital support to all operational team members. She/he will contribute to the ongoing development of British Council South Africa as a high-performing country operation, modelling the values and principles of a collaborative, integrated and mutually supportive team.
This post is instrumental in ensuring that all HR procedures and policies are adhered to and that operational teams are knowledgeable about, and compliant with, the HR embedded within their business as usual processes.
The British Council’s values – integrity, professionalism, creativity, valuing people and mutuality – are embedded in all our work.
Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties:
Leadership and team working:
The post holder is a member of the Management Team, the South Africa cluster HR and the SSA Regional HR team. S/he will:
Support Country Director and the Senior Management Team on the delivery of corporate HR strategies and plans. To ensure HR policies and practices which support business needs are in place and well understood by all staff.
Ensure HR plans, issues and risks are actively managed across all areas – including. recruitment, learning and development, performance management, Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS), staff turnover and continuity.
Be actively involved in South African HR networks, knowledgeable about emerging trends and practices in HR.
Provide advice to the Country and Cluster teams on HR issues, staff relations and other areas required.
Line management of 1 HR Officer
Recruitment and staffing:
To help managers carry out recruitment and selection according to corporate standards and documentation related to recruitment and selection is completed in line with corporate requirements. Ensure documentation of all recruitment procedures. Regular training for new starters and refresher training to be provided.
Ensure an effective induction programme exists to give the most effective introduction to the organisation for new and promoted staff members is carried out.
Recruitment pages of websites are kept up to date and in line with agreed employer branding approach.
External recruitment solutions are pursued effectively in country, targeting appropriate advertising platforms for vacancies to help identify strong candidates in a cost effective way.
Staff relations: Advise and coach managers and/or staff on HR issues and procedures including:
- Sickness absence
- Disciplinary procedures
- Grievances
- Local labour law
Support senior managers in meetings with local staff representatives as required.
Contribute to reviews of operational procedures and working for British Council. Ensure procedures are up to date and accessible by staff and managers.
- Review and update Employee handbook documentation annually according to local legal advice and corporate guidelines as agreed with Director/Regional HR team.
- Advise on local labour issues.
- Support annual pay or other reviews by providing required information as required by regional HR.
- Promote a supportive working environment for staff.
Plan and implement HR projects and change management projects
Responsibility for improvements to HR systems and processes, restructuring, implementation of regional initatives, diversity and corporate social responsibility initiatives, and changes needed to comply with local employment legislation.
To encourage at least 90% of staff to complete the staff survey and lead dissemination of results and subsequent action plancs to colleauges.
Ensure all projects are properly planned. Implementation is to the agreed timetable, with cost and quality targets met.
Manage staff learning and development processes:
To promote a culture of learning, knowledge sharing and teamwork.
To develop an annual learning plan/training needs analysis in liaison with all cluster countries and that it is properly implemented.
Secure adequate financial provision for learning and development is agreed with specific budget holders.
Deliver local and regional training on HR specific topics when required
Performance management process:
Oversee and ensure effective performance management process for staff based in the cluster
Ensure that processes are well known – with refresher sessions being offered where required.
- Corporate policy adhered to and regional deadlines met.
- Performance management data provided to the region.
- Sound advice is given on disciplinary policy/ Essential HR and labour laws.
Administration and financial management:
Overall management of HR admin systems for medical and insurance schemes, sickness and attendance procedures, staff records, business continuity records and other areas as appropriate.
Management of South Africa’s British Council staff learning and development budget
Support the process for reviewing and updating overseas allowances, in line with Essential HR.
- Compliance with medical / insurance scheme rules, positive feedback from staff.
- Clear, efficient processes for payroll administration.
Regional and country policies and legislation/ deadlines, Essential HR are all complied with
Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
- To ensure British Council’s HR strategy identifies and responds to EDI issues.
- To carry out equality monitoring of staff.
- Ensure that a platform for open discussion of EDI issues is made available for all staff with relevant EDI training procured if required.
Information Knowledge Management (IKM)
- To work with the Regional IKM Manager on the implementation of IKM policies in the country and cluster regarding HR data.
Key relationships: (include internal and external)
Internal
Director South Africa, Directors Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, Regional Head of HR and Regional HR managers, HR community in SSA, Finance Managers within the cluster.
External
- Professional and government bodies
- Country appointed legal counsel / Staff Association
- Recruitment agencies
- Training companies
- HR consultancies
Other important features or requirements of the job
(e.g. travel, unsocial/evening hours, restrictions on employment etc)
Occasional evening or weekend working may be required
Occasional travel in the cluster SSA region or to the UK is likely.