Head of Human Resources

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British Embassy is looking for an experienced and qualified Head of Human Resources to lead the work of the Human Resources Team in Brazil. This position requires a highly experienced and enthusiastic person, with extensive knowledge of the Brazilian labour market and regulations, and ready to get up to speed quickly on HR policy relevant to UK Diplomats. He/she will be running a team responsible for all HR services and HR related policies within a large and diverse organisation, serving and supporting approximately 200 locally engaged staff and 31 Diplomats in several locations across Brazil.

The jobholder will work in partnership with all network teams, committees and the Brazil Board of Management.

**Roles and Responsibilities**:
Reporting directly to the Director of Corporate Services, and working closely with the DHM and Brazil Board, the Brazil Network Head of Human Resources is responsible for the following:
**Leadership 10%** - Lead the network HR team of eleven, setting direction, motivating and engaging the team, and holding to account on delivery.

**HR Policy 20%**:
**_ HR Strategy _**30%**

Set HR strategy for the Brazil Network, including through chairing HR related meetings (with participation from across the Network), and consulting the Brazil Board of Management. Key areas include performance management, People Survey follow up, quality of line management and feedback processes, induction processes and promoting a diverse and happy workforce, in the context of the Network’s change programme. Lead staff communications and implementation following any decisions.

**_ HR Processes 20%_**

Oversee and support HR Manager in the accurate and timely processing of the monthly LE payroll, including the processing of in-year bonuses, staff benefit packages, Performance-Related Pay, position and salary reviews.

Working in partnership with the wider Americas Regional HR Hub (based in Washington), UK HR Team, network teams and other Government department colleagues, ensure that LE staff policies and procedures are implemented consistently, are fit for purpose and follow global HR guidance and policy.

Accountable for monitoring the LE pay budget with the HR Manager. This includes preparing detailed, accurate and high level reports for tracking, decision making, and analysis.

Consult with the Network lawyer on all local labour law related issues, including monitoring and managing all legal labour cases closely and briefing the Brazil Board on any changes to current labour law.

Keep abreast of developments in UK HR policy and local issues relevant to UK Diplomats, to keep them informed, support and advocate on their behalf where necessary, especially relating to the COVID pandemic and seasonal vaccines.

The Head of HR will also oversee support to diplomats regarding local Portuguese language training, and medical care support via the CLO in the three main posts.

**_ Contract Management 20%_**

Manage the procurement and performance of HR services including LE healthcare and other insurance packages, and the LE Payroll provider. Ensuring value for money, strong supplier relationship management, key performance indicators in contracts, liaising with the Procurement and finance hubs when required.

Responsible for overall relationships with all healthcare/insurance providers, handling escalated situations and contractual issues as they arise, ensuring to monitor usage closely and carry out staff awareness sessions on best practice for plan performance and usage.

**Resources Managed**:
The Head of Human Resources will oversee the robust leadership and management of 3 HR Business Partners, 2 assistants, 3 interns and 3 Receptionists. The Head of Human Resources will directly line manage the B3 HR Manager.

The Head of Human Resources will ensure robust line management processes are in place covering learning and development, performance management, effective tasking & holding to account, and forward planning for all HR projects and day to day HR work, including ensuring full compliance with all local labour laws and global and local HR policies. The Head of HR will oversee the accurate forecasting of the local staff pay budgets.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- At least 5 years of Human Resources or related experience, with at least 3 years of management/leadership experience
- Strong knowledge of Brazilian labour laws.
- Team Leadership and management skills.
- Strong communication and customer engagement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills (both English & Portuguese) with staff at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrate ability to write board level papers and brief senior leadership on HR issues.
- Supplier and service provider management skills
- Good negotiating and influencing skills
- Ability to evidence capability against the FCDO core competencies for this position, namely: leading and communicating; del