HR Advisor – Ref : 5654

The HR Advisor supports the wider HR team with contributing to the organisations HR goals. Specific duties are varied and can encompass most areas on the operational side of the HR department. The HR Advisor must have strong communication and organisational skills. You must be able to work both with management and non-management individuals, be a team player and possess strong interpersonal skills. You can expect to act as a ‘critical friend’ and help to provide partnering support to the wider HR Business Partnering team and their business area, and support or lead on specific projects on HR topics, support the HR Officer and Head of HR. The role of the HR Advisor is to advise both employers and clients on the recruitment of new staff and retention of existing employees. You will be involved in helping hiring managers with their interview techniques and writing job descriptions, as well as researching performance evaluation methods and designing company policies.

Other objectives will include:

• To evaluate and update job descriptions.
• To answer HR queries posed by management and employees.
• To train and advise managers on recruitment, selection, and interview evaluation procedures (e.g. Oleeo).
• To assist with the development of recruitment campaigns and participate in the appointment process.
• Suggest new HR technology solutions to improve day-to-day operations (e.g. Oleeo software & SSCL processes).
• To be point of contact with SSCL (shared services provider) for HR related queries and HR solutions and changes.
• To develop and implement HR policies that align with the organisation’s goals and values.
• To ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• To help resolve disputes and grievances between employees and managers.

Job description  

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Main Activities

• Managing and/or supporting recruitment related activities and other HR processes.
• Provide 1st Line HR Support for all employees.
• Acting as the first point of contact for HR related queries within the organisation, working closely with the HR Officer.
• To monitor and review absences within the organisation, and support and develop strategies to reduce sickness absence.
• Translate business requirements into people requirements and improve people engagement.
• To carry out HR project work as required; HR projects (or parts of projects) for the business area or for HR itself and support HRBPs with these challenges.
• Solve business challenges by applying HR knowledge, and coach and influence leaders in all aspects of HR e.g., E.D.I., leadership, employee engagement, capability & talent etc.
• Provide advice and support to line managers and employees regarding any change in employment legislation.
• Provide advice and support to hiring managers and HRBP’s on recruitment campaigns.
• To manage the disciplinary and grievance procedures: advising managers, supporting investigations.
• To produce reports and manage data contained in the HR system, ensuring it is accurate and up to date.
• Review and update HR Policies and procedures.

Key skills and knowledge required for the role

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Good generalist HR expertise to support the business build good people practices.
• Excellent relationship and stakeholder management – shaping and influencing in wider business context.
• Experience advising managers on disciplinary, grievance and sickness cases, including being the HR lead on supporting investigations and hearings.
• Analytical with a high level of attention to detail – developing insights and trends for evidence-based decisions and report writing.
• Working knowledge and understanding of UK Employment Law.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing requirements.
• Hands-on experience with IT programmes and HR systems.
• Ability to work in a confidential manner, to respect privacy and to act with discretion when dealing with sensitive and private organisational and personal issues. 

Desirable

• Equivalent of or working towards any of these accreditations: CIPD Associate Membership/Level 3; Certificate in HR Practice; Intermediate in HR Management; S/NVQ Level 4 – Business Administration; HR Apprenticeship.

Competencies for the role

The following four competencies have been identified as relevant to this role and should be demonstrated at HEO level.

• Managing a Quality Service (lead competency)
• Making Effective Decisions
• Collaborating & Partnering
• Leading and Communicating

Candidates that are invited for interview will be asked to demonstrate and provide an example of each of these competencies in the interview.

A full explanation of each competency including behavioural indicators, can be found in the Marine Management Organisation competency framework here.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : carol Johnstone
• Email : carol.johnstone@marinemanagement.org.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : defra-recruitment-enquiries@gov.sscl.com