THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for a interim Head of People and Culture on a one-year fixed term contract. Working closely with the CEO and CFOO (joint leaders), the Head of P&C is responsible for strategic elements of the People and Culture function and oversees the HR Manager on day-to-day HR operations, with support from the HR Coordinator.

You will be stepping into the role to cover an exciting period of organisational development. You will have responsibility for ensuring we implement our strategy with wellbeing and equity, diversity and inclusion at the centre, while leading on a number of organisational change initiatives. You will act in an advisory capacity with regard to HR issues, led by the HR Manager. The function supports approximately 40 direct employees and a wider team of approximately 50 employed by host organisations working together as one team.  

In this small organisation, relationship building is key. To be successful, you will have experience in organisational development and change, and human resource management. You will be an excellent communicator, both verbally and written for a range of different audiences, and you will be a empathetic leader.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Support the CEO and CFOO to develop a culture of inclusive leadership, overseeing the relationship with a third-party provider for the second half of a leadership programme

• Work with the SMT to build a culture where behaviours align to our values with equity, diversity and inclusion at the centre

• Play an active role on the SMT, advising on organisational development and HR matters with support from the HR Manager

• Scope out different models for the future of the organisation as a service provider to Hubs, seeking external international employment advice where relevant

• Build relationships and work closely with the Nominations Committee, with the CFOO

• Manage strategic cross-team projects that focus of organisational transformation, notably planning the shift towards a globally dispersed team

Culture

• Support and steer the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group to deliver on plans and role model our culture, bringing in external support as needed

• Support Wellbeing Peer Supporters, responding to the wellbeing needs of the organisation as they emerge, particularly in light of COVID

• Oversee learning and development, including delivery of internal training with the HR Coordinator and sourcing of providers

• Act as an internal advisor in support of team leaders, such as through coaching sessions and facilitating workshops

• Act as the ‘ear on the ground’ connecting with the People’s Champions and bringing relevant issues to the SMT

• Bring in new ideas from outside the sector to improve our culture

• Oversee sourcing, contracting and relationship management of third-party providers, such as Culture Amp, Xpert HR and other training providers

Team management and HR oversight

• Support the growth and development of the P&C Team, taking a mentoring approach

• Work closely with Heads of Teams in support of their people planning and matters related to team culture

• Lead on internal communications for people and culture-related matters

• Act in an advisory capacity to the HR Manager where needed

• Budget-holder for the People and Culture budget, ensuring spend against the budget, reforecasting and other budgetary responsibilities

PERSON PROFILE

Skills

• Organisational development and change

• Human resource management

• Leadership with empathy

• Excellent communication, both verbal and written for a range of different audiences

• Project management

• Team management

Competencies

• Actively listen and know when to hold space rather than fill it, inviting others to participate by asking questions based on an understanding of individuals

• Communicate confidence and compassion to others to represent their voices by enabling space, sharing encouraging words, motivating language and offering help

• Extend trust-building in others by giving them opportunities to lead, the chance to share their perspective and safe space to discuss lessons learnt

• Provide leadership by inspiring and unlocking motivation in others across the network to lead and hold them accountable for the results

• Inspire and motivate others by creating passion around our vision and focus, connecting with humility and empathy, and showing openness and resilience

• Create and promote a learning culture, authentically sharing own learning and supporting others to do the same at organisational, team and network level

• Identify cross-organisational gaps in the development of our people to deliver on our mission and actively seek to develop these areas across the team

• Set strategic direction and provides clarity of vision, purpose and culture, enabling space for the team, members, Hubs and other stakeholders to shape the journey

Start Network Culture

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children

• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values and approach

• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

• Being part of a network bringing change to the humanitarian sector

• Centrally located WeWork office with onsite drinks available free of charge

• Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely

• Flexible working arrangements

• Contributory pension

• Life Assurance

• Family friendly policies

• Learning and development opportunities for individuals and cross-organisationally

• 25 days’ holiday plus 2 company days over the Christmas period

START NETWORK

We are tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the humanitarian sector faces. Start Network’s vision is for a locally led humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by and at-risk of crises.

For more information, please visit our website.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us for a conversation about possibilities.

Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm that may be caused due to their encountering the Start Network as well as responding effectively should any harm occur.  We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. 

Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone.  We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates.  We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile. 

APPLICATION

We use Be Applied, an online recruitment platform. Rather than relying on CVs and cover letters, Be Applied allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities through answering questions which are blind reviewed by our team to reduce bias.

If you have any questions or need support with your application, please email us using peopleandculture@startnetwork.org 

Closing date: Sunday 17th July 2022

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so please apply early

Any offer of employment is subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data.