People Assistant - Full Time - Permanent Role

About the PRI

The PRI is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. It works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. The PRI acts in the long-term interests of its signatories, of the financial markets and economies in which they operate and ultimately of the environment and society as a whole. The PRI is truly independent. It encourages investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage risks but does not operate for its own profit; it engages with global policymakers but is not associated with any government; it is supported by, but not part of, the United Nations.

Working at the PRI provides an opportunity to engage with highly motivated, culturally diverse professionals on a wide range of cutting edge issues, such as income inequality through the lens of sustainable finance. The PRI provides scope for development at all levels with opportunities for project leadership and management working alongside some of the most influential signatories and leaders across financial markets and economies.  In combination with a supportive culture that encourages continuous learning and flexible working policies, PRI is a highly engaging place to work on truly transformative issues.

Job Description

The People Assistant will be responsible for providing all aspects of the HR administration support to all staff within the PRI.  The role will include all administration for the employee life cycle and also manage the HRIS (sage people). The intent is that this role will eventually manage all the UK and global payrolls. This role will report into the Head of People & Culture but will also take direction from the People Partner and at times the Chief People Officer.  The PRI is a global organisation and therefore the People Assistant will be working with staff in all our global locations.

Core Responsibilities:

■  Act as a first point of contact for all day-to-day administrative queries from staff

■  Work with the People Partner to ensure a professional and timely service is provided to all staff

■  Administer inductions for all new PRI staff

■  Preparing all relevant paperwork relating to the employee lifecycle, i.e. contracts, changes to contracts, leaving letters and reference requests (this is not an exhaustive list

■  Work with service providers and external legal teams to prepare and finalise oversees contracts and documentation

■  Act as systems administrator for the Sage People HR system, ensuring all data is up-to-date and accurate and that staff are entering relevant information as required

■  Administer all PRI staff benefits in a timely manner.

■  Produce reports and statistical analysis for the Chief People Officer and Head of People & Culture as required

■   Logging and arranging training needs, in some instances researching providers and escalating findings and costs to People Partner.

■  Track and monitor all people related timelines, including probations, visas and contract end dates, including the People Partner where necessary

■   Implement PRI Social Events working closely with the People Partner.

Core Competencies:

PRI expects roles at an ‘Associate level’ within the organisation to demonstrate skills across the following core competencies:

Analytical

• Incorporates the fullest range of information available into analysis and decision making​

• Uses appropriate technical processes/systems to develop and evaluate options in an effective and time-efficient manner ​

• Assimilates data to draws out relevant insights and findings from analyses​

• Identifies opportunities and risks to feed into decision making ​

• Presents analyses in an appropriate format providing clear and concise recommendations

Business Awareness

• Understands, and always works towards, the mission and the aims of the PRI​

• Is curious about what is happening in other parts of the PRI​

• Is Signatory centric – seeks to understand, listen and respond to Signatory needs​

• Understands own teams’ objectives and seeks to internalise them in own activities ​

• Understands who does what at the PRI and uses the knowledge to complete activities

Collaborative

• Approachable, credible and willing whenever engaging with colleagues​

• Actively and appropriately seeks input from others ​

• Focuses on interacting with colleagues in a positive and open manner​

• Listens to what colleagues are saying, considers from different perspectives and tailor’s responses accordingly

Communicative

• Writes succinctly and clearly tailoring level of detail to the requirements of the end user​

• Communicates clearly and precisely and able to convey thinking comprehensively​

• Provides regular, clear and concise communications to manager, colleagues or other relevant people to keep updated on activities​

• Structures and prepares well-written, logical outputs with limited guidance and editing​

Developmental

• Demonstrates self-awareness actively seeks feedback from others and acts upon it​

• Explores new ideas with an inquisitive mind ​

• Questions the status quo and suggests new ideas ​

• Seeks out opportunities to drive continuous improvements in ways of working​

• Open-minded attitude which welcomes change and new ideas

Structured

• Prioritises and organises time effectively, focussing on the key organisational priorities​

• Develops ways of working and processes to execute and improve efficiency across the PRI​

• Methodically tackles problems, working with colleagues where necessary​

• Takes account of the needs of other colleagues and/or Signatories when considering how to execute a piece of work​

• Promotes and utilises effective project management skills

  Technical Competencies & Experience:

  ■ Some work experience as an Administrative Assistant, or other relevant field

  ■ Strong administration skills with a focus on high standards of customer service for employees

  ■ The ability to effectively manage a demanding workload with a logical and flexible approach

  ■ Excellent organisational skills, able to multi-task, meet deadlines and juggle competing demands

  ■ Strong attention to detail

  ■ Self-starter and ability to learn quickly

  ■ Pragmatic, proactive and solution driven approach 

  ■ Excellent understanding and application of confidentiality

  ■ Ability to foster an inclusive working environment

  ■ Excellent IT/system skills (Microsoft Office, social media etc.), experience of operating as a systems administrator of a HR system would be desirable.

  ■ Ability to work with and analyse numbers

  ■ Ability to identify and create new administration process that streamline the work of the team

  ■ Good written communication skills

  ■ Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work with staff in all areas of the organisation