Start Network is made up of more than 50 aid agencies across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs. Together, our aim is to transform humanitarian action through innovation, fast funding, early action, and localisation.

We're tackling what we believe are the biggest systemic problems that the sector faces. Problems including slow and reactive funding, centralised decision-making, and an aversion to change mean that people affected by crises around the world do not receive the best help fast enough, and needless suffering results. Our work focuses on three areas to change the system:

·       Localisation: shifting power to those closest to the front line for more effective response.

·       New forms of financing: providing fast, early, and predictable funding to improve community resilience and preparedness. .

·       Collective innovation: sharing expertise, insights and perspectives to shape a more effective humanitarian system.

The Start Network is at a critical point in its journey. We have grown and diversified our membership over the past 10 years. We are now set to evolve into a decentralised “network of networks” by 2025. We are currently working with five national and regional networks (hubs) in Pakistan, DRC, Guatemala, India and the Pacific. They are developing locally-owned ways of anticipating and responding to humanitarian crises. We aim to support the emergence and development of further Hubs in the coming years.  Our ultimate ambition is to devolve leadership, membership, programming and decision making to the hubs, while the UK team transitions to provide services of support.

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 welcome applications from disabled, black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC), and LGBT+ and non-binary candidates.  We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria. 

Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working.  While our team is office based, home working is part of our culture.  For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us for a conversation about possibilities.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a new HR, Team and Wellbeing Coordinator to join our busy team, assisting with general HR functions, cross organisational coordination and team wellbeing. This role will suit someone who enjoys administration, organising, and getting the small things right, has enthusiasm and empathy and who really cares about doing a good job. This role is a support function to the whole team, helping to improve collaboration and coordination.  It is an opportunity to develop your skills in wellbeing and around equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as broader HR support.  There will also be the opportunity to be involved in projects that make a difference to everyone in the charity, so we are looking for someone who enjoys teamwork.

Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy are essential, combined with a flexible, energetic can-do attitude and the desire to provide an excellent service with the ability to work under pressure. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, together with a logical, calm approach and initiative to resolve issues. We are looking for someone who is also keen to develop their skills in using online tools to support.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Human Resources Administrative Support

• Assist line managers in recruitment including advertising and ensuring line managers manage the process and maintain records in line with our recruitment policy

• Lead on the onboarding and exit process for employees and consultants including carrying out referencing and the necessary background checks

• Support induction and together with the HR Manager, working with line managers to ensure completion of forms, supporting training, updating the induction pack and line managers’ guidance

• Provide administrative support across all aspects of people management acting as the first point of contact for questions around, for example, our online HR system and wellbeing, referring more technical HR questions to the HR Manager.,

• Set up and maintain a bank of user-friendly HR templates accessible to line managers working together with the HR Manager

• Record keeping and processing invoices for external suppliers

• Work with the HR Manager on specific HR initiatives

• Act as point of contact for Kaya our online training portal, including being responsible for content curation

• Ensuring that Start Network new joiners are trained on mandatory policies

Organisational Development

• Support the Head of People and Culture and the Organisational Transformational Outcome Group  on organisational development and change management initiatives

• Support learning and development across the organisation, such as sourcing training providers, and organising all logistics

• Develop communications materials to promote initiatives, such as presentations and social media messaging

• Play an active role as a Wellbeing Peer Supporter, providing the connection to the People and Culture team

• Play an active role as an EDI Steering group member, working closely with the Head of P&C and HR Manager to implement specific initiatives linked to HR and organisational development

• Lead on the development and organisation of an internal staff social programme

Team Coordination

• Work with the Head of People and Culture and Operations and Change Manager on initiatives to improve internal communications and information management

• Review and revise team processes, ensuring fit for purpose and driving efficiency across the team, working closely with colleagues in the Operations Team

• Maintain the relevant pages of the website related to HR and organisational development

• Provide surge administrative support on cross-organisational initiatives

• Complete ongoing administrative duties such as scheduling team meetings, uploading documents to the organisation’s cloud storage and keeping the HRIS platform up-to-date

Other

• As Start Network is still an actively growing organisation, there will be need to take on other tasks and responsibilities commensurate with the role type and grade as required.

PERSON PROFILE

Key Competencies

• Relationship management

• Communicating with impact

• Delivering results

• Information management

• Problem solving and decision making

Personal Skills

• Impeccable communication skills

• A go-getter attitude

• Take responsibility seriously and hold others to account

• Be goal-focused

• Demonstrate excellent organisational skills

• Manage your time well

• Be confident working on your own initiative

• Strong IT Skills, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, video conferencing

• Great team player with flexibility to adapt to changing demands

• Proven problem-solving skills

• Cultural sensitivity to work with a diverse team

Professional Skills

• Knowledge and/or interest in HR

Start Network Culture

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct

• 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

• Access to confidential counselling via Thrive Worldwide

• Staff support networks including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC groups

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

• Access to cultural talks, events, pop-up sales, and a place to meet and socialise after work

• Discounts at local cafes and restaurants in association with WeWork

• Flexible working with options to work from home and remotely some of the time

• Contributory pension

• Life assurance equivalent of three times your salary

• Family friendly policies, particularly maternity pay (21 weeks full pay)

• Training and development opportunities for individuals and cross-organisationally

• 25 days’ holiday, bank holidays plus 2 paid company days over the Christmas period