View Vacancy - SRR - Deputy Head of Corporate Services, Policy, Finance, HR and Compliance (HEO)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Corporate Services Support

The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Deputy Head of Corporate Services (DHCS) for Policy, Finance, HR and Compliance on a fixed-term contract of two (2) years.

The jobholder is responsible for the KSA Network’s corporate handling of policy and service standards, finance, human resources, and compliance, ensuring these are managed in line with central policy requirements. The jobholder will also be required to provide strategic direction to Corporate Services, leading an efficient, cost effective and professional team to deliver all services to the Partners on platform.

As a leader in corporate delivery, the jobholder will require excellent management, interpersonal, and communication skills, tact, discretion, and an ability to deliver consistently across a broad range of responsibilities. The jobholder will also be required to show an understanding for sensitivity in handling Embassy and host government requirements.

In particular, we are looking for a skilled manager able to bring the best out of his/ her staff and able to organise the work and team to ensure delivery whilst adhering to Embassy protocol and standards. 


Duties and responsibilities:

- Corporate Services Communications, Policy and Standards (50%)

  • Work with Head of Corporate Services (HCS) to agree and deliver Corporate Services strategy across the Network, setting and monitoring service level agreements and the local Corporate Services charter with key performance indicators.
  • Actively build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders internally, within regional and global hubs, and with external partners (at other diplomatic missions, government departments and suppliers) to maintain informed corporate knowledge.
  • Ensure that Corporate Services has full use of self-service access, including for regionalised services
  • Lead and manage CS reports to deliver quality customer service to internal stakeholders.
  • Instil a continuous improvement mentality within the team, leading on corporate projects and change management.
  • Lead and deliver Corporate Services communication strategy, agreeing and disseminating key messages on corporate services within KSA network, engaging senior managers and One HMG partners
  • Provide advice to senior managers and One HMG partners on complex corporate issues.
  • Engage, analyse and report on developments in FCDO Corporate Services policy, highlighting opportunities to the Head of Corporate Services
  • Research and draft local policies to ensure they are aligned to global and local requirements and adopted by all Partners on platform.
  • Manage 5 direct reports and teams

- Finance and compliance (25%)

  • Oversee the local delegated budget (c£4m) in accordance with corporate policies/ Corporate Services Finance to ensure on-budget expenditure and value for money.
  • Develop and implement finance improvement plans.
  • Monitor MAP compliance risks, ensure action is taken where needed, and report on progress and remaining risks to the Head of Corporate Services.
  • Lead on opportunities for savings across the Network, submitting recommendations and proposals to the Head of Corporate Services.
  • Oversee and seek to optimise Post’s revenue raising activity including on VAT refunds and income from Estate assets (e.g., Residence gardens).
  • Manage post engagement on internal audit under the leadership of Head of Corporate Services, and ensure that internal audit recommendations are addressed in a timely way
  • Ensure Post compliance with Data Protection requests.
  • Ensure that KSA Network handles Country Based Staff (CBS) payroll in a timely way, highlighting anomalies and accurately maintaining audit information.
  • Lead on all Corporate Services procurement and tendering provisions above £10,000
  • Work with the Head of Corporate Services and Deputy Head of Corporate Services (Estates and Transport) to plan and establish resource and development needs.
  • Review and refine the financial elements of business cases drafted by the team to support Network priorities, and lead on securing financial approval from the relevant teams in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) HQ.

- Human resources (15%)

  • Maintain an updated KSA network offer for CBS, including on terms and conditions of service, pay and benefits, and performance management in compliance with local labour law.
  • Provide guidance and act as an escalation point on sensitive staff matters for diplomatic and Country Based Staff, including management issues and dispute resolution, engaging with the Regional HR Hub in Abu Dhabi where necessary.
  • Champion and embed a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
  • Lead on resolving complex employee sponsorship cases with the Government Relations Team and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Act as first direct liaison point for staff associations and committees, and participate in People Committee.

- Other local requirement (10%)

  • Act as member of Crisis Team, undergoing training and standing ready for duty in the case of any crises at Post.
  • Develop, coach, and mentor the team, effectively allocating and prioritising their work and managing their performance in line with FCDO requirements.
  • Ensure wellbeing and engagement are maintained within the Corporate Services Team, seeking regular feedback.
  • Provide cover for the Head of Corporate Services when required.
  • Ad-hoc tasks as and when required.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the Line Manager and Senior Management. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.

Key behaviours required:

  • Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
  • Seeing the Big Picture - Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
  • Leadership - Show pride and passion for public service. Create and engage others in delivering a shared vision. Value difference, diversity and inclusion, ensuring fairness and opportunity for all.
  • Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
  • Changing and Improving - Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.
  • Minimum of 6-10 years’ middle management experience, preferably with direct involvement in HR and/ or finance policy and implementation.
  • Minimum of 6-10 years’ experience in managing cross-functional teams.
  • Minimum of 6-10 years’ budget management experience.
  • Experience in managing suppliers and outsource delivery.
  • At least a bachelor’s degree in finance, management, HR, or a related field.
  • A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external stakeholders. Ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
  • Strong customer service skills to manage competing priorities. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with all stakeholders. Able to show discretion in handling any sensitive matters, with the trust of all involved.
  • Good interpersonal skills and team player with willingness to work across boundaries. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with contacts and colleagues.
  • Excellent team management skills. Resilient, and flexible, and demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills and resourcefulness in solving problems. Ability to anticipate and take initiative to avoid problems or fix them, and to use information and experience to solve problems effectively. Able to work independently and react calmly to situations that may arise, without constant supervision.
  • Strong organisational skills and keen attention to detail. Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment and adapting to changing aims without compromising the quality of the work.
  • Strong IT skills and proficiency in MS Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
  • Advanced degree or professional qualification/s in finance, management, HR, or a related field.
  • Previous experience in the government or public sector or in an international organisation in a similar capacity.
  • Familiarity with Oracle-based applications for finance/ procurement/ HR.
  • Knowledge of KSA labour and immigration laws and their applications.
  • Familiarity with FCDO or UK government/ public sector processes and policies on finance/ procurement/ HR.
  • Facilities management experience.
Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Leadership, Communicating and Influencing
19 December 2022
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
35
24 months
Middle East & North Africa
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
British Embassy
1
SAR
17,763.04
22 January 2023

Eligibility:

The position is available to Saudi Nationals and to current holders of valid Saudi residence permits or transferable Iqamas. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their sponsorship to the British Embassy.

 

Working hours and remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role.

Salary details:

  • Base Salary including Eid bonus - SAR 13,890.44
  • Housing Allowance - SAR 3,472.61 (subject to eligibility)*
  • Travel Allowance - SAR 400 (subject to eligibility)*
  • Total - SAR 17,763.04

*Allowances are not payable to staff who receive official provision for such expenditure in some other form.

No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

This position is full-time, based on 35 hours per week. Normal working hours for the Embassy are from 08:00 to 15:00 from Sunday to Thursday, with core working hours from 10:00-15:00. Core working hours is the period of the day that employees are required to be at work. The working day outside of the core hours is a flexible period, which allows employees to choose when they work, subject to operational needs.  Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.

The jobholder will be required to be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours. Although the role is based in Riyadh, the jobholder should also be prepared to conduct regular travel to our Consulate General in Jeddah and Trade Office in Al Khobar.

 

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90-day probationary period.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must include to their online application form 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 2) a covering letter/ motivation essay stating how you meet the requirements of the role, and 3) examples in the relevant sections of the online application form of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required.

Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is at 23:55 KSA local time on 19 December 2022.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step in the recruitment process will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances, medical clearance and reference checks. 

 

The British Embassy Riyadh is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Saudi Arabia employment law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.