View Vacancy - FJS - Head of Corporate Services - South Pacific Network (SPN), C4(L)

The British High Commission (BHC) in Suva is part of a worldwide network of 230 Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are currently recruiting a highly motivated individual to join our senior leadership team and become the Head of Corporate Services – South Pacific Network (SPN). The jobholder will lead BHC Suva’s Corporate Services Team and provide support and oversight to Corporate Service colleagues at BHC Port Moresby and BHC Honiara. Working closely with the CSC Hub in Manila, the successful candidate will be expected to manage efficient and effective day-to-day operations of BHC Suva and provide corporate services leadership to all three Pacific-based UK High Commissions with regard to budget management, human resources, contract management, provision of an appropriate work environment and other duties as assigned. This is senior position that carries with it significant responsibility.

Finance – take full responsibility for the post finances including preparing the full year budget, quarterly forecasts, four year business plan, reporting and analysis of monthly actuals, monitoring of monthly cashflow, preparation of full year funding plan, managing the year end process and overseeing the purchasing process. After year one, take on these responsibilities for the other two UK High commissions in the South Pacific.

HR & Protocol– take full responsibility for the management of the HR function, which supports a growing employee base. Working closely with the HR Hub, ensure compliance with local employment law and FCO guidelines and procedures. Lead on recruitment and selection, remuneration benchmarking and planning, performance management, and implementation and managing all aspects of operational protocol including liaison with various Fiji Ministries and Authorities. Oversight of the HR strand for the rest of the South Pacific Network may eventually come under the remit of this role. 

Security, Health & Safety – together with the Post Security Manager oversee the Security function which is responsible for monitoring of threats, supervision of the guard force; and also taking full responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of a robust health & safety policy

Transport – managing the High Commission fleet, responsible for the development and implementation of the transport policy and approval of all regulatory documentation.

Network – Roll out best practice on HR, Finance and management across the UK’s South Pacific Network. Taking on additional responsibilities after year one. Leading and mentoring the SPN’s network of Corporate Services professionals.

Leadership and Management – support the overall general management of the post and sit as a member of a number of committees including budget, housing, security and appraisal moderation. Lead the corporate services team (4), which includes transport and maintenance, as well as oversee the residence team (3).

• Preferably at least 5 years of corporate experience (preferably in Finance/HR or a related management role), in a managerial capacity, with at least 3 years experience of managing a team
• Strong interest in strategic resource management and corporate planning
• Sound financial or operations experience with evidence of extensive budget management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong customer focus
• Good judgment and strategic awareness, to get the best use from resources and identify opportunities for improvement and innovative solutions
• Personal drive and the ability to be a self-starter as well as a team player; focus on delivery and ability to reprioritise and deal with a changing environment.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, with experience of Oracle systems and databases preferred
• The job holder must be prepared to travel to the UK and within the region
• Some evening and weekend work may be required