View Vacancy - SRR - Deputy Head of Corporate Services C4(L)

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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 for a fixed-term contract of two (2) years.

The main purpose of the job is to provide strategic direction to Corporate Services; leading an efficient, cost effective, and professional team to deliver all services to the KSA Network and to Partners Across Government (PAGs) on the KSA 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 be required to show an understanding for and sensitivity in handling Embassy and host government requirements.

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


Duties and responsibilities:

- Strategic planning and leadership

  • Design, develop independently, and implement a Corporate Services with agreement from Senior Management to delivery strategy; disseminating key messages, improve stakeholder networks; engage Senior Managers and One HMG Partners and leave effective corporate communications campaigns.
  • Lead engagement with Partners Across Government (PAGs) to deliver specific corporate policies.
  • Provide advice to Senior Management and PAGs on complex corporate issues.
  • 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 remain informed and maintain corporate knowledge. 
  • Review and refine business cases drafted by the team to support Network priorities and to lead on securing financial approval.
  • Engage, analyse, and report on developments in Corporate Services policy, highlighting opportunities to the Head of Corporate Services and Senior Management Team.
  • Inform and steer Corporate Services communications across the Network. Lead and deliver Corporate Services communication strategy.
  • Research and draft local policies to ensure they are aligned to global and local requirements and adopted by all PAGs on platform.
  • Lead and monitor the delivery of services against the local Corporate Services Charter.

- Delivery

  • Deliver Corporate Services Strategy across the Network; specifically those related to policy, finance, improvement plans, terms and conditions of service (TACOS) reviews, compliance reviews, and customer service.
  • Oversee corporate delivery across Finance, HR, and Protocol, working closely with the Regional HR, Finance, and Procurement Hubs and the Global Transaction Processing Centre (GTPC). Ensure full use of self-service access to Corporate Services and regionalised services.
  • Direct and lead the management of the Estate, ensuring that UK and local standards are met through planned and re-active maintenance and in compliance with corporate procedures, including local and UK health and safety regulations and policy.
  • Act as the ‘intelligent client,’ identifying requirements, appropriate service level agreements (SLAs), and key performance indicators (KPIs) to manage and monitor supplier contracts.
  • Oversee the local delegated budget in accordance with corporate policies to ensure on-budget expenditure and value for money.
  • Instil a continuous improvement mentality within the team, leading on corporate projects and the change management required to deliver them. 
  • First direct liaison for staff associations and committees.
  • Lead and manage CS reports to deliver quality customer service to internal stakeholders.
  • Submit policies/ processes within working practises and regulations with freedom to exercise discretion, with reviews to be incorporated into the long-term strategy and the work will be reviewed by the Head of Corporate Services and Senior Management.

- Finance and compliance

  • Monitor ACCA compliance risks and contribute regular reporting to the Head of Corporate Services and Senior Management Team.
  • Oversee compliance to ACCA requirements to ensure Network compliance.
  • Report to Head of Corporate Services and Senior Management Team and a range of governance boards across the Network to improve CS activity.
  • Lead on opportunities for savings across the Network, submitting recommendations and proposals to the Head of Corporate Services.
  • Oversee and develop a strategy for internal audit requirements and compliance to Data Protection Requests.

- People

  • Lead on the overall employer proposition, including terms and conditions of service (TACOS) and pay and benefits for County Based Staff (CBS), adhering to compliance in line with local labour law.
  • Provide guidance and act as an escalation point on sensitive staff matters for diplomatic and CBS, including management issues and dispute resolution, engaging with specialist HR functions where necessary.
  • Champion and embed a collaborative and inclusive culture. 
  • Lead on complex Government Relations cases, meeting with Senior MFA representatives to resolve complex cases or issues.

- Local requirement

  • Lead CBS payroll in line with the Pay and Benefits Hub, highlighting any anomalies and accurately maintaining audit information.
  • Crisis preparedness and continuity planning.
  • Corporate objective – Research, develop and implement a long term Health and Safety strategy, improving compliance within the Network.
  • Oversee compliance to Health and Safety improvement plans and policies across the Network.

- Resilience

  • Respond to operational crisis, providing leadership and flexing team prioritisation as required.
  • Ensure cross training within Corporate Services roles to provide resilience within the teams and across the region.
  • Work with the Head of Corporate Services to plan and establish resource and development needs.
  • 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 requested by the Head of Corporate Services.

- Resources

  • Day-to-day and direct line management of six (6) members of staff.
  • Oversight and team management of 16 members of staff.
  • Escalation point and advisor for complex cases.
  • Effectively allocating work, prioritisation, and performance management of the team.
  • Training development, coaching and mentoring of the team and staff
  • Oversight of Network budget of 4 million.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.


Key competencies required:

  • Making Effective Decisions - Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. Being careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care. Reaching evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions and creating a secure culture around the handling of information; and aiming to maximise return while minimising risk and balancing a range of considerations such as social, political, financial, economic, legal and environmental to provide sustainable outcomes.
  • Leading and Communicating - Showing our pride and passion for public service, leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, integrity and enthusiasm. Championing difference and external experience, supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens. Being visible, establishing a strong direction and a persuasive future vision; managing and engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful and candid way, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
  • Delivering Value for Money - It involves the efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in the delivery of public services. Seeking out and implementing solutions which achieve the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay. Making decisions based on evidenced information and following agreed processes and policies, challenging these appropriately where they appear to prevent good value for money.
  • Seeing the Big Picture - Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. Focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet the organisation’s goals and deliver the greatest value. Scanning the wider context and taking account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation strategies that maximise opportunities to add value and support economic, sustainable growth.
  • Changing and Improving - Being responsive and innovative, and seeking out opportunities to create effective change. Learning from what has worked well and what has not, being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in ’smarter’, more focused ways. Continuously seeking out ways to improve policy implementation and build a leaner, more flexible and responsive team.
  • 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 which 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, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and 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 law and its applications.
  • Familiarity with FCDO or UK government/ public sector processes and policies on finance/ procurement/ HR.
  • Facilities management experience.
13 March 2021
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
1 May 2021

Eligibility:

The successful applicant will be required to obtain the necessary security clearance. Higher clearances can be granted only to certain nationalities. For this reason, candidates must be of British, American, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand nationality in order to gain the level of clearance required.

The position is available 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)*

*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.

 

Normal working hours for the Embassy are from 08.00 to 15.00 from Sunday to Thursday. This position is full-time, based on 35 hours per week.

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 (subject to any movement restrictions within KSA).

 

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

How to apply:

Interested candidates must attach 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 2) a covering letter stating how you meet the requirements of the role.

Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the required competencies in the Competence-Based Questions section of the online application form.

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

The closing date for applications is at 23:55 KSA local time on 13 March 2021.

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.