Technical Adviser: Human Resources / Administration / Workforce Development, G7 at the British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Adviser: Human Resources / Administration / Workforce Development, G7

Location: Abuja
Job Category: Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Job Subcategory: Department of Health and Social Care
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Type of Post: British High Commission
Grade: Grade 7 (G7)
Working hours per week: 35
Duration of Post: 24 months
Start Date: 1 March 2023

Main Purpose of Job

• The International Health Regulations (IHR) Strengthening Project (IHR_SP) is a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funded project implemented by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which works in 5 countries, one of which is Nigeria. It also works regionally across Africa, Eastern Mediterranean and more recently South-east Asia.
• A key aim of the IHR Strengthening Project is to support National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) and regional bodies in the development of a trained local workforce, that will continue beyond the duration of the project, and will not only embed and build on successes to date, but also provide an opportunity to strengthen capacity upstream and more broadly.
• This position's primary responsibility is to work with the Nigeria Country Lead/Senior Public Health Advisor and the Human Resource and Administration Heads at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deliver on UK HSA’s and NCDC’s shared objectives for our collaboration on human resources, administration and workforce capacity building and strengthening.
• The post-holder will provide expert HR/Admin/Workforce advice  to the NCDC and other relevant government Ministries/Departments/Agencies to ensure a holistic approach to improving IHR compliance which addresses priority HR/Admin/Workforce needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leading the development and driving the implementation of relevant HR and Employee Relations and Workforce policies and strategies that take account of existing employment legislation, in collaboration with UK Workforce colleagues
• Working with UK based workforce colleagues, NCDC Directorates, senior management and their teams to ensure that workforce requirements are identified, with support planned and delivered in a timely manner supported by a good understanding of NCDC mission and strategy, as well as business plans
• Supporting the management of the HR interface with management, line managers and staff, providing advice and support on employee relations processes such as grievance, disciplinary, fair treatment and absence management procedures.
• Developing in collaboration with UK-based workforce development colleagues the people management capabilities of line managers facilitating opportunities that will help equip them with the knowledge and skills to handle staff management responsibilities in line with NCDC’s strategic direction
• Developing and actively supporting the delivery of organisational development interventions that support effective and efficient operational delivery
• Working in partnership with the Director of Administration and wider HR Team to develop interventions to address the leadership and management agenda within NCDC that promote cultural change and supports appropriate behaviours and values
• Supporting the management and improvement of the efficiency of Support Services and ensuring effective business management. This will include business planning and performance reporting, risk management, business continuity, change management, sustainable practices, HR processes for staff, and health and safety.
• Supporting the delivery of a workforce development strategy for NCDC, including ensuring sufficient resourcing for the work of staff, staff development and succession planning.
• Providing operational advice and support to NCDC DG and others for effective programme delivery.
• Taking a significant role in organisation wide long-term planning, including initiatives geared toward operational excellence, including development of long-range forecasts and maintenance of long-range organisational delivery plans.
• Ensure compliance with planning and reporting practice required for the IHR S_P project including achievement of project plans, milestones and evaluation

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Graduate / Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or an equivalent level of relevant experience (Public Administration, Personnel Management, Human Resource Management, etc.)
• Experience of drafting HR/Admin policies
• Experience of devising, implementing and delivering HR/Workforce development projects within/across organisations
• Experience in an organisation with complex stakeholder interactions
• Experience of organising and managing organisational development initiatives
• A positive, resilient, flexible and adaptable “can-do” attitude that can see way through challenges
• Knowledge of, and a keen interest in the public sector and context in Nigeria
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
• Excellent computer skills and proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience of business planning development, monitoring and reporting on performance
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to nurture relationships, network and work in effective partnerships with complex stakeholders
• Innovative - ability to find solutions to challenging problems
• High level of organisational skills - able to organise, plan, prioritise and deal with conflicting demands and pressures in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style, with ability to understand differing perspectives
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience of partnership working - linking with staff across varied organisational functions to address inter-dependencies and ensure alignment
• Experience of managing projects with multiple partners
• Experience of leading change management
• You will be a highly organised, creative team player who is a self-starter and has excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• You will have a broad range of communications engagement skills, and a thorough understanding of public sector issues gained through experience in the field.
• You will have excellent negotiation skills, enabling you to deal sensitively with stakeholders with complex and sometimes conflicting interests.
• You will be expected to show strong drive to complete and evidence progress, recognising the importance of compliance and reporting

Required Behaviours:

• Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Working Together, Developing Self and Others.

Salary
USD 4,837.39 monthly.

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment 
Learning and Development Opportunities:

• The role will be part of the network of workforce expertise within the IHR Strengthening Project with the job holder able to draw on the experience within the network and contribute to development of practice in other Project countries.
• Candidates will also have access to UKHSA training courses and support for further professional development.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of UKHSA and NCDC.

Additional Information

• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
  • Obtain the relevant permit
  • Pay fees for the permit
  • Make arrangements to relocate
  • Meet the costs to relocation
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.  
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
• Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.  If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.