HR Advisor

An exciting and challenging opportunity for an experienced and pro-active HR Advisor to work on a broad range of
activity spanning the complete employee lifecycle within an international organisation.
Job Location: UK (Head Office)
Area / Department: Business Support
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: GBP 30,000 - 35,000 depending on experience, with excellent
benefits
Closing Date: 24/10/2022
Ref No: 10212
 

The Role
The position of HR Advisor provides a unique and challenging opportunity for a HR Generalist to join a small dynamic
HR team, working within an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) that will break new ground in the world of Astronomy.

Based at our Global HQ at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, the role holder will work across a broad range of activity
spanning the complete employee lifecycle supporting colleagues across the HQ and at our host locations in South Africa
and Australia. SKAO brings together a wealth of the world's finest scientists, engineers, policy makers and specialists
and with more than 25 different nationalities represented we offer an opportunity to work in a diverse environment at the
heart of an exciting and challenging project to design, build and operate the world's largest radio telescope.

Working collaboratively with the wider HR Team, the HR Advisor will play an integral role in achieving the HR strategy,
and requires an individual that can work confidently, independently and comfortably in a fast-paced environment that
brings competing demands, unique complexity and often requires the need for creative and innovative solutions.

SKAO is committed to providing a flexible working environment meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also
fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory. We encourage open conversations during the interview and
application process in relation to any specific requirements, and later with line managers to assess individual flexible
working arrangements alongside the needs of the organisation and responsibilities and accountabilities of the specific
role and team. There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and,
in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
 

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties      

        • Manage queries from all levels of colleagues in relation to the interpretation of HR related policies including meeting
           with managers and individuals to provide support and advice.
        • Manage the HR Helpdesk to triage and monitor service requests, responding to complex queries (escalating as
           required), ensuring distribution of workload across the team, and that matters are responded to and resolved in a prompt
           and timely manner.
        • Assist and support the HR Manager with delegated tasks including production of reports, ER case work and
           communications.
        • Assist with the induction and onboarding of new colleagues including relocation queries.
        • Advise on immigration requirements liaising with the required Governmental bodies and internal teams to obtain
           information.
        • Take the lead on specific HR related projects across the employee lifecycle to continuously improve the service
           offering and align to new legislation as required.
        • Assist and support the HR Manager with the review and development of HR processes and procedures, working
           collaboratively with the wider HR team to embed process improvements.
        • Work collaboratively with the wider HR team to ensure process standards are adhered to including system updates
           and reporting.
        • Provide assistance to the delivery of HR initiatives as the organisation continues to evolve and grow. 

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
        • CIPD qualified, or equivalent level of experience
        • Proven background working with an HR environment ideally in a varied role spanning all areas of the employee
           lifecycle
        • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to form effective working relationships within a
           diverse environment
        • Flexible team player who is adaptable to change and committed to delivering a high quality of service
        • Excellent organisational skills and time management ability
        • High level of attention to detail
        • Excellent English language written and verbal communication skills
        • Numerical and IT literate including MS Office 

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
        • Demonstrable experience of working within an international environment
        • Prior experience of implementing new HR initiatives
        • Use of helpdesk management systems and HR Management systems (Cascade, JIRA, Hireserve, Unit 4)

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO
telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological
innovation and support human capital development.

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on
board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and
engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating
two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an
intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO
World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more
than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and
South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human
knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual
leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social
events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment
where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
are at the core of SKA Observatory's agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual
orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes
and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process,
these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The How to Apply information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more
detail regarding our application and selection approach.