Specialist, Employee Relations at Save the Children

Team and Role Purpose

The Employee Relations team ensure fair and compliant employee relations processes in order to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture while adhering to all legal and organizational standards. The team analyses data and trends to identify areas for improvement, builds capacity to handle complex issues effectively, and conducts thorough investigations into cases, disciplinaries, and appeals. Through these efforts, the team supports the organization's mission to create an equitable and supportive work environment for all employees.

The Specialist, Employee Relations provides expert advice on employee relations matters, upholds Save the Children International’s (SCI’s) values of integrity and accountability, and contributes to a productive and inclusive work environment. This role ensures fair and consistent handling of disciplinary and appeal processes, and grievance investigations while fostering a culture of respect and empowerment. By building capability in employee relations best practices, this role supports the achievement of SCI’s mission to protect and promote the well-being of children.

• Reporting To: Head, Employee Relations
• Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available
• Contract Length: Permanent
• Grade: P3
• Location: One role in any approved Save the Children International office location based in our MENAEE region
• One role in any approved Save the Children International office location Worldwide
• Preferred Time Zone: One role in MENAEE Time Zones (+ / - 3 hours), 
• One role in any time zone
• Right to Work: The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment.

Principle Accountabilities 

• Lead and manage the investigation and resolution of employee grievances and disciplinary cases, partnering with colleagues on complex multi-faceted cases, ensuring a fair and timely process that upholds SCI’s values and policies. 
• Monitor and report on internal and external employee relations trends to identify areas for improvement and inform policies and practices, ensuring SCI remains a safe, fair, and equitable organisation. 
• Foster strong relationships with employees at all levels, promoting open communication and trust to create a collaborative and respectful work environment. 
• Provide expert advice and support to managers and senior leaders in the Global Team and Country Offices on complex employee relations issues, enhancing their capability to handle cases effectively and in alignment with organisational values and local legal requirements. 
• Ensure compliance with SCI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies by embedding inclusive practices within all employee relations activities, helping to build a culturally competent and respectful organisation. 
• Update and close employee relations cases in SCI's case management system, ensuring all necessary follow-ups and recommendations are completed 
• Ensure efficient implementation of final recommendations, maintaining accurate and thorough records at all stages and prioritising support for colleagues involved.
• Develop and maintain an Employee Relations toolkit and trainings to support and capacity building of Global Team and Country Office colleagues

Experience and Skills 

Essential

• Significant experience in handling employee grievances and disciplinary cases, ensuring processes are fair, timely, and aligned with organisational policies. 
• Demonstrated ability in providing expert advice and support to managers and senior leaders on complex employee relations issues, enhancing their capability to handle cases effectively.
• Extensive involvement in fostering strong relationships with employees and promoting a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
• Significant experience in monitoring and reporting on employee relations trends to inform policies and practices, ensuring a safe and equitable organisational culture. 
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; capable of articulating complex issues clearly and authoritatively.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to monitor and report on employee relations trends, identify areas for improvement, and inform policies and practices.
• Conflict Resolution: Advanced skills in conflict resolution and negotiation, with the ability to mediate complex employee relations issues tactfully and effectively.
• Relationship Management: Ability to foster strong relationships with employees at all levels, promoting open communication and trust. Integrity and Ethical Judgement: High level of integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality and impartiality at all times.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee the efficient implementation of final recommendations and maintain accurate records.

Desirable

• French, Spanish or Arabic language skills