Specialist, Employee Relations at Save the Children

Role purpose

• To provide expert advice on employee relations matters, uphold SCI’s values of integrity and accountability, and contribute to a productive and inclusive work environment. This role ensures fair and consistent handling of investigations, disciplinary and appeal processes, while fostering a culture of respect and empowerment. By building capacity in employee relations best practices, this role supports the achievement of SCI’s mission to protect and promote the well being of children.

Principal 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 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 on complex employee relations issues, enhancing their capability to handle cases effectively and in alignment with organisational values and legal requirements.
• Partnering with Country Office Senior Management Teams as an SME (Subject Matter Expert) to provide guidance on all highly complex employee relations issues with advice from internal or external legal teams as needed 
• 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. 
• Ensure efficient implementation of final recommendations, maintaining accurate and thorough records at all stages and prioritising support for colleagues involved.

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 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.

Education and Qualifications
Essential

• Expert understanding of employment laws and regulations in one or more countries that SCI programmes in.

Desirable

• Experience working across West and Central Africa or Latin America and the Carribean
• Qualifications, experience or training in mediation, conflict resolution, or labour law would be advantageous. 
• Professional certifications in Human Resources (such as CIPD) are desirable.
• French or Spanish language skills