The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Head of People and Capability, Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), job grade HEO for a fixed-term contract for three (3) years.

This is an exciting and demanding role for an exceptional individual to be the Head of People and Capability for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP).  DBT’s role is to promote and encourage UK trade and investment into overseas markets, inward investment into the UK and tackling barriers to trade. DBT MEaP covers 11 countries and c.110 staff members delivering against the strategic pillars of the Regional Trade Plan (RTP) to support the UK’s economic growth.

DBT are looking for an enterprising, team oriented and HR experienced professional to join the team as Head of People and Capability.

People are at the heart of our ability to deliver the MEaP RTP, the central strategy for the DBT MEaP network.  We value our talented and diverse workforce that comprises UK based civil servants and country-based staff whose diversity of ideas and experience across all areas of our work bring different ways to think about and take on challenges and opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that we develop, grow and realise the potential of all of our people and create a great place to work, where we can be ourselves and be respected for who we are. These values will be at the core of the work you deliver within the team.

The jobholder will be working within MEaPs Regional hub in Dubai reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

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 promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Duties and responsibilities:

You will be accountable for ensuring that Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) has the capability and capacity to deliver the Regional Trade Plan (RTP).  This includes:

Workforce Strategy and Planning

• Working closely with the COO to refine the network’s workforce planning through developing a deep understanding of the MEaP strategy.
• Working closely with the regional HR Hub, providing clear advice on HR issues, and ensuring HR policies are consistently applied across the network.
• Supporting recruitment across the region, promoting inclusive recruitment practices, including in job descriptions and sift/interview processes.
• Implementing local people actions to ensure attraction, recruitment, and retention of high performing staff through a number of initiatives and campaigns.
• Working with senior management team to promote diversity and inclusion from the top.
• Developing, implementing, and embedding reporting of people metrics in DBT through a balanced scorecard approach that is developed proportionately through close liaison with HR sections in the Embassy, CGs and in the UK. Highlight insight, trends and issues and suggest people activities to respond.

Building Workforce Capability

• Actively represent DBT in the wider network, including providing the DBT perspective on cross-network programmes, and effectively presenting the MEaP perspective to London teams.
• Working with the FCDO International Academy and DBT HR, develop an understanding of the network’s learning needs, implement a programme of relevant L&D activity, including overseeing the delivery of bespoke L&D.
• Implementing a L&D programme specifically aimed at Country Directors and their deputies, addressing e.g. positive leadership and line-management, work prioritisation and stakeholder engagement.
• Engaging with all stakeholders across the network to promote, assist and encourage L&D and professional development. Role model continuing professional development.
• Evaluating the impact and value-add of Learning and Development activities.
• Overseeing the implementation of the annual L&D fund.
• Updating, communicating, and tracking the induction process for all new staff

People Strategy

• Further embed the DBT MEaP mission, vision, and values to become integral to what we do and how we do it, ensuring collaboration and connections with DBT HQ initiatives.
• Play a key role in advancing employee engagement engaging with staff to support positive change. Monitor progress through annual people survey results.
• Support closer collaboration and integration of People functions between DBT and broader HMG in the region to deliver a more efficient and effective service.
• Promoting and embedding a culture of inclusive behaviours including additional support for underrepresented groups.

Core Office Support

• Support the COO and wider regional hub on other people matters as required, this may include resourcing, job standards and internal communications, especially in support of the people agenda.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key behaviours required:

• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Developing Self and Others – Focus on continuous learning and development for self, others and the organisation as a whole.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

• Experience in a similar role or a solid experience in generalist Human Resources Management with demonstrable skills in HR (e.g. Performance and Development, Talent Management, Change Management, Employee Engagement; Cultural Leadership).
• Experience of contributing to HR strategy and delivering people plans that support organisational goals.
• Fluency in English communication skills (both written and oral).
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent team working skills, with strong ability to build co-operative working relationships whilst being able to work independently.
• Ability to make sound judgments.
• Strong stakeholder influencing skills.
• Ability to collaborate remotely and effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Excellent computer & IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).