SKA-Low Senior HR Business Partner

Job Description

We are looking for a senior, experienced HR professional who has an excellent understanding of best practice HR in an international, complex environment, to lead the local HR function and support the SKA-Low leadership team. The role will operate within a matrix structure, reporting to the Low Telescope Director and with a dotted line to the Director of HR, based in the UK. They will work in a small HR team for the SKA-Low collaboration, which includes HR staff from SKAO and CSIRO.

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SKAO and CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, have established a collaboration to deliver the SKA-Low project from its construction phase through to its ongoing operations, which are expected to continue beyond 2050. The SKA-Low team in Australia will grow to approximately 150 staff, with around 120 employed by CSIRO and 30 by SKAO. Personnel from both organisations are working together closely to ensure the project's success.

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SKA-Low teams work across three sites:

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• Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country.
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• Our Engineering Operations Centre on Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country in Geraldton.
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• Our Science Operations Centre on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Perth.
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SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

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There may be occasions where this role requires work across different time zones, and in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

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The core responsibilities, accountabilities and duties of the Senior HR Business Partner will include the following:

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• Support the SKA-Low Leadership Team, providing effective business partnering and expert advice and guidance in line with policy and best practice.
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• Develop and deliver an HR Plan to meet the needs of SKA-Low while aligning with the global HR strategy and ensuring compliance with SKAO's people -related policies and procedures and SKAO's governance framework.
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• Work as part of the global SKAO HR team, with colleagues in the UK and Australia to deliver a cohesive HR strategy and operations across the Observatory.
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• Partner with business leaders to develop and embed inclusive practices across talent acquisition, performance management and leadership development, developing SKAO as an employer of choice, especially within underrepresented groups.
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• Work with key stakeholders across the SKAO/CSIRO collaboration and SKAO globallyto enhance employee engagement across all staff working on the Low project.
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• Provide local policy expertise, providing input to ensure the development and implementation of policies and procedures which are fit for purpose at a local level. This will include ensuring the right HR framework is in place to deliver HR across SKA-Low in line with the collaboration with CSIRO.
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• Oversee people matters associated with the organisation's IGO status in Australia, including management of local privileges and immunities and the maintenance of close relationships with stakeholders on relevant personnel matters.
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• Build a high performing SKA-Low-culture, aligned to the SKAO's values.
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• Deliver the SKAO EVP and management of the reward and benefits of SKAO Low staff, including international staff.
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• Oversee the strategic workforce plan for SKAO Low, leading the local HR Team and working with the collaboration and broader global team to ensure the delivery of the HR plan, timely recruitment, training and development in line with the Observatory's needs.
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• Tertiary qualifications in human resource management or organisational development.
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• Experience of operating at a senior level, providing advanced generalist and strategic HR advice on a range of complex HR, organisational and employee relations issues across the full employment lifecycle.
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• Depth of experience in the development and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies that foster a workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected and able to contribute fully.
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• An in depth understanding of the drivers of employee engagement across diverse groups, with a track record of partnering with business leaders to deliver exceptional engagement outcomes against a complex backdrop of competing priorities.
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• A demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence across different cultural, geographical and structural boundaries.
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• An ability work collaboratively, demonstrating a respectful and inclusive approach across all cultures, backgrounds, nationalities and race.
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• Experience of managing others, building an environment that enables team members to thrive.
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• Experience collaborating with and working as part of an international geographically dispersed team.
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• Knowledge of intergovernmental organisations, with an understanding the impact of privileges and immunities on the reward and policy landscape.
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• Expertise in building capability, including through the development of career paths and talent management.
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• Knowledge of the requirements of payroll.
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