Job Description

Reports to

:

Director-General

Responsible

:

HR Advisor and HR Administrator

Department:

Human Resources

Salary

: circa 80,000 per year based on skills and experience

Location:

London Office (Hybrid, minimum 2 days a week in the office

Contract:

Permanent, Full -time, 37.5hrs Per week

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the worlds oldest and the UKs leading defence and security think tank. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address todays complex challenges.


RUSI has over 120 employees. The vast majority of staff are based in our headquarters in London. There are also two smaller offices in Brussels and Nairobi.

About the Team

The Human Resources team is a small but dynamic team responsible for the delivery of a full HR service to the Institute. Its responsibilities include recruitment and retention, staff development and training, performance management, compliance, DEI, and staff engagement. The team is continuing its work towards professionalising the Institutes HR operations and implementing best practice.

Main purpose of the post

============================


As the lead for Human Resources, to ensure that the Institute is supported by a highly capable and professional Human Resources function, which provides a professional, customer focused service. The person appointed will act as business partner to the senior leadership team providing expert advice and guidance on HR matters.





As a member of the Management Group, the appointee will work with colleagues in leading the organisation through the continuous improvement required of a high-performing organisation.

Key Tasks

Lead the development and implementation of the Institutes HR plan ensuring key deliverables are successfully measured and executed. Design HR strategy and align HR programmes and initiatives to support business goals. Lead the HR team in ensuring smooth and efficient running of all HR operations ensuring a seamless employee experience. Be a trusted partner to the senior leadership team on people matters. Provide regular feedback, both qualitative and quantitative, to SMT and trustees on the current status of staff relations and on any significant issues. Maintain oversight of HR policies and procedures ensuring that they are fit for purpose and legally compliant. Lead on the internal diversity, equality, and inclusion strategic aims, developing and implementing actions to support the organisation in progressing towards these. Lead the development and implementation of initiatives designed to engage staff, and increase individual sense of belonging and value, empowering leaders to take ownership for their role in this. Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations to a range of audiences both internal and external, on corporate HR matters. Provide HR guidance and support to our international offices (Brussels and Nairobi) ensuring that local policies are consistent across all offices where possible. Develop a staff training plan that supports the organisations business priorities. Manage HR operational and training budgets. Provide advice and guidance on routine and complex employee relations issues and act as an escalation point. Commit to and engage in continued personal and professional development, alongside effective development, and performance management of the HR team.
The above list of duties is not exhaustive; the post-holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience:

Proven experience of leading an exemplary generalist HR service with a customer focused approach in a small/medium organisation. Development of a promotion and retention strategy and ensuring alignment with the day-to-day operational plan. Effectively managing complex employee relations issues with legally sound and best practice solutions. Knowledge and understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion and how to incorporate this into every aspect of HR work. Current knowledge of employment legislation, good practice, and considerable experience of their practical application. Excellent leadership and management skills with the ability to empower and develop teams and individuals to deliver results. Ability to apply diplomacy and discretion to sensitive situations. Proven ability to build strong working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels and to work collaboratively. Takes responsibility for ensuring that HR data is accurate and up to date, whilst being aware of sensitive and confidential data and compliance with the data protection legislation. Excellent organisational skills to manage a large and varied workload. Strong coaching and influencing skills.

Desirable Criteria

Postgraduate qualification in HR or business-related degree Membership of CIPD or equivalent professional HR body An interest in international affairs and the work RUSI does

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSIs Vision and Values https://rusi.org/content/values and Equal Opportunities Statement

Benefits

25 days annual leave (rising with service) Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution, Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Season ticket loan Access to free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library Discretionary closure days over Christmas Trained Mental Health First Aiders + Enhanced sick pay + Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Depending on length of service

Application Process

We want to hear from all voices and particularly encourage individuals of diverse and marginalised communities to apply. If there is a requirement in the job description which you feel you dont quite meet but are still keen to apply, then please do.


To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions.

Your CV. Cover Letter of no more than 1 page explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 BST on

20

th

May 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

.

Successful candidates are expected to complete a 45-minute test and attend an in-person interview at our office in Whitehall

.


Please

DO NOT

submit multiple applications for this vacancy. We no longer accept applications to our recruitment mailbox, applications received in our mailbox will not be processed.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.


Were aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.


If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org