HR Manager / Consultant

Do you want to help millions of women in some of the world’s poorest countries succeed as entrepreneurs and work their own way out of poverty?

We are seeking an outstanding HR Manager/Consultant on a fixed-term contract basis to review and update our organisational policies, employee handbook and HR templates. This can be offered as a fixed-term employment contract or consultancy (day-rate) basis depending on candidate preference. There is the possibility for this to lead to a longer-term part-time employment contract.

The person we’re looking for will be an experienced HR professional who can ensure that policies and processes are in line with best practice, while also considering our values as an organisation and going beyond the status quo where we can. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

• Reports to: Director of Finance
• Location: Hybrid. We work in our central London (Baker Street) office Tuesday-Thursday, with Mondays and Fridays working form home
• Contract: fixed-term contract, part-time. We anticipate this contract requiring 35-40 days' work over 3-4 months. We are open to discussing different flexible working options including compressed hours and school hours
• Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 FTE per annum or day rate £210 - £250 per day, depending on candidate experience
• Start date: early March 2025

We treat all applications equally, however we actively encourage applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBT+, who have a disability, as well as those from a working-class background, as these groups are currently under-represented in the charity sector. Our aim is to become a truly inclusive organisation, with a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

Background

At Hand in Hand, we help women beat the odds and succeed as entrepreneurs. The money they earn and the confidence they gain changes everything. Whole families and communities rise with them.

Since 2003, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, we’ve helped more than 5 million women launch small businesses that can stand the test of time. Some are smallholder farmers learning to stand up to climate change. Some are refugees starting a new life after running from conflict. Others are young women and girls with few opportunities, starting to dream – and plan – for the future.

Our members’ achievements (so far) include:

• 10 million new and improved jobs
• +93% average increase in monthly income
• 84% of women with the power to make decisions about their lives.

Our team works with partners throughout the global Hand in Hand network, specialising in fundraising, strategic and programmes advice, and donor relations.

Our culture 

We offer home working as standard on Mondays and Fridays. Flexible working requests (including compressed hours) will be considered for all roles.

Being an employer of choice is one of Hand in Hand's six strategic goals. We aim to have an 80% recommender score (measured via our yearly staff survey). We believe diversity drives innovation and excellence and aim to attract 33% of applicants for all new roles from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the charity sector. 

We believe collaboration is the key to creating change, and, as part of a global organisation, work with colleagues in Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Sweden, Germany and the US to create and deliver world class programmes. Our open organisational structure encourages cross-team working – from programmes and fundraising to communications and events.   

Responsibilities and key deliverables

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, the primary objective of the role is to:

• Review and update Hand in Hand International’s Employee Handbook, working with the Director of Finance
• Review all organisational policies and recommend relevant updates, ranking these in order of priority
• Implement updates to organisational policies in order of priority
• Review performance management templates and update for the new financial year starting 01 April 2025 where needed, including building out the employee career development plan
• Review employment contracts and code of conduct, suggest any necessary amendments
• Provide HR guidance to employees and line managers in the event of any queries (ad hoc)
• Provide strategic HR advice to help shape the future HR function of the organisation

Skills and knowledge

• Experience supporting small organisations (<50 employees) with establishing high quality policies and procedures
• A broad understanding of all major HR disciplines & dealing with complex HR issues
• Excellent partnership, problem solving, team working & interpersonal skills
• Ability to challenge, influence and persuade others
• Strong communication skills oral & written
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Exceptional cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity

Desirable:

• CIPD qualification
• An understanding of the charity sector

How to apply and enquiries

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role.

The deadline for applications is end of day Monday 10th February.

Interviews will take place on 12rd and 13th February.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments at interview stage. 

Unfortunately, we can only accept your application if you have full rights to work in the UK for at least three years from the date of your application.

Successful applicants will be subject to references and an up-to-date DBS check.