Purpose of Job

The Director, Employee Relations and People Solutions & Advisory plays a pivotal role within the Human Resources & Organisational Development department, and across the business, to promote a working culture aligned with the values of the Bank. Along with MDHROD, the Director is pivotal in defining and implementing the Employee Relations and Mediation strategy which represents the culture and values of the Bank and is governed by the internal law of the Bank.

The Director, with their team, proactively advises and supports the business to mitigate reputational and legal risks and any associated costs to the Bank. The Director manages the Employee Relations, People Solutions & Advisory team and its deliverables, a Mediation function (yet to be defined) as well as the relationship with the Staff Council to promote effective and cooperative working relationships.

The role involves a high level of interaction with senior management to advise and recommend approaches and policies for decision by the Executive Committee and, if applicable, approval by the Board. The role reports directly to the MD, HROD and is part of the HR Management team.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Responsible for designing a strategic employee relations and mediation framework that is aligned with the Bank’s values and culture.
• Ensures the delivery of expert advice and tools across the Bank to enable effective management and facilitation of sensitive, delicate or problematic employee relations issues (including medical cases).
• Ensure proactive engagement for the negotiation and early resolution of employment-related disputes to minimise and manage reputational and legal risks and associated costs to the Bank. 
• Along with the team, manages the relationship with the Staff Council to effectively develop constructive and positive dialogue and consultations on employee-related issues/actions
• Leads regular reviews and introduction of aligned ER directives, procedures and processes, in close collaboration with the HRMT, HRBPs, COEs, OCCO, OGC and other internal stakeholders.
• Partners with and constructively challenges other stakeholders if necessary to mitigate risks and ensure fair and consistent application of relevant guidelines.
• Aligned to the Bank’s transformation agenda and SCF, supports, advises and facilitates organisational change from a people impact perspective.  
• Ensures feedback and advise to MD HR&OD on issues such as: Employee relations culture, CDRPs and RWP matters, performance management and requests for review of administrative decisions; relations with the SC. 
• Ensures accountability through regular reporting, SLAs, and metrics with internal and external providers to ensure the provision of relevant employee-related support mechanisms in a timely and efficient manner.
• Represents the Bank in external mediation processes and may participate in the proceedings of the Administrative Review Committee. Responsible for managing outcomes.
• Responsible for overseeing the People Solutions & Advisory team and ensuring expert advice and guidance by the team to internal stakeholders.
• Ensures the provision of generalist people solutions and advisory service to line managers and staff on a case management basis, on a wide range of HROD and people-related issues, including line manager coaching and provision of knowledge management articles to support line manager self-service.
• Represents the Bank at IFI conferences and other fora on employee-related matters to keep abreast of development, trends and innovations in best practice and policy
• Optimises technology solutions and designs, adopts and reviews new processes, utilises data and analytics to provide management insights, enhance employee experience and create efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborates, advises and influences HROD COE stakeholders on the need for policy amendments (utilising insights from queries into the team). to ensure effective and fair leadership decisions, specifically in relation to dispute resolution and consistency with Staff Handbook provisions.
• Initiates and delivers continuous improvement actions and initiatives with HROD peers to ensure improvements to policies and service delivery are aligned with the People Plan and best practices.
• Trusted adviser to the Bank’s leadership and clients on Employee Relations issues, as well as to HR Business Partners, HR Centres of Expertise, line managers and employees across the Bank.
• Is a member of the Human Resources Management Team (HRMT) and plays an active role in all HR matters including the implementation and review of the HR People Plan and digital transformation.
• This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.
• Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall staff management including recruitment, compensation (as agreed with the MD, HROD, if applicable), performance management, coaching and development.
• Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Experience & Qualifications:

• Demonstrable evidence of integrity and excellent judgement.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience.
• Extensive and proven track record in Employee Relations, people solutions and advisory. Experience at a senior level as an HR generalist in an international. environment and/or an employment law background would be advantageous.
• Desirable to have experience in building an Employee Relations/ Mediation Function.
• Proven track record of effectively challenging and influencing sources/stakeholders at all levels to broken solutions and obtain required deliverables.
• Accredited Mediator and qualifications in Negotiating skills (or equivalent experience) are preferable. 
• Demonstrated experience in dispute resolution.
• Analytical with experience in analysing trends, and developing insight to drive strategic decision-making.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong analytical and agile, creative problem-solving skills, particularly in complex legal and/or regulatory environments.
• Excellent communication skills: written and verbal, including a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrated sound decision-making skills, with a focus on the identification of risks and issues that may have an adverse effect on the business from an ER perspective.
• Able to demonstrate gravitas and credibility at all levels
• Proven strong communication skills, with a focus on strong negotiating and influencing skills
• Effective team leadership and management skills
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively flex style between strategic and operational priorities.
• Excellent relationship management skills with a high level of emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills; a wide understanding of people issues
• Experience in the use and application of technology, creativity and innovation, sound data analytics experience and the ability to generate insight through systems and tools.
• Proven track record of delivering results.
• Experience in operating with excellent judgement in a demanding client-facing role.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people’s lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).