Srr - Head of Corporate Services - Policy, Finance

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1

The British Embassy Riyadh is part of a worldwide network that represents the UK's political, economic, security, and consular interests overseas. We are currently recruiting for a full-time Head of Corporate Services (HCS) for Policy, Finance, HR and Compliance on a fixed-term contract of two (2) years.

The HCS (Policy, Finance, HR and Compliance) is responsible for the KSA Network’s corporate handling of policy and service standards, finance, human resources, and compliance, ensuring these are managed in line with central policy requirements. The jobholder will be required to provide strategic direction to Corporate Services, leading an efficient, cost effective, and professional team to deliver all services to the Partners on platform.

As a leader in corporate delivery, the jobholder will require excellent management, interpersonal and communication skills, tact, discretion, and an ability to deliver consistently across a broad range of responsibilities. The jobholder will be required to show an understanding for sensitivity in handling Embassy and host government requirements.

In particular, we are looking for a skilled manager able to bring the best out of his/ her staff and able to organise the work and team to ensure delivery whilst adhering to Embassy protocol and standards.

**Duties and responsibilities**:

- Corporate Services Communications, Policy and Standards (50%)
- Work with Deputy Director of Corporate Services to agree and deliver Corporate Services strategy across the Network, setting and monitoring service level agreements/ the local corporate services charter with key performance indicators.
- Actively build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders internally, within regional and global hubs, and with external partners (at other diplomatic missions, government departments, and suppliers) to maintain informed and corporate knowledge.
- Ensure that Corporate Services has full use of self-service access, including for regionalised services
- Lead and manage CS reports to deliver quality customer service to internal stakeholders.
- Instil a continuous improvement mentality within the team, leading on corporate projects and change management.
- Lead and deliver Corporate Services communication strategy, agreeing and disseminating key messages on corporate services within KSA Network, engaging senior managers and One HMG partners.
- Provide advice to senior managers and One HMG partners on complex corporate issues.
- Engage, analyse, and report on developments in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Corporate Services policy, highlighting opportunities to the Deputy Director of Corporate Services.
- Research and draft local policies to ensure they are aligned to global and local requirements, and are adopted by all Partners on platform.
- Finance and compliance (25%)
- Oversee the local delegated budget (c£4m) in accordance with corporate policies/ Corporate Services Finance to ensure on-budget expenditure and value for money.
- Develop and implement finance improvement plans.
- Monitor MAP compliance risks, ensure action is taken where needed, and report on progress and remaining risks to the Deputy Director of Corporate Services.
- Lead on opportunities for savings across the Network, submitting recommendations and proposals to the Deputy Director of Corporate Services.
- Oversee and seek to optimise Post’s revenue raising activity, including on VAT refunds and income from Estate assets (e.g., Residence gardens).
- Manage post engagement on internal audit under the leadership of Deputy Director of Corporate Services, and ensure that internal audit recommendations are addressed in a timely way.
- Ensure Post compliance with data protection requests.
- Ensure that KSA Network handles Country Based Staff (CBS) payroll in a timely way, highlighting anomalies and accurately maintaining audit information.
- Lead on all Corporate Services procurement and tendering provisions above £10,000.
- Work with the Deputy Director of Corporate Services and Head of Corporate Services - Estates and Transport to plan and establish resource and development needs.
- Review and refine the financial elements of business cases drafted by the team to support Network priorities, and lead on securing financial approval from the relevant teams in FCDO HQ.
- Human resources (15%)
- Maintain an updated KSA network offer for Country Based Staff (CBS), including on terms and conditions of service, pay and benefits, and performance management, in compliance with local labour law.
- Provide guidance and act as an escalation point on sensitive staff matters for diplomatic and Country Based Staff, including management issues and dispute resolution, engaging with the Regional HR Hub in Abu Dhabi where necessary.
- Champion and embed a collaborative and inclusive work culture.
- Lead on resolving complex employee sponsorship cases with Government