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- Tasks: Lead the WaterAid UK People Team to enhance workplace culture and employee engagement.
- Company: WaterAid is a global charity focused on providing clean water and sanitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team dedicated to making a real impact in communities worldwide.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in strategic people management and leadership in diverse environments required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion is paramount.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 81000 £ per year.
Location: The role can be based in the following WaterAid countries subject to right to work eligibility in the respective country: South Africa (office in Pretoria), Nigeria (office in Lagos), Kenya (home-based), UK (office in London).
Salary: For UK location: £80,000 - £90,000 with excellent benefits. Salary and benefits for other locations will be in line with the respective country ranges.
Contract: This is a full-time role.
Travel: International travel to countries where WaterAid works, circa four weeks per year. If based outside of the UK, there will be an additional need to spend at least one week per quarter in the UK.
About WaterAid’s People Team: In 2024 we reviewed the People function across the WaterAid federation to ensure we are equipped to support and enable WaterAid to achieve our ambitious global strategy. The WaterAid UK People Director will provide leadership in the delivery of this vision with the WaterAid UK People Team, which includes strategic business partners and specialists in various areas.
About The WaterAid UK People Director Role: This is a senior leadership role within WaterAid UK, reporting to the Global Executive Director of People. The post holder is a member of WaterAid UK’s leadership team and the Global People Executive, working in partnership with the Global People Team and other member People Leads to develop global people strategies.
Accountabilities:
- Provide leadership in enabling WaterAid UK to be a great place to work.
- Champion WaterAid’s values and lead WaterAid UK’s diversity, equity, and empowerment agenda.
- Be an inspiring leader for the WaterAid UK People Team.
- Accountable for translating global people strategies into key initiatives for WaterAid UK.
- Lead a team of people business partners who provide support to WaterAid UK Executive Directors.
- Develop and monitor people performance indicators and measures for success against plans.
- Support leaders to embed safeguarding and security commitments.
- Continuously review the effectiveness and efficiency of the WaterAid UK organisation.
- Ensure WaterAid UK has appropriate people technology systems and processes.
- Build an external network with relevant communities of practice and experts.
Requirements:
Essential Skills And Behaviours:
- A commitment to WaterAid’s values.
- Significant senior experience of strategic business partnering and people strategy development.
- A track record of creating great workplaces with high performance cultures.
- Experience of creating safe and inclusive environments.
- An inspiring and empowering leader.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of leading and advising on organisational design and change management.
- Willing and able to travel internationally.
Desirable Skills:
- Ability to speak languages spoken in countries where WaterAid works, particularly French.
- Experience of working in the international development sector.
How to Apply: Your application should include a short letter outlining your personal motivation to join WaterAid and relevant experience for this senior leadership role, along with a full CV. Send your application to ewen.mcalpine@macaulaysearch.com by 9:00 AM BST Monday 30 June.
Benefits: WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself. We have a generous benefit package to help you take care of your health, happiness, and wellbeing.
Equal opportunities: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Safeguarding: We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with.
WaterAid UK People Director employer: WaterAid East Africa & Ethiopia
Contact Detail:
WaterAid East Africa & Ethiopia Recruiting Team
ewen.mcalpine@macaulaysearch.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land WaterAid UK People Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the international development sector, especially those who have experience with WaterAid or similar organisations. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the culture and expectations within WaterAid.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with WaterAid's values and recent initiatives. Understanding their mission and how they implement their global strategy will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in creating inclusive workplaces and high-performance cultures. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and implemented people strategies that resonate with WaterAid's commitment to diversity and empowerment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific challenges and opportunities in the countries where WaterAid operates. Being knowledgeable about local contexts will demonstrate your readiness to lead and adapt strategies effectively across different environments.
We think you need these skills to ace WaterAid UK People Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description for the WaterAid UK People Director role. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a short letter (max two pages) that outlines your personal motivation for joining WaterAid and highlights your relevant experience. Make sure to connect your past achievements with the specific requirements of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the position. Highlight your strategic business partnering experience, leadership roles, and any relevant international experience that aligns with WaterAid's mission.
Follow Application Instructions: Send your application to the specified email address (ewen.mcalpine@macaulaysearch.com) before the deadline. Double-check that you have included both your cover letter and CV as per the application requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid East Africa & Ethiopia
✨Understand WaterAid's Values
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand WaterAid's core values: respect, accountability, courage, collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with these and provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these principles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a People Director, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully led diverse teams, implemented strategic initiatives, or fostered high-performance cultures. Highlight your ability to inspire and empower others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity
Given WaterAid's international presence, it's essential to show your understanding of different cultural contexts. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated multicultural environments in the past and how you plan to adapt people management practices to suit various local contexts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in people management, and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
