Job Description
**PLEASE NOTE: To apply for this vacancy, please ensure you firstly download a copy of our application form from the documents section on our portal using the application link, and complete it. Click the 'apply' button and fill out your personal details in the relevant sections. Once you have submitted these you will be asked if you would like to attach any documents. At this stage please submit the completed version of the application form.**
Position: Senior People Advisor
Salary: £45k-49,500k per annum
Hours: 35
Reports to: People Director
Location: Shoreditch, East London (Hybrid Model)
Key relationships: Department Heads, Line Managers, Staff
JOB PURPOSE
We’re looking for a proactive, inclusive and insightful HR generalist to manage the day-to-day People advisory and operational support across our medium sized charity, while contributing to a range of forward-thinking HR projects that align our processes, policies and practice with our strategic goals. As our Senior People Advisor, you’ll work closely with our Director of People and partner daily with our managers and staff to build confidence in our People systems and strengthen understanding of good practice. With a passion for building inclusive cultures, wellbeing and employee experience, you’ll be an empathetic relationship builder who brings strong problem-solving skills, sound HR knowledge and a data informed, test and learn approach. You’ll be comfortable being hands on and working with a varied portfolio of activity. Your insights will help shape a safe, inclusive, healthy and agile culture, support organisational learning and development, and drive continuous improvement across our People function.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.
Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.
Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.
UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach. The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.
We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.
Role Responsibilities
Manage and/or advise on employee relations work with a resolution-focused approach to disputes, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, change management processes.
Responsible for overseeing our current HRIS system, ensuring it is used effectively, information is up to date and compliant, and more widely ensuring all HR data is sufficiently protected and compliant with GDPR in all systems and processes
Manage the day-to-day relationship with a range of our People-related suppliers
Produce and use People data to analyse trends and help make decisions. To include producing dashboards for managers, leadership where required.
Oversee the planning and delivery of key activities in the HR calendar such as Employee Engagement surveys, the organisation appraisal process, and associated Internal Communications within the organisation
Develop and evaluate the confidence and capability of managers and staff in our People practices, and systems
Develop, update and communicate our People policies and procedures, in line with organisational strategy, best practice and employment legislation.
Ensure our People practices have safety, diversity, equity and inclusion at their core and play a key role in championing the delivery of our ED&I roadmap.
Provide first line advice on our Total Reward offer to managers and staff and liaise with benefits suppliers to help us continually evolve our Employee Value Proposition.
Support managers in inclusive recruitment processes, ensuring compliance, best practice and use of appropriate metrics to continually inform our recruitment strategy.
Use and update reward benchmarking in line with our reward policy
Design and deliver wellbeing related initiatives
Work with and contribute to the evolution of competency frameworks and development pathways and advise staff and managers around these.
Accountability for discrete budget lines
The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience
Level 5 CIPD qualified or equivalent proven generalist HR experience
Advising and leading confidently on a range of HR policies, UK employment law and best practice
Design and delivery of inclusive HR processes and improvements
Experienced in developing and supporting managers and staff through change
Experienced in advising managers and staff around learning and development
Scoping, managing and overseeing delivery of a varied range of HR projects to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.
Essential Skills/Knowledge
Solid knowledge of UK employment and relevant GDPR legislation and its application
Skilled in using HRIS systems and using them for reporting and streamlining processes
Strong Excel skills, and skilled in Microsoft Office suite, including SharePoint
Analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends and make informed recommendations
Understanding of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion considerations and best practice
Knowledge and experience of using Reward data and benchmarking tools
Knowledge of Safeguarding principles and practice
Excellent communication skills, ensuring our policies and practices are accessible
Essential Attributes
Able to thrive in a small, dynamic and evolving organisation, showing initiative and adaptability.
Collaborative and skilled at building strong, trust-based relationships across teams.
Personally aligned to values of fairness, inclusion, wellbeing and integrity.
A growth mindset
Desirable Skills/Experience
Lived experience of or a strong affinity to the refugee cause
Understanding and experience of competency frameworks
Experience of contributing to staff wellbeing and engagement programmes
Experience of line managing or task managing the work of others
Experience of taking a coaching approach to develop others
WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?
You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.
What else?
Wellbeing
28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays
Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing.
Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
Office wellness perks.
Discount on gym memberships.
Hybrid and Flexible Working.
Staff socials.
Financial
Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
Enhanced sick pay scheme.
Development
Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
Individual training budget.
HOW TO APPLY
If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.
Closing date: Midday 16th February 2026
Interviews date: 24th and 26th February
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact us using the email address provided when you click through to our online portal. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.
United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.
Position: Senior People Advisor
Salary: £45k-49,500k per annum
Hours: 35
Reports to: People Director
Location: Shoreditch, East London (Hybrid Model)
Key relationships: Department Heads, Line Managers, Staff
JOB PURPOSE
We’re looking for a proactive, inclusive and insightful HR generalist to manage the day-to-day People advisory and operational support across our medium sized charity, while contributing to a range of forward-thinking HR projects that align our processes, policies and practice with our strategic goals. As our Senior People Advisor, you’ll work closely with our Director of People and partner daily with our managers and staff to build confidence in our People systems and strengthen understanding of good practice. With a passion for building inclusive cultures, wellbeing and employee experience, you’ll be an empathetic relationship builder who brings strong problem-solving skills, sound HR knowledge and a data informed, test and learn approach. You’ll be comfortable being hands on and working with a varied portfolio of activity. Your insights will help shape a safe, inclusive, healthy and agile culture, support organisational learning and development, and drive continuous improvement across our People function.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.
Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.
Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.
UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach. The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.
We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.
Role Responsibilities
Manage and/or advise on employee relations work with a resolution-focused approach to disputes, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, change management processes.
Responsible for overseeing our current HRIS system, ensuring it is used effectively, information is up to date and compliant, and more widely ensuring all HR data is sufficiently protected and compliant with GDPR in all systems and processes
Manage the day-to-day relationship with a range of our People-related suppliers
Produce and use People data to analyse trends and help make decisions. To include producing dashboards for managers, leadership where required.
Oversee the planning and delivery of key activities in the HR calendar such as Employee Engagement surveys, the organisation appraisal process, and associated Internal Communications within the organisation
Develop and evaluate the confidence and capability of managers and staff in our People practices, and systems
Develop, update and communicate our People policies and procedures, in line with organisational strategy, best practice and employment legislation.
Ensure our People practices have safety, diversity, equity and inclusion at their core and play a key role in championing the delivery of our ED&I roadmap.
Provide first line advice on our Total Reward offer to managers and staff and liaise with benefits suppliers to help us continually evolve our Employee Value Proposition.
Support managers in inclusive recruitment processes, ensuring compliance, best practice and use of appropriate metrics to continually inform our recruitment strategy.
Use and update reward benchmarking in line with our reward policy
Design and deliver wellbeing related initiatives
Work with and contribute to the evolution of competency frameworks and development pathways and advise staff and managers around these.
Accountability for discrete budget lines
The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Experience
Level 5 CIPD qualified or equivalent proven generalist HR experience
Advising and leading confidently on a range of HR policies, UK employment law and best practice
Design and delivery of inclusive HR processes and improvements
Experienced in developing and supporting managers and staff through change
Experienced in advising managers and staff around learning and development
Scoping, managing and overseeing delivery of a varied range of HR projects to enhance efficiency and the employee experience.
Essential Skills/Knowledge
Solid knowledge of UK employment and relevant GDPR legislation and its application
Skilled in using HRIS systems and using them for reporting and streamlining processes
Strong Excel skills, and skilled in Microsoft Office suite, including SharePoint
Analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends and make informed recommendations
Understanding of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion considerations and best practice
Knowledge and experience of using Reward data and benchmarking tools
Knowledge of Safeguarding principles and practice
Excellent communication skills, ensuring our policies and practices are accessible
Essential Attributes
Able to thrive in a small, dynamic and evolving organisation, showing initiative and adaptability.
Collaborative and skilled at building strong, trust-based relationships across teams.
Personally aligned to values of fairness, inclusion, wellbeing and integrity.
A growth mindset
Desirable Skills/Experience
Lived experience of or a strong affinity to the refugee cause
Understanding and experience of competency frameworks
Experience of contributing to staff wellbeing and engagement programmes
Experience of line managing or task managing the work of others
Experience of taking a coaching approach to develop others
WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?
You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised.
What else?
Wellbeing
28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays
Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing.
Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
Office wellness perks.
Discount on gym memberships.
Hybrid and Flexible Working.
Staff socials.
Financial
Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
Enhanced sick pay scheme.
Development
Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
Individual training budget.
HOW TO APPLY
If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.
Closing date: Midday 16th February 2026
Interviews date: 24th and 26th February
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact us using the email address provided when you click through to our online portal. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.
United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior People Advisor position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in London offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.
