At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Construction activities for the SKAO's telescopes in Australia and South Africa started in 2021, along with a ramping up of SKAO staff in both countries. It is expected that the transition from the Construction Phase to the Operations Phase will happen around 2028.
SKAO Operations in South Africa will be conducted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). SKAO Operations in Australia will be conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The Observatory will also partner closely with a global network of SKA Regional Centres through which astronomers will access science data products and a suite of tools and resources to further analyse the SKA telescopes' data.
For more information on the SKA project visit https://www.skao.int/
The SKA Observatory offers a competitive salary and a generous pension and benefits package. As an employee of an intergovernmental organisation, an appointee who is not a national of the country in which the role is based may be subject to personal Privileges and Immunities.
We are looking for a senior, experienced HR professional who has an excellent understanding of best practice HR in an international, complex environment, to lead the local HR function and support the SKA-Low leadership team. The role will operate within a matrix structure, reporting to the Low Telescope Director and with a dotted line to the Director of HR, based in the UK. They will work in a small HR team for the SKA-Low collaboration, which includes HR staff from SKAO and CSIRO.
SKAO and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have established a collaboration to deliver the SKA-Low project from its construction phase through to its ongoing operations, which are expected to continue beyond 2050. The SKA-Low team in Australia will grow to approximately 150 staff, with around 120 employed by CSIRO and 30 by SKAO. Personnel from both organisations are working together closely to ensure the project’s success.
SKA-Low teams work across three sites:
- Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country.
- Our Engineering Operations Centre on Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country in Geraldton.
- Our Science Operations Centre on Whadjuk Noongar Country in Perth.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
There may be occasions where this role requires work across different time zones, and in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
The core responsibilities, accountabilities and duties of the Senior HR Business Partner will include the following:
- Support the SKA-Low Leadership Team, providing effective business partnering and expert advice and guidance in line with policy and best practice.
- Develop and deliver an HR Plan to meet the needs of SKA-Low while aligning with the global HR strategy and ensuring compliance with SKAO’s people -related policies and procedures and SKAO’s governance framework.
- Work as part of the global SKAO HR team, with colleagues in the UK and Australia to deliver a cohesive HR strategy and operations across the Observatory.
- Partner with business leaders to develop and embed inclusive practices across talent acquisition, performance management and leadership development, developing SKAO as an employer of choice, especially within underrepresented groups.
- Work with key stakeholders across the SKAO/CSIRO collaboration and SKAO globally to enhance employee engagement across all staff working on the Low project.
- Provide local policy expertise, providing input to ensure the development and implementation of policies and procedures which are fit for purpose at a local level. This will include ensuring the right HR framework is in place to deliver HR across SKA-Low in line with the collaboration with CSIRO.
- Oversee people matters associated with the organisation’s IGO status in Australia, including management of local privileges and immunities and the maintenance of close relationships with stakeholders on relevant personnel matters.
- Build a high performing SKA-Low-culture, aligned to the SKAO’s values.
- Deliver the SKAO EVP and management of the reward and benefits of SKAO Low staff, including international staff.
- Oversee the strategic workforce plan for SKAO Low, leading the local HR Team and working with the collaboration and broader global team to ensure the delivery of the HR plan, timely recruitment, training and development in line with the Observatory’s needs.
- Tertiary qualifications in human resource management or organisational development.
- Experience of operating at a senior level, providing advanced generalist and strategic HR advice on a range of complex HR, organisational and employee relations issues across the full employment lifecycle.
- Depth of experience in the development and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies that foster a workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected and able to contribute fully.
- An in depth understanding of the drivers of employee engagement across diverse groups, with a track record of partnering with business leaders to deliver exceptional engagement outcomes against a complex backdrop of competing priorities.
- A demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence across different cultural, geographical and structural boundaries.
- An ability work collaboratively, demonstrating a respectful and inclusive approach across all cultures, backgrounds, nationalities and race.
- Experience of managing others, building an environment that enables team members to thrive.
- Experience collaborating with and working as part of an international geographically dispersed team.
- Knowledge of intergovernmental organisations, with an understanding the impact of privileges and immunities on the reward and policy landscape.
- Expertise in building capability, including through the development of career paths and talent management.
- Knowledge of the requirements of payroll.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
