Role Title: HR Business Partner (Internal Title: Advisory Partner)
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Director – Advisory Partnering
Program/Department/Unit Name: People and Culture
Location: Rio De Janeiro, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dakar, Amman, Mexico City, Bogota
Team Name: Advisory Partnering
Role Purpose
The role of Advisory Partner is to serve as a trusted advisor to the various areas of the organization, taking on a remit that embraces consultancy and advisory services to Open Society’s Leadership on strategic matters directly related to their respective business priorities, as well as facilitating the delivery of key organizational People & Culture strategy activities.
You will advise and consult on issues relating to equity, inclusion, care, dignity and respect in the workplace, as well as on problem-solving, performance management, and other related concerns with workforce implications. Responsible for providing and facilitating two-way communication between P&C specialists and Managers to understand and implement P&C policies and procedures and to create and/or modify existing procedures for greater effectiveness and efficiency.
You will also provide expert guidance and direction on workforce planning and design in consideration of strategic objectives and facilitate change management processes with P&C implications.
Key responsibilities
As the Advisory Partner, your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Advise leadership and department management teams on the future design of the organization aligned to strategic objectives and any overall parameters
- Proactively establish working relationships with managers and staff in assigned Programs/Departments such that concerns, and latent issues are open for discussion and resolution
- Use your knowledge and experience in P&C functions to guide your counsel to Senior Managers, e.g., specific knowledge of workforce planning approaches and methodologies; knowledge and skill at mediating workplace disagreements/misunderstandings; experience in identifying and addressing performance problems
- Lean heavily on competency in interpreting ambiguous signals from Managers and others and establishing relationships with sufficient depth that they will support interventions in difficult situations and challenging conversations
- Have the required knowledge and familiarity with all usual P&C processes to be able to interact effectively with colleagues within P&C in the resolution of specific problems and issues
- Have the confidence and judgement to persuasively present alternatives to Senior Managers
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
None
Key internal relationships
Chief P&C Officer, P&C teams, Department Leadership Teams
The ideal candidate
- Prior advisory partnering (or otherwise potentially termed HR strategic partnering) with leadership team in a complex, international organisation
- Substantial experience as a practitioner in one or more People and Culture functions
- Experience and skill in developing and considering policy options
- Ability to quickly develop an in-depth understanding of the work of the unit(s) to which you are assigned.
- Strong facilitation, collaboration, and mediation skills and is highly articulate and makes arguments in a clear and compelling manner;
- Demonstrated understanding of different P&C functions to enable and lead conversations with Managers and build credibility;
- Capability to teach and guide individuals who may not possess the same level of technical understanding.
- Demonstrated solution-oriented approach;
- Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization;
- Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with colleagues at all levels;
- An excellent knowledge of English
- Advisory Partner in Rio must be fluent in Portuguese and Spanish
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.