The role is a 2-year fixed-term and will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters (GHQ) at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, in Cheshire, UK.

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.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The is an opportunity for an L&D professional with a proven background in the design and implementation of training and development initiatives the ability to work with key stakeholders and proactivity to deliver the capability agenda within the Observatory.

The Role

Headquartered in the UK, The SKAO was established as an Intergovernmental Organisation in 2021 and has operations in Western Australia and South Africa in addition to the UK.

The HR function provides support across all locations throughout the whole employee lifecycle. We are seeking to add further strength to the HR team by employing some specialist L&D expertise.

This role reports to the Senior HR Business Partner based in the Global Headquarters and will be recruited on a fixed-term basis. The ideal applicant will bring with them a proven background in the design and implementation of training and development initiatives, the ability to work with key stakeholders and proactivity to deliver the capability agenda within the Observatory.

The role is a 2-year fixed-term and will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters (GHQ) at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, in Cheshire, UK.

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 the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Design, develop and deliver learning and development programs to support employee growth and the goals of the Observatory
Work in collaboration with other stakeholders to investigate and implement new training programs specifically to address skill gaps and shortage scenarios
Implementation of learning initiatives to deliver specified learning outcomes
Work with key stakeholders to create development frameworks, matrix and learning curriculumns
Develop the SKAO Learning platform (LMS) to deliver sustainable learning solutions with meaningful reporting and analysis
Assist in the management of training budgets ensuring the inclusivity and equity of investment across all staff
Provide guidance and advise to stakeholders to address specific needs
Identify suitable solutions to for learning and development needs engaging with external suppliers where necessary
Promote and manage internal development opportunities such as mentoring, succession development plans and study support initiatives
Drive and deliver existing programs, monitoring compliance and attendance and seek to establish return on investment
Coordinate the delivery and administrative tasks relating to training
Evaluate the effectiveness of training and development programs and seek feedback to continuously improve process and offering
Collaborate with HR Team members to ensure the Training and Development priorities align to other HR initiatives and overall strategy
Keep up to date with new initiatives and trends within the training and development space

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Experience of operating at a specialist advisor level, providing training and development advice and solutions
Demonstrated ability to influence, advise and support leaders across the organisation
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships
Ability to manage own work in a proactive manner utilising excellent planning and organisational skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
An ability to work collaboratively, demonstrating a respectful and inclusive approach across all cultures, backgrounds, nationalities and race
Team player with a passion for delivering excellence

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Recognised related qualification such as CIPD
Experience collaborating with and working as part of an international geographically dispersed team
Budget management experience
Experience of working in a Generalist HR role
Expertise in building capability through the establishment of technical academies

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.

SKA Observatory

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Learning and Development Specialist