Human Resources Officer - People Policy

Main Purpose of Job:The British Embassy in Washington DC is offering an exciting opportunity to join Corporate Services as Human Resources Officer, People Policy.Corporate Services staff play a critical role in supporting the delivery of the UK Governments interests in the United States. The US Network HR team are responsible for implementing and advising on HR policy and practice, including pay and benefits and employee relations for over 500 Country-Based Staff working across eleven different states.The Human Resources Officer, People Policy plays a key role in ensuring HR policy reflects best practice in both the UK and US and is kept up to date with the changes in US labour law. The officer will provide high quality and professional advice and support to managers and country-based staff in relation to HR policy, performance and employee relations.From the outset, the successful candidate will be encouraged to take ownership of casework, support people related initiatives and rapidly build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders. The role demands a proactive and solution-focused approach, supporting the identification and resolution of complex people related issues and ensuring the accurate interpretation and effective application of human resources policies and processes.The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources.We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, subject to operational needs.Essential Functions of the Role:Ensure HR policy reflects best practice in both the UK and US and is kept up to date with the changes in US labour law.-Maintain and update people policies, including the CBS Handbook, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and aligned with UK standards and best practice, while supporting clear implementation and understanding across the workforce.-Monitor and report on US Federal and State Labour legislation and recommend updates to policy to ensure compliance.Oversight of CBS employment cases/issue-Manage, track and investigate as appropriate-Provide advice to managers on performance management matters,-Maintain accurate records and documentation on cases, monitoring progress, and ensure timely follow-up and escalation where requiredUse workforce and engagement data to identify emerging patterns and trends, escalating insights and recommendations for changes to internal practices as appropriateCollect, monitor, and interpret data-Design and implement surveys and other engagement initiatives to improve workforce morale, retention, and effectiveness.Produce regular HR and engagement metrics and reports to support workforce planning and inform management discussionsWork collaboratively with hiring managers and Regional HR Hub to develop tailored recruitment strategies for hard-to-fill positionsIdentify skills gaps and training needs in relation to effective line management in the organisation.-Map resources such as mentoring, coaching, shadowing and training opportunities and design and deliver bespoke offers as necessary.Essential qualifications, skills and experience Experience in employee engagement, employee relations, recruiting or general human resources.Working knowledge of US federal and state labour laws and ability to apply them in practice.Strong written communication skills.Ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgement.Strong emotional intelligence and intrapersonal skills.Results oriented.Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Experience of working in a large, networked organisation, or diplomatic mission organisation preferred.SHRM-CP or PHR certificationRequired behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working TogetherApplication deadline 7 June 2026Grade Executive Officer (EO)Type of Position Full-time, PermanentWorking hours per week 40Location (City) WashingtonType of Post British EmbassySalary Currency USDSalary $68,490 yearlyStart Date 13 July 2026Other benefits and conditions of employment All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. EligibilityYou must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.Core Hours/Hybrid WorkingWhile many jobs in the US Network are able to offer flexibility in terms of working hours, core business hours are 09:30 to 15:00 (in the local time zone) Monday through Friday.Employees will be expected to work from office full-time during the first 90 days of employment. After this time employees may work from home no more than 40% of the working week, subject to operational needs.All working hours and hybrid working are position specific and subject to change at any time, without notice. If you have any questions, please address them with the hiring manager.Learning and DevelopmentThe British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.Unique Tax RulesPlease note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.Additional information Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 7th June 2026All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.