Regional Head of Learning and Development UK Representation to the EU

UK Representation to the EU

Brussels, Belgium

A full time position as Regional Head of Learning & Development for Europe has become available in Brussels. The Regional Head of Learning & Development will be responsible for oversight and delivery of training for staff across the European network of British diplomatic missions.

Applications should be sent with full C.V. and covering letter including a supporting statement setting out how applicants meet the essential skills required for this post (300 words max.), to the attention of the Recruitment Officer, CSB (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Training Design and Quality Control throughout Region

• Work with senior managers, including Ambassadors and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, to help identify changing professional needs required for delivery of challenging business objectives in support of UK interests across Europe.
• Promote and support Diplomatic Excellence by designing and overseeing delivery of high quality training programmes at Regional Training Centres (RTC) in Brussels and other posts across the region, that respond to and address changing operational needs.
• Through monitoring and course follow up, ensure that training programmes, deliver maximum benefits for staff performance. Develop content and delivery in the light of the results of evaluation.
• As member of training design quality committee, guide, supervise and sign off design of training courses.
• As required to deliver training programmes outside Europe to develop RTC staff and/or provide cover.
• Keep professional knowledge up to date, following trends, ideas and innovations in training in an effort to ensure RTC training methods and materials are as effective as possible.

Training Management and Evaluation

• Continuous assessment of course delivery to ensure value for money and best use of resources.
• Oversee and manage training needs analyses for posts within the region, advising team on aims and approach.
• Co-ordinate oversight of learning and development strategies and training plans for UK diplomatic posts in the region, reflecting Country Business Planning, needs identified by Heads of Mission and other senior managers, Investors in People and evidence from performance appraisals.

Leadership & Management

• Line manages heads of the RTC teams, providing day to day guidance, feedback on performance and effective delegation of work.
• To oversee planning and management of RTC budgets, matching resources and needs, delivering a high quality learning and development service that provides good value for money and best use of resources.
• Report on training effectiveness to the Head of Overseas Learning and Development in London and to Ambassadors, drawing on participant feedback and feedback from senior managers at posts.

Good Management Practice

• Act as a source of advice on best practice on management for managers at all levels across the region.
• Provide support, advice and coaching to senior staff across the region upon request.
• Working closely with Regional HR team, based in Brussels, to identify and help address management issues at posts across the region as required.
• As required, conduct Investor in People (IiP) health checks and review at any post in the region on request. Offer advice to posts across the region to help them prepare for FCO global re- accreditation under the ‘Investors in People’ standard.

Skills Required:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer focus.
• Ability to understand and respond to customer needs.
• High levels of initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Ability to build and maintain client relationships at all levels.
• Personal drive and the ability to be a self-starter as well as to foster strong team-working.
• Experience of leading a team through periods of change and modernisation.
• Flexible, resilient under pressure and decisive with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
• Experience of delivering a corporate change agenda would be useful.

At least 5 years experience as a Learning and Development professional, preferably in a multi-national working environment. At least 2-4 years experience managing staff;

Fluent in English, orally and in writing, required; knowledge of other European languages (e.g. French) would be an advantage;

Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office and Internet.

MBTI, coaching and train the trainer qualifications are highly desirable.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel within the region and, occasionally, further afield, as needed.
• Willingness to work additional hours as necessary.
• The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance, and is expected to commence employment as soon as possible.

The terms of engagement and salary for this position will be negotiated with the successful applicant based on their qualifications and experience. Applicants must state their salary expectations for this role in their application.

Applicants should forward a covering letter with a supporting statement setting out how they meet the essential skills required for this post (300 words max.) along with their CV in English to the attention of the Recruitment Officer (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk), CSB, Avenue d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels by Sunday 06 November 2011. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they have pre-existing authorisation and are legally entitled to work in Belgium in order to apply.

Only applicants called for interview will be contacted. Interviews will be held in the third week of November with a view to the successful candidate starting as soon as possible thereafter.

The British Missions in Brussels are an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or physical disability. We aim to reflect the diversity of society.