Reward Specialist

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!

Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)

Following the establishment of the SKA Observatory (SKAO) as an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO) five years ago, we are now undertaking a review of key elements of our reward and benefits framework for international staff. This review is central to ensuring we continue to offer a competitive, fair, and compelling employee value proposition that supports the attraction, retention, and engagement of our people.

As SKAO completes the construction of world-leading radio telescopes and prepares for the transition to full operations—transforming our understanding of the Universe—this role will play a critical part in shaping the next phase of our organisational journey.

We are seeking an experienced HR professional with deep expertise in reward and benefits, gained within a complex international environment. Reporting to the Director of HR, the successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders, stakeholders across the Observatory, and the HR team to design and deliver an enhanced, future-fit reward framework in line with a defined implementation plan.

This is a fixed term position with a duration of 12 months and is basedat the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for this role relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO’s recruitment portal.

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. 

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

• Work with stakeholders to review and develop an updated benefits proposition that balances the need of staff with those of the Observatory
• Develop associated policies, processes and guidance, working with local business partners to ensure local as well as global considerations are taken into account
• To include a review of relocation and repatriation and private health support as part of the broader review of benefits
• To ensure the benefits proposition is legally sound in the context of The SKAO’s IGO status
• To ensure the benefits proposition is free from bias and, where applicable, supports the wider EDI aims and objectives 
• To work closely with all stakeholders, leaders and the HR team members to deliver total reward outcomes that support staff attraction, engagement and retention
• Review of operational allowances to ensure alignment with business needs
• To define a comprehensive milestone plan and project manage through to implementation, including staff consultation and, where applicable, transition of existing benefits

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Relevant specialist professional qualification(s) and/or experience
• Experience of developing and managing the implementation of an updated benefits framework in an international setting  
• Analytical capability, including experience in cost-benefit analysis and associated cost modelling
• Knowledge and experience of staff consultation
• A detailed understanding of the drivers of staff engagement and experience of effective change management  
• Experience of developing fit for purpose reward and benefits policies, procedures and processes 
• Strong project management capability, including planning, reporting and management of risks and issues
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multinational environment, building strong relationships across geographical and cultural boundaries

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• An understanding of the application of reward and benefits in an international IGO setting

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.

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