We are an intergovernmental organisation working with Civil Society across a global reach of 51 member countries. Our work advances the interests of Commonwealth Civil Society in areas of equality, participation, and good governance.
The Foundation is guided by a Board of Governors, representing Commonwealth Governments, High Commissioners and Civil Society Leaders. The Board ensures our work reflects the values and aspirations of the Commonwealth.
As our Senior HR Officer, reporting to the Deputy Director-General, you will lead on key HR functions including recruitment, policy development, and HR systems during an exciting transformation as we prepare for our Strategy 2026–2031. This role is central to our commitment to investing in our people and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive organisational culture.
What you will focus on:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all HR related queries, ensuring timely, accurate, and solutions-focused responses.
- Lead recruitment and onboarding for all UK-based roles and internships, actively championing the Foundation’s values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Review, enhance, and develop HR policies to ensure alignment with UK employment legislation and best practice standards.
- Oversee and support the full performance management cycle, guiding managers and staff.
- Drive the implementation of innovative HR systems and learning initiatives to improve efficiency and support organisational development.
What we are looking for:
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) and a minimum of 2+ years’ HR experience
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office
What We Offer:
- Salary: £39,800 to £44,000
- Generous annual leave (almost seven weeks excluding public holidays)
- 15% of salary payable tax-free at stipulated periods in lieu of a formal superannuation scheme
- Private health scheme including dental cover
- Flexible working policy (several days in the office per week)
- A collaborative and inclusive work environment at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London
The Process
Applicants must declare their right to work in the UK at the time of submission. Any application that fails to do so is unable to be processed.
Applications should include:
- A comprehensive CV
- A motivation letter addressing the person specification and competencies
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.
Please note, first round interviews will now be held online via video link on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Second round interviews will take place in person on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
Closing date for applications:
5.00pm GMT Monday 19 January 2026
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Emmaus Overview
Emmaus is a community that provides accommodation and work for vulnerable people. We are committed to providing support while promoting independence. Staff and volunteers must work closely with Companions while observing appropriate professional boundaries in performing their role. They must also learn and engage with the Emmaus ethos.
The key task for this role is to manage a caseload of up to 16 Companions and to ensure that new companions get the information and support they need to help them settle in quickly and easily to the community and to working in our charity shops, warehouse and delivery / collection service. The support worker role is central to the team and close teamwork is essential.
The support worker will undertake direct support work with companions. Each companion has a personal support and development plan to help them achieve their personal goals and ambitions, in compliance with our Emmaus ethos, strategic aims, organisational objectives, policies and procedures.
Staff are expected to participate in and support solidarity activities undertaken by the Community. Solidarity within the context of Emmaus is the working with groups and individuals towards the alleviation of poverty, social exclusion and suffering, and responding to local, national and international appeals for relief and support.
We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner. Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently. You will be expected to apply sound ‘value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.
In Emmaus, volunteers are an important resource and make a vital contribution to Emmaus’s aim to take action to help disadvantaged people. You will be expected to encourage and support volunteer involvement in our work.
Main duties and responsibilities
Support for Companions
- Support a caseload of companions to reach their potential through both practical and emotional support.
- Tailor support plans to meet individual needs – setting goals, assigning actions and taking a holistic view of the person and their wishes.
- Guide induction and exit processes for companions – to ensure that they understand the core principles of the offer at Emmaus and move on to long term, sustainable accommodation after us.Use de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviour as it arises, with consideration to positive conflict resolution.Support with incident response, including responding to risk, e.g. anti-social behaviour, mental health concerns, fire alarms etc.
- Liaise with external providers (CMHT, GP, DWP, hospitals, probation, prisons, CAB etc) to ensure that specialist advice and guidance is sought where needed.
Administrative duties
- Maintain accurate records in line with internal policy and with consideration for GDPR principles.
- Perform tasks to support the effective running of the community.
- Contact external providers to make them aware of who we are and what we do to drive referrals.
- Provide written updates for key stakeholders and internal meetings.
- Provide structured support for companions as agreed in the support plan.
- Participate in an emergency on-call rota to ensure 24/7 support is available for companions where needed.
Health and Safety
- To apply the organisations health and safety policy.
- To carry out risk assessments as and when required and to ensure actions arising from this are carried out.
- To ensure that health and safety procedures are understood and followed by all companions.
- To report any incidents or concerns to the Community Support Manager.
