Jobs for the Human Rights sector

Role Title: SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) Officer

Contract Type: Regular

Reporting To: Director of Global Workplace Services, Global Operations

Program/Department/Unit Name: Global Operations

Location: London

Team Name: Workplace Services

Role Purpose

The SHEQ Officer is responsible for overseeing, implementing and managing health, safety, environment and quality management systems to ensure a safe, compliant, sustainable and efficient working environment. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities across our global workplace portfolio:

• Development and management of our global Health and Safety management system.
• Development and management of workplace environmental, sustainable and wellbeing practices.
• Development and management of a workplace quality and supplier governance system to ensure efficient, effective, and safe workplace operations as delivered by external vendors or otherwise.

Key responsibilities

As the SHEQ Officer, your key responsibilities are as follows:

Health & Safety:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a health and safety system that complies with legal requirements and best practices.
• Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of local risk registers
• Deliver health and safety training to employees, promoting a culture of safety and awareness.

Environment, Sustainability and Wellbeing: 

• Develop, implement, and maintain an environmental management system that aligns with legal regulations and sustainability best practices. 
• Conduct regular environmental audits, inspections, and impact assessments to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Implementing, maintaining and continually improving office initiatives across the organization  
• Provide training and guidance to employees on environmental policies and sustainability to promote responsible practices.

Quality Management & Supplier Governance:

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality practices that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Conduct regular quality audits, inspections, and process evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with quality standards. 
• Establish and oversee supplier governance programs to ensure vendors meet quality, compliance, and performance expectations. 
• Perform supplier audits and assessments, working closely with vendors to drive improvements and maintain product and service quality. 
• Provide training and support to employees on quality procedures and best practices to enhance consistency and efficiency.

Emergency Preparedness & Disaster recovery & Business Continuity:

Partner with our Global Security team, local Global Operations staff and other key Operations units to:

• Develop and maintain local office emergency response, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans to minimize disruptions.
• Conduct risk assessments and regular training to ensure employees are prepared for office related emergencies.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of health and safety risk registers, incidents, maintenance activities, compliance reports and file with relevant authorities.
• Analyze data to identify trends, assess risks, and provide insights for continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

• Identify opportunities for improving safety practices, energy efficiency, and sustainability in Workplace Services.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, implementing best practices as applicable.

Key internal relationships

Global Operations Associate Directors, Global Operations Officers; Global Security and Risk; Real Estate Portfolio Renewal.

Key external relationships

Facility Management and Real Estate Projects partners.

The ideal candidate

• Relevant Health and Safety qualification
• Relevant qualifications in Environmental, Quality and Wellbeing practices, including audits.
• Educated to a degree level (or equivalent substantial industry experience).

Health & Safety Experience:

• Proven experience in health and safety management, including developing and implementing safety policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with safety legislation, regulations, and standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO 45001).
• Experience conducting risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations.

Environmental Management Experience:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing environmental policies and management systems. 
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, standards, and best practices (e.g., ISO 14001, EPA regulations). 
• -Experience conducting environmental audits, impact assessments, and sustainability initiatives.

Quality Management & Supplier Governance Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in quality management, including implementing and maintaining quality control systems. 
• Familiarity with industry quality standards and frameworks (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, GMP). 
• Experience in supplier governance, including supplier audits, performance evaluations, and compliance monitoring.

Training and Communication:

• Proven experience delivering health and safety training to employees across various levels.

Emergency Response and Preparedness:

• Experience in developing and implementing local office emergency response plans, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans including evacuation procedures and first-aid readiness.
• Familiarity with conducting emergency drills and training staff on office safety protocols.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Experience in gathering and analysing data, tracking key performance indicators, and providing reports.
• Ability to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Languages:

• An excellent knowledge of English. Fluency in other languages, would be an asset.

What we offer 

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
  • Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
  • Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
  • Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
  • Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Who we are

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.