Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it matters most, wherever in the world that may be. We deliver seamless service across borders, cultures and languages, and Freshfields Middle East and South Africa (MENA) practice is central to this vision. Whatever your area of expertise, this is a place where you can be yourself and really flourish. With a team of over 100 people in our MENA offices (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Riyadh) and more than 20 different nationalities, we offer a truly multi-cultural and diverse working environment.This is a fixed term position supporting the MENA region. This role acts as a competent trusted HR Business Partner to the Freshfields MENA partners and stakeholders, by advising and providing solutions on matters across all HR-related areas. In addition to business partnering, this role plays an active role in the annual performance review processes, leads on lateral and graduate recruitment activities and works closely with the HR team on matters related to our new entity being established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Key responsibilities and deliverablesBuilding and maintaining effective relationships with the business, stakeholders and HR teamGuiding business managers on best practice across all aspects of HR policies and procedures, helping them to understand how they are applied within the firmAttending regular team meetings to ensure information is shared and team morale maintainedProviding guidance and advice to team members to ensure tasks are completed to a high standardFor performance management and disciplinary issues, work with Regional HR Head and provide support as appropriateActively participating in global and regional HR projects and processesRecruitment, on boarding and inductionManaging the full recruitment cycle of the bi-annual Dispute Resolution Internship Programme and working closely with partners and internship committee on the recruitment processLeading lateral recruitment for MENA region and seeking input from Regional HR Head where required on activities including drafting job descriptions, obtaining necessary internal approvals, managing candidates via Workday system, ensuring the necessary terms of business agreements are signed, arranging interviews, interviewing business services candidates, working closely with recruitment agencies and advising partners and hiring managers on offer proposals; delegating administrative tasks as appropriateOverseeing all components of the onboarding process including reference and security checks, new joiner administration, induction timetables and orientation of new joiners; ensuring the necessary processes are completed efficientlyManaging mobility (secondments) requests and activities, coordinate with Global Mobility team, work with Regional HR Head to resolve any complex matters, delegating secondment letters and logistics as appropriate and overseeing progressOverseeing HR Executive in drafting offer letters, new employment contracts and contract renewals and advise if requiredOverseeing exit/ offboarding process and guide HR team as neededPerformance reviewsPlaying an active role in performance reviews including regular feedback catch ups, end of year performance and compensation review processes; working closely with Regional HR Head on necessary activities including track list, communications, reminders, salary letters and activities on Workday systemLearning & DevelopmentOverseeing the completion of Dubai Legal Affairs Department Continuing Legal Professional Development (CLPD) requirements by fee earners based in Dubai; guide HR Executive as neededTracking fee earner global training attendance and recommending nominationsTracking business services global training and recommending nominationsSuggesting and working with business services teams to organise lunch and learns and business services training and development programmesWellbeing and Diversity and InclusionWork with HR team to organise wellbeing and D&I related events throughout the yearProvide guidance and support to HR Executive where required on MENA wellbeing programme (reviewing newsletters, coordinating and promoting activities and initiatives)HR systems and reportingUpdating the intranet and supporting documents e.g. letters, application forms etc. in response to new legislation or policy changesSupervise HR Executive to ensure accuracy of data input on Workday and other filing systemsProviding guidance and answering user queries relating to WorkdayUsing HR information systems to check and gather data where requiredOverseeing and provide input on Workday reports such as headcount, sickness, annual leave and ad-hoc reports as requiredOther HR ProcessesConfirming and communicating national holidays for MENA, seek relevant partner approvalsManaging employee travel and working abroad requests (where there is still global requirement) and seek approval from COO and/ or the relevant teams as appropriateCollaborate with MENA HR Team and global project teams on HR projects and optimisation processesKey requirements (Communication/skills/experience)EssentialIdeally CIPD qualified or obtained similar HR qualificationsSolid HR generalist and business partnering experience within a commercial environment, ideally in professional services or law firmExcellent English communication skills (written and oral), at native or business fluent levelStrong relationship management skills with stakeholdersExcellent attention to detailSolid computer skills, ideally familiar with Workday systemFriendly and helpful customer service approachSolid organisational and project management skillsStrong sense of integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and professionalismAbility to prioritise and act on own initiativeAble to work fast to tight deadlinesAble to work autonomouslyAbility to adopt a flexible and proactive approach and retain a professional attitude under pressureWillingness to broaden experience and develop skills furtherWillingness to work overtime and/or outside of normal working hours including weekends as requiredDesirableKnowledge or experience working with stakeholders in Middle East is an advantageExperience working in private practice law firmExperience using Workday system

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer