HR ADVISOR (TRAINEE)

Job Description

INTERNAL VACANCY

HR Advisor (Trainee) (Ref A155)

Full time/Secondment up to 10 months/Aberdeen City Campus

Salary: £37,529.76 – £44,675.02 per annum (Placement Depending on Experience and Qualification)

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic professional HR practitioner to join our supportive and busy team. The successful candidate will provide administration and advisory support across a range of HR activities including employee relations, recruitment and selection, the monitoring and maintenance of sickness absence, and the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Appointment may be made at either Grade 6 (HR Advisor Trainee) or Grade 7 (HR Advisor Trainee) depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

• Grade 6 is suitable for individuals who are developing their HR career and wish to broaden their experience across a range of HR activities whilst working towards greater independence in an advisory capacity.

• Grade 7 is suitable for individuals who can provide day-to-day HR advice and support with minimal supervision, applying HR policies and procedures confidently across a range of people management matters.

Applicants should have an up-to-date understanding of employment legislation and HR best practice. The ability to maintain confidentiality is essential. The ability to meet deadlines and the need for accuracy and attention to detail is also essential. Applicants must have excellent communication and organisational skills and have the ability to work with staff at all levels within the organisation.

Please apply via MyJobScotland and upload a cover letter detailing your suitability for this post based on the person specification. Please be advised we are aiming to hold face-to-face interviews at the Aberdeen City Campus on 10^th November 2026.

NESCol is a disability confident employer. We offer a variety of working options in line with business requirements and place great importance on staff wellbeing. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.

The closing date for applications will be 10th November 2026.

The Individual

Criteria marked with an asterisk (*) are desirable and all others are essential.

Qualifications / Knowledge

• Associate Member of the CIPD or working towards
• CIPD Level 3 Diploma or equivalent professional HR qualification with commitment to work towards Level 5 Diploma
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional development
• A Relevant Degree or equivalent (SCQF Level 9) *
• CIPD Level 5 Diploma or equivalent professional HR qualification with commitment to work towards Level 7 Advanced Diploma *

Experience

• Previous experience of working successfully in an HR role
• Previous experience of recruitment and selection processes
• Previous experience of effectively using HR/Payroll IT systems
• Demonstrate an understanding of HR policies and practices and assisting colleagues in providing advice and guidance on staff HR issues
• Actively seeks ways to develop understanding of organisational and HR issues.
• Up to date knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice
• A knowledge of and commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity and health and safety and their applications in this role
• Ability to advise and resolve day to day issues with minimal supervision *
• Knowledge of conditions of employment as applied to the FE and/or public sector *
• Previous experience of case management in the areas of ill-health, performance capability, disciplinaries, grievance *

Skills

• Ability to priorities several different activities with conflicting deadlines
• Ability to support managers and colleagues providing consistent well thought-through advice building a reputation for reliable information
• Ability to communicate effectively with individual and groups at different levels across the College
• Ability to develop and deliver staff training on process and procedures
• Demonstrates improving practice from ‘lessons learned’
• Ability to build knowledge and confidence required to consult with managers on new policies practices and procedures
• Ability to collate, compile and analyse data and prepare basic draft reports for small projects
• Ability to use the HR/Payroll system and other IT systems effectively
• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise workload

Personal Qualities

• Proactively driven and able to work independently
• Demonstrates confidence in their professional expertise
• Proven commitment to continued professional development
• Committed to customer service and quality improvement
• Strong organisational, planning and project management skills with a proven ability to manage competing demands effectively
• Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work and develop relationships all key stakeholders, establishing strong credible relationships with managers and colleagues and build on this through a track record of reliable delivery
• Ability to build trust and confidence of managers. Handling emotive issues sensitively and practically.
• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues, managers and senior leaders. This includes active listening, strong verbal communication and concise writing to convey relevant information and advice in a clear and sensitive manner
• Ability to identify potential risks and seek appropriate guidance

Additional Requirements

• Commitment to College values and equal opportunities
• Able to travel between College sites on a regular basis
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the demands of the post