Head of Workers' Welfare & Wellbeing

Role Overview

Head of Workers' Welfare & Wellbeing at HILL International. This pivotal role drives the project's strategic vision and ESG commitments over a 5-month project duration.

Role Purpose

Define and execute welfare strategies, provide expert guidance on human rights and compliance matters, and ensure adherence to international standards and Saudi Labor Law. Lead a diverse team, oversee assurance processes, and represent the client in critical welfare discussions with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Governance

• Define and execute an enterprise-wide Workers' Welfare & Wellbeing Strategy, aligning with client's strategic objectives and ESG commitments.
• Establish governance structures and escalation pathways to integrate welfare considerations into project planning and execution.
• Serve as the custodian of client's Workers' Welfare Standards, ensuring policies are developed, benchmarked, and aligned with international frameworks.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Provide executive-level advice on welfare performance, human rights risks, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Mandate the inclusion of welfare obligations in project contracts, including EPC, EPCM, and labor supply agreements.
• Direct the labor rights compliance program, ensuring worker-facing practices meet client's high standards and legal obligations.
• Lead the enterprise assurance framework, overseeing contractor prequalification, risk audits, and compliance management.
• Provide oversight and recommendations for non-compliance issues, ensuring timely and effective corrective actions.

Reporting & Accountability

• Maintain an auditable evidence base to support executive reporting, lender reviews, and government inspections.

Worker Voice & Remediation

• Lead systemic remediation efforts and manage the enterprise worker voice and grievance mechanism, ensuring accessibility and confidentiality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Industrial Relations, or a related field; Master's degree or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum 22 years of progressive experience in workers' welfare, human rights, labor relations, or related fields.
• 8–10 years of leadership experience at the Director level or equivalent, preferably in complex, multi-contractor environments.
• Demonstrated success in leading enterprise-wide welfare, assurance, or compliance programs in major projects.
• Expert knowledge of Saudi Labor Law, MHRSD requirements, and international frameworks including IFC Performance Standard 2 and ILO Conventions.
• Advanced understanding of modern slavery and forced labor risk frameworks, with experience in ethical recruitment practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and management skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, with proven ability to represent organizations externally.
• Analytical mindset; proficient in interpreting data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• Project duration: 5 months.