Job Description

Information for the role of HR Officer

Temporary Maternity Cover (up to 12 months)

Salary 21,558 per annum (pro rata) for 21.75 hours per week

An excellent opportunity to join a prestigious organisation in a varied and fulfilling role in a small friendly team. The HR Officer is responsible for supporting the HR Department in various functions such as recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compliance with employment law and assisting in developing and implementing HR policies.


Your day-to-day duties will include:

Coordinating recruitment and selection from start to end Utilising HR knowledge to support performance management, absence management and employee relations Ensuring adherence to employment law and regulations, maintaining accurate records and documentation Preparing documentation, e.g. letters and contracts Responding to day-to-day general HR queries Keeping the HR database up-to-date and compliant

To be considered for this role, you will need to bring:

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience (essential) Bachelor's degree (preferable) At least 2 years' experience in a HR Generalist role, dealing with employee relations cases such as disciplinary, grievance, performance management etc. Working knowledge of current employment law Strong organisational and communication skills An ability to multitask and handle competing workloads Excellent skills in Word, Outlook and Excel and use of HR databases

The ideal candidate will bring relevant HR experience and be looking to extend their skills. If this sounds like the challenge you are looking for, we would like to hear from you.

Details of the role

The post of HR Officer is a temporary, part-time role covering maternity leave for up to a period of 12 months. The role is responsible for delivering an efficient and supportive day to day Human Resources service to Downing College.


The hours are to be worked over three days of work are from 9.00am to 4.45pm with an unpaid 30-minute lunch break, although there is potential for a degree of flexibility on start/finish times. The annual salary is 21,558 per annum for 21.75 hours per week, which is based on a full-time equivalent of 35,929 per annum (Step 47 on the College Salary Scale).


In addition to the salary, we offer an attractive benefits package. A full list of benefits is available from the College's HR Office. (Please note that these benefits are non-contractual and may be amended or withdrawn at our discretion.)

Application Process

To apply for this position click "Apply Now" on the advert posting on our website (Staff vacancies | Downing College Cambridge) and complete an application form. You are able to upload your CV in support of your application.


Closing date:

Wednesday 23 July 2025 at 5pm

. Please note that the closing date for this post may be brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.


Applications are welcomed from a broad range of backgrounds. All applicants will be contacted once shortlisting has taken place.


Applicants who declare a disability will be offered an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.


We are pleased to be able offer this document in an accessible format, please contact HR (recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk) if you wish to receive this advert and role profile or an application form in a different, accessible format, e.g. large print.

For further information or in event of queries, please contact:

The HR Office

Email: recruitment@dow.cam.ac.uk


Tel: 01223 334820


Downing College, Cambridge, CB2 1DQ