Head of Human Resources – Administration
Do you want to be a part of an ambitious international organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the organisation’s Human Resources.
EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation working to promote free trade and economic integration to benefit its four Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The EFTA Secretariat provides services to the EFTA States and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Luxemburg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and provides services for policy development, negotiations and implementation of free trade and cooperation agreements with countries outside the European Union. The Brussels office supports the management of the EEA Agreement. EFTA’s Luxembourg office contributes to the development of the European Statistical System.
This position is open to nationals of one of the EFTA Member States (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
Division: Administration
Location: Brussels
Latitude: 50.8462720094659
Longitude: 4.370340409394657
Category/Level: A5
Duration of Appointment: Fixed term of three years. If considered desirable and in the interest of the organisation, an additional three-year contract may be offered.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 06-08-2023
Job Reference: VA 20/2023
Role Description
The Administration Division is based in Brussels and provides internal services and support to the whole organisation in three duty stations. As a Head of HR, you will lead a team of three professionals committed to excellence in its deliverables and responsibilities. You will be in the forefront of the organisation’s human resources and talent acquisition, reporting directly to the Director of Administration. This position is ideal for a candidate who thrives on fostering an inclusive, motivated, and productive work environment within a culturally diverse team.
Main tasks:
- Develop and implement HR policies aligned with the Secretariat’s objectives.
- Lead talent acquisition processes in all three duty stations, ensuring high-quality recruitments.
- Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance.
- Establish and implement HR objectives.
- Lead and strategise employer branding efforts to enhance the organisation’s attractiveness.
- Supervise the development and implementation of the Junior Professionals Program.
- Exercise delegated authority for interpreting EFTA’s Staff Regulations and Rules.
- Serve as an advisor on HR issues for Directors.
- Liaise with insurance companies regarding questions from Staff and Pensioners.
- Review and propose updates to the Administrative Guidelines.
- Oversee and contribute to the salary process.
- Provide and organise comprehensive training, including leadership training.
- Assist the Financial Mechanism Office in all HR matters.
Team members are encouraged to strive for continuous improvement. Consequently, initiative and an open mindset are highly valued.
Essential Skills
- Master’s Degree in HR management or equivalent.
- Proven experience as the Head of HR or a similar role, preferably in an international organisation or national administration.
- Proven expertise in innovative recruitment strategies, with a particular emphasis on hiring candidates with the right attitude, potential, and cultural fit rather than focusing solely on their current skill set.
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team.
- Excellent active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Reliable, trustworthy and committed.
- Sound knowledge of the use of HR systems and web-based recruitment tools.
- Excellent general IT skills, especially in Microsoft Office solutions.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Ideal Skills
- Experience with Microsoft HR software such as Dynamics 365.
- Knowledge of French and/or Dutch would be an asset.
Employment Terms
EFTA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Here you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect.
EFTA also offers:
- International career and learning opportunities.
- An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences.
- Competitive benefits package (salaries are normally exempt from income taxation; additional benefits and allowances may apply).
Grade: A5 Annual Salary: EUR 125,458
Appointments are normally made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure divers ity in terms of gender, age and culture.
EFTA is an international organisation and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA Member States and in the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.
This position is open to nationals of all the EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
Applicants must apply via the EFTA e-recruitment tool. Please note that only applications received via our web tool will be considered.
For further information on this post, please contact: Sverrir Jónsson, Director of Administration, sjo@efta.int, tel. +32 499 71 21 96 Technical issues: HR Support, HR.support@efta.int
Deadline for applications: 6 August 2023.
