Head of Human Resources

Position description

The EFTA Surveillance Authority

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) monitors compliance with the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, enabling those States to participate in the Internal Market of the European Union.

ESA is an international organisation, independent of the States, which safeguards the rights of individuals and undertakings under the EEA Agreement, ensuring free movement, fair competition and control of state aid. ESA’s work helps remove barriers to trade and open up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.

ESA is based in Brussels. It currently employs staff members of 18 nationalities. ESA is led by a College consisting of three members, each appointed for a period of four years by the three participating EFTA States.

Job Reference 04/2024

Role Description

ESA is recruiting a Head of HR to join its Administration Department. The Administration Department provides administrative management and services to optimise the working environment. Acting as a strategic internal partner to the organisation, the Department provides services in HR, Finance, ICT, Facilities and Security.

We are looking for an experienced, highly motivated, flexible and service-minded individual, with a keen focus on continuous improvement, to work in a dynamic international environment. The right candidate will have the capacity to work strategically and to advise senior leadership on all HR matters, while at the same time handling a wide range of operational and practical day-to-day tasks. As Head of HR, you will lead a small team of professionals, which is committed to excellence. You will be at the forefront of ESA’s human resources management and talent acquisition, reporting directly to the Director of Administration. As a member of the Administration Management Team, you will partner with the Director and Heads of Finance and IT, to ensure integrated and highly efficient service delivery.

Due to the small size of the HR team, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing all human resources tasks, from recruitment and onboarding/offboarding, to employment relations matters, interpretation and execution of ESA’s Staff Regulations and Rules (SRRs), developing HR policy and systems, staff development and wellbeing.

The position offers direct contact with ESA’s College, management team, staff members, external stakeholders and service providers. It is ideal for a candidate who thrives on fostering an inclusive, motivated, and productive working environment within a culturally diverse organisation.

Main tasks

• Develop and implement HR objectives aligned with ESA’s Mission and Values and ensure continuous improvement in processes and systems;
• Act as a trusted adviser to management and staff on HR matters;
• Management of 1 to 2 team members;
• Review and propose developments to the SRRs and HR policy and ensure correct interpretation and execution;
• Lead talent acquisition processes (10+ processes per annum), ensuring high-quality recruitments and management of fixed-term contract arrangements;
• Participate actively in efforts to ensure efficient use of ESA’s budget and resources;
• Lead employer branding efforts to enhance the organisation’s attractiveness;
• Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system that drives high performance;
• Maintain close contact with ESA’s Staff Committee;
• Supervise the development and implementation of the Junior Professionals Program;
• Manage contact with external HR service providers.

The following are essential

• Master Degree in HR management, or equivalent;
• Minimum 8 years’ relevant professional experience, including proven management experience, in the private or the public sector;
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team;
• Excellent active listening, influencing, and presentation skills;
• Ability to work independently and manage competing demands;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Initiative and a strong interest in continuous improvement;
• A strong attention to detail and the ability to get to grips with new systems;
• 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 (ESA’s working language) and the ability to draft documents in a clear and concise manner.

The following are desirable

• Experience in an international organisation or national administration;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365;
• Good understanding of French and/or Dutch (the host country languages).

Conditions

ESA 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.

ESA also offers:

• International career and learning opportunities;
• An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences;
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

This position will be filled in accordance with ESA’s policy on Recruitment available at: https://jobs.eftasurv.int. The position is placed at grade A5 of ESA’s salary scale, with a likely starting salary of €133,950 per annum. Depending on personal situation and family status, additional allowances and benefits may apply. Tax conditions are favourable.

Type and duration of appointment: fixed-term contract of three years, renewable for a further three years if desirable and in the interest of ESA. Candidates must be nationals of the States party to the EEA Agreement (EU + EEA EFTA) at the point of application and the time of any offer being made.

Application instructions

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