HR Officer

ESA - EFTA Surveillance Authority

Brussels, Belgium

The EFTA Surveillance Authority

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) is an international organisation which 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's work helps remove barriers to trade and opens up new opportunities to over 450 million Europeans, creating jobs and growth and adding to the international competitiveness of the States.

ESA currently employs staff members of 18 different nationalities from across the EEA. Based in Brussels, ESA is collocated with in the EFTA House with its sister organisations the EFTA Secretariat and the EEA and Norway Grants (FMO).

Job Reference 19/2024

Role Description

ESA is recruiting an HR Officer to join its HR team in the 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. Due to the small size of the HR team, the successful candidate will be responsible for a wide variety of strategic and administrative human resources tasks. The HR Officer will play a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive and efficient HR services to managers and staff across ESA. Furthermore, this role involves leading coordination with the Finance Team for monthly payroll, ensuring timely payment of salaries and allowances, as well as supporting various HR-related topics from recruitment to offboarding, promoting HR programs, and assisting in the development and implementation of HR policies in compliance with ESA’s Staff Regulations and Rules (SRRs).

The position reports to Head of HR and will be part of a three-member team. It is ideal for a candidate who thrives on working in and contributing to an inclusive, motivated, and productive working environment within a culturally diverse organisation.

Main tasks

Oversee the maintenance and update of the HR systems and databases, particularly regarding payroll-related HR data;
Prepare monthly payroll and manage medical and life & disability insurance registration/de-registration;
Collaborate closely with the Head of HR to review, formulate, and implement HR policies;
Act as a key partner in coordinating recruitment procedures, ensuring consistency and best practices across the full recruitment lifecycle. Provide support ranging from outreach to sending out offers;
Conduct meetings with new starters and leavers to address the administrative aspects of joining or leaving ESA;
Administer the performance review process to support timely completion and adherence to best practices;
Plan and organise events such as the Moot Court competition winners’ week;
Provide support to the Head of HR in managing HR cases;
Act as a backup for the Head of HR in their absence;
Train new members of the HR Team, providing support, guidance, and feedback.

The following are essential

University degree in HR management, or equivalent;
Minimum 5 years’ relevant professional experience, in the private or the public sector;
A strong attention to detail and sound knowledge of the use of HR systems and web-based recruitment tools;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Excellent active listening 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;
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);
Experience of or interest in dealing with payroll preparation.

Conditions

ESA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. We offer:

International experience and professional development;
An inclusive and supportive environment;
Competitive benefits package and favourable tax conditions;
Generous leave scheme;
Medical, life and disability and travel insurances;
Savings fund to assist with retirement planning;
Flexible working arrangements;
Language training expenses.

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 A3 of ESA’s salary scale, with a likely starting salary of between €91.800 and €96.990 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.