Head of Human Resources (Senior Officer) – Administration Division – VA 16/2025

Position description

Do you want to play a key leadership role in an ambitious international organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) seeks a forward-thinking and dynamic Head of Human Resources to shape, modernise, and lead its HR function.

EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation working to promote free trade and economic integration for its four Member States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EFTA Secretariat provides support to Member States, with offices in Geneva, Brussels, and Luxembourg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and policy development; Brussels supports the EEA Agreement management; Luxembourg contributes to the European Statistical System.

This position is only open to nationals of an EFTA Member State (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).

Division: Administration
Category: A5
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term, three years; if considered desirable and in the Organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reference: VA 16/2025

Scope

The Administration Division in Brussels provides administrative management and services to optimise the working environment. Acting as a strategic internal partner to the organisation, the Division provides services in HR, Finance, ICT, Facilities and Security to all three EFTA duty stations.

As Head of HR, you will lead a team of three HR Partners and report directly to the Director of Administration. The role is at the forefront of modernising EFTA’s HR functions, with a main focus on the following transformative areas:

• Employer Branding: Position EFTA as an employer of choice internationally, developing brand strategies;
• Effective Operations and Digital Transformation: Lead digital transformation of HR services, streamlining processes and enhancing HR data analytics and self-service for staff;
• Talent Acquisition: Improve and modernise the recruitment process across all three duty stations, using digital tools to attract high-potential professionals.

Due to the small size of the HR team, the right candidate will work strategically and advise senior leadership on all HR matters, while at the same time handling a wide range of operational and practical day-to-day tasks.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop, communicate, and implement HR policies and objectives aligned with the Secretariat’s objectives;
• Interpret EFTA Staff Regulations and serve as advisor to EFTA Management on HR matters;
• Lead talent acquisition and onboarding, ensuring high-quality recruitments, including participating in recruitment panels;
• Develop EFTA’s employer value proposition and promote the Secretariat as a top employer;
• Design and oversee performance and appraisal systems that drive motivation and organisational excellence;
• Lead and manage a team of three HR Partners, ensuring effective collaboration across both specialised and shared responsibilities;
• Provide regular guidance, coaching, and feedback to each team member, fostering their professional growth and supporting their career development throughout their tenure;
• Build a strong, cohesive HR team culture, ensuring alignment with organisational values and strategic priorities;
• Support the Financial Mechanism Office on all HR matters;
• Maintain close contact with EFTA’s Staff Committee;
• Collaborate closely with Finance on the salary process, compensation and allowances;
• Continue the strong focus on skills development and continuous learning frameworks, including leadership training and upskilling for future organisational and Member State needs;
• Foster a culture of inclusion, learning, and operational excellence within the organisation. Work to ensure a healthy workplace culture, to be characterised with collaboration, wellbeing and sense of belonging;
• Supervise the Junior Professionals Programme and staff development initiatives;
• Liaise with insurance providers and manage benefits-related queries.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in HR management or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ professional experience, including proven management experience;
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop HR professionals, with experience in providing individualised guidance and constructive feedback;
• Proven expertise in digital transformation of HR, innovative recruitment strategies, employer branding, and change management;
• Solid experience with skills-based recruitment and staff development;
• Track record in policy development and adaptation to organisational and external change;
• Experience leading, structuring and delivering projects and initiatives;
• Prior experience in European or international public sector HR is considered an advantage;
• Familiarity with cross-cultural management.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, leadership, listening, negotiation, and presentation skills;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to multitask and to work with tight deadlines;
• Self-reliance and autonomy, but also the skills needed for teamwork;
• A strong attention to detail;
• Good understanding of HR Data and how they can be used to support the organisation, its leaders and HR;
• High proficiency in digital HR systems and Microsoft Office solutions.

Languages

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

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 benefit package.

Grade: A5
Annual salary: EUR 130,620.24

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 diversity 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.

Application instructions

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