Human Resources Officer - Personnel Management

European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff Member 
Contract Duration: 3 years 
Grading: 4, 5 or 6, depending on experience and qualifications 
Closing Date: 8 December 2013 
Reference number: HD_00421

Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked international scientific research organizations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is situated in Heidelberg (Germany) and the outstations are in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy). The Department of Human Resources is responsible for the all the Laboratory’s personnel of approx. 1500 from over 70 nations working at EMBL Headquarters of its outstations. 

Under the responsibility of the Senior HR Officer (Compensation and Benefits), s/he will be part of a team of HR Officers responsible to deliver extensive high quality HR services to all EMBL personnel. The appointed HR Officer will administer assigned EMBL functional units at its headquarters and/or in the outstations and assist in developing, coordinating and implementing projects originating from the Compensation and Benefits Unit. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Administer, and provide advice on all aspects of compensation and benefits (e.g. salary and related benefits, travel, social security, reimbursement of expenses, attendance) to staff and managers of different EMBL functional units both at its headquarters and outstations as appropriate;
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and staff falling under his/her responsibility on interpretation and application of policies, Staff Rules and Regulations including on all aspects of performance assessment as well as on contracting processes;
• Determine and recommend benefits and entitlements for staff on the basis of contractual status;
• Provide induction briefings to newcomers of the units under the appointed officer responsibility and assist them in settling in at EMBL and Germany;
• Establish and maintain an open and consistent channel of communication with the relevant units on all HR related matters; listen to and address staff concerns including bringing these concerns to the attention of management when appropriate;
• Contribute to development, coordination and/or implementation of projects originating from/assigned to the Compensation and Benefits Unit;
• Monitor effectiveness of related HR practices and procedures, and draw attention of/recommended revisions to his/her supervisor when appropriate;
• Maintain and keep master data regularly updated in SAP;
• Prepare certificates and documentation in German and liaise with external parties in German when required;
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

This exciting and challenging opportunity will suit HR professionals who can demonstrate credibility, the ability to develop strong relationships and a track record of delivering in multicultural environments. S/he must have a University degree and training in human resources management and/or experience in a relevant field such as business administration. Previous experience as Human Resources Officer is essential. The appointed applicant should have a conscientious attitude, high numerical accuracy, the ability to prioritize tasks and work independently in his/her area of responsibility, yet seeking guidance when required. He/she should work well in a highly motivated team and often deliver under pressure and tight schedules. He/she will possess strong interpersonal skills and high customer orientation to provide a state-of-the-art service to EMBL personnel at all levels. Excellent computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience in using HR module systems such as SAP are mandatory. English, French and German are the working languages of EMBL. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English and German are required.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs.

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. 

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.