Deputy Head of Human Resources ESO

European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere

Garching, Germany

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive astronomical observatory. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in the Atacama Desert region of Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. The ESO headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany. ESO is the focal point for Europe’s participation in the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) consortium, which is currently constructing a large submillimetre array in the Chilean Andes. The concept and design of the 40-m class European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) is also currently underway at ESO.
For Human Resources at the Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO is opening the position of

Purpose of the Job:

You will provide a professional support to the Head of Human Resources in relation to management of the HR Operations Team and strategic policy development ensuring that HR policies and procedures are in line with the needs of the organisation (current and future) and best practice. You will also deputise for the Head of Human Resources across all functional areas as required. A focus on building strong relationships with the line is essential to ensure that HR is responsive to business needs and expectations.

Responsibilities and Working Environment:

The successful candidate will have the main responsibilities as follows:

• To be responsible for ensuring the quality of the overall HR service including Learning and Development delivered by the team ensuring the highest professional standards, working collaboratively and contributing to the development of effective practice;
• To contribute to the development, consultation and communication of organisation strategies and policies in human resources;
• Working with staff at all levels of the organisation, providing advice and guidance on planning and effective workforce change including reorganisation and deployment;
• To be responsible for providing guidance and support on issues of conduct, capability, dispute resolution and grievance;
• To deliver training / briefing sessions for managers and staff on a range of employment related topics;
• Responsible for the co-ordination of the performance management activities across the organisation;
• To manage and participate in the senior appoints processes as required;
• To be responsible for the professional development of the Human Resource Advisors including full management responsibility for the team of 8 staff;
• To encourage positive employee relations including contributing to effective consultation with Staff Committee and Unions;
• To represent the HR Department at external meetings and Committees as required, advising and preparing reports in connection with HR matters;
• To research labour market data to ensure conditions of employment remain competitive;
• To regularly review the administrative, recruitment and HR processes to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose and update as necessary;
• To ensure the HR Information System is maintained accurately and the system is developed to meet the requirements of HR;
• To be responsible for the maintenance, review and development of the HR Intranet / Internet web pages;
• Carrying out and input to HR Projects as required.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor/University degree in Human Resources or a related area (specialising in Human Resources).

Experience – Essential:

• The successful applicant should have proven generalist HR and learning and development experience, at least 10 years, a minimum of which 6 years is within an International Organisation or a global organisation at a senior level;
• Proven experience of operational HR delivery, including managing change and reorganisations;
• Experience of HR strategic policy development with a sound knowledge of numerous European Laws and its application is essential;
• Experience in managing the analysis, design and delivery of learning and development interventions would be a significant advantage;
• Experience of working with Pension and Healthcare providers would be an advantage;
• Experience of analysing, using and presenting complex management information to a variety of audiences;
• Proven ability to train and coach line managers in new policies rules and regulations;
• Experience of supporting the design, development and delivery of training and development activities would be an advantage;
• Experience of successfully managing projects;
• Proven experience and demonstrable successes of mentoring/coaching new or less experienced HR team members;
• Experience of working with electronic HR Information Systems is essential; and
• A good command of written and spoken English is essential.

Key Competences:

• You should be comfortable and confident to work in a standalone capacity as well as part of a team and foster team working;
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise own and team activities to meet deadlines;
• Leads and encourages co-operation, collaboration and flexible working across the team;
• Encourage ideas and involve others in making decisions and encourage new and different ways of working which suit individuals and help the HR team to deliver;
• You should be confident to challenge established ways of working and evolve new practices appropriate to the organisations future challenge;
• The ability to work remotely and develop close working relationships with team colleagues in different geographical locations/time zones;
• Excellent communication, presentation, persuasion and negotiating skills are essential;
• Evidence of strong analytical and numerical skills;
• The ability to present information or draft material in a clear and logical manner.

Duty Station: Garching near Munich, with some travel to Chile.

Career Path: V

Starting Date: As soon as possible.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place your child/children in daycare.

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, you are invited to apply online at https://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.

Closing date for applications is 26 September 2011.

Although recruitment preference will be given to nationals of ESO Member States (members are: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom) no nationality is in principle excluded.

The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.