Human Resources Associate

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the HR Officer, the HR Associate will provide administrative and HR professional support for the Human Resources section with primary responsibilities in supporting the HR Officer and employees in the London office. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. OSF may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Provide HR and administrative support to the Director of International HR and the HR Officer;
• Deal with employee queries in the London office and other OSF international offices;
• Follow organisational policies and procedures across all the HR areas;
• Assist with and coordinate recruitment activities: e.g. gather information and complete the required recruitment forms, post vacancies, provide letters of acknowledgment to applicants, handle routine applicant/staff inquiries regarding recruitment procedures, distribute resumes, schedule interviews, maintain applicant database;
• Record maintenance of information related to open positions; including internal and external job postings, application administration and advertising;
• Assist in staffing process, e.g. pre-screen, schedule and conduct interviews for interns, part time and hourly employees, as well as applicants for entry to mid-level positions;
• Organise expense reimbursements for candidates travelling internationally;
• Conduct employee inductions and complete induction paperwork;
• Maintain inventory of benefits forms and materials; send forms to colleagues in international offices and to external benefits providers;
• Assist with recruitment agencies and agency temps and coordinate the completion of timesheets;
• Maintain and update employee personnel and medical records;
• Assist in the monthly payroll process by identifying items such as new starters, leavers, pension entitlements and changes, calculation of payments, calculation of holidays, salary changes, variation in contracts and other payroll amendments;
• Record and maintain staff absences records;
• Complete visa letters for international travel;
• Advise staff of visa procedures for right to work in the UK; which include: registering for WRS certification, extending temporary visas and applying for indefinite leave to remain;
• Complete set up of new starters and leavers;
• Assist with HR invoices, by entering  the information in the Finance system;
• Provide administrative support to the Human Resources Department: e.g. correspondence, faxing, filing, distribution of department mail, and other HR-related tasks and projects;
• Travel may be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant HR experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CIPD qualification or studying towards it strongly preferred;
• Good knowledge of UK employment law, HR practices and UK immigration processes and rules;
• NGO or foundation experience/interest in human rights preferred.

Skills Required

• Experience with HR software and ability to learn and implement new software applications;
• Experience in working with payroll providers and financial expertise;
• Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment; to troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget;
• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills and ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management and the general public;
• High level of self-motivation and ability to work independently when necessary, as well as commitment to working as a member of a team;
• Poised, work well under pressure and attentive to detail;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Ability to work on several simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment;
• Integrity and professional discretion absolutely essential.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter before January 6, 2012, recruitment-admin@osf-eu.org and include job code in subject line: HRA