Head of Human Resources

About ECMWF

ECMWF is both a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing and disseminating numerical weather predictions to its Member States. ECMWF carries out scientific and technical research directed to the improvement of its forecasts, collects and processes large amounts of
observations, and manages a long-term archive of meteorological data. Satellite and in situ
observations provide the information for up-to-date global analyses and climate reanalyses of the
atmosphere, ocean and land surface.

For details, see www.ecmwf.int/.

ECMWF is one of the six members of the Co-ordinated Organisations and currently employs around
350 staff from more than 30 countries of which most staff are based at its Headquarters at Shinfield Park, in Reading, Berkshire. There is an ongoing project in progress to establish a Data Centre in Bologna (Italy) and ECMWF will have staff working at that location from 2018 onwards, requiring well developed processes, policies and standards for a multisite operation.

Summary of the role

The Human Resources Section is part of the Administration Department. The HR function covers
Recruitment and Selection, Compensation, Benefits and Payroll, Learning and Development and
Talent Management. The Head of Human Resources is responsible for the development and
implementation of the Human Resources (HR) Strategy, for the day-to-day running of the HR
function in a multisite operation and for the provision of relevant data and information to support
decision-making throughout the organisation.

The Head of Human Resources will work closely with ECMWF’s senior management team on HR
issues, resource planning and recruitment strategies. The role calls for an HR professional that has
successfully worked at both the operational and strategic levels. It requires someone who can
balance the need for a hands-on approach with effective delegation to his or her team.

ECMWF is currently in the process of implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP),
and the selected candidate will play a key role in its further development which will include reviewing existing processes in relation to areas such as performance management, contract policy, learning and development to then review and amend the ECMWF Staff Regulations.

Main duties and key responsibilities

• Leading the ongoing development of ECMWF’s HR strategy, including the constant review and
  improvement of policies, processes and standards to ensure that the ECMWF attracts, retains and motivates its staff
• Managing the day-to-day HR function, including the planning and managing of HR annual budgets
• Ensuring that HR policies and procedures are aligned to and support ECMWF’s mission and
  strategy, in accordance with best practices in HR management and in line with ethical standards and legal requirements
• Leading the HR team, including line management and the ongoing development of the team’s
  skills and capabilities
• Providing advice and support on resource planning, recruitment and HR issues to all parts of the organisation, including the interpretation and application of policies, regulations and rules
• Presenting documents on HR aspects to ECMWF’s Committees
• Ensuring that ECMWF meets its HR obligations under its Convention, regulations and its Council’s decisions
• Managing the relationship with Member States’ authorities as applicable with respect to HR issues
• Representing ECMWF at the Coordinated Organisation’s activities
• Carrying out other relevant tasks and projects as required by the Director General

Personal attributes

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Strategic thinker, solution-oriented, with the ability to communicate HR concepts and policies to scientific and technical staff and to develop a common understanding of the issues and potential resolutions
• Ability to work effectively on a strategic level whilst ensuring ongoing delivery of operational
  activities
• Capacity to manage a range of conflicting and urgent issues within tight deadlines
• Good relationship management skills, including the ability to gain credibility with key stakeholders across the organisation
• Ability to work collaboratively, sharing expertise and lessons learnt with colleagues
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to apply these to working within and across teams with staff at all levels

Qualifications and experience required

Education

• Advanced degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or equivalent.

Experience

• Considerable years of demonstrated progressive experience in HR
  management at the international level, preferably in an international
  organisation.
• Experience in establishing or developing the HR aspects of an Enterprise
  Resource Planning System.
  Proven exposure to change management and organisational development in a
  leadership role.
• Experience in project management and budgeting.

Knowledge and skills (including language)

• Significant knowledge of HR policies, practices and procedures and the ability to apply them in an international environment with its inherent cultural aspects.
• Knowledge of the Coordinated Organisations’ mechanisms and functioning would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Business World On! software would be considered an advantage. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be
  conducted in English.
• good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or
  German) would be an advantage.

Other information

Grade remuneration

The successful candidate will be recruited at the A4 grade, according to the scales of the Coordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be £80,977.92 net of tax. This position is assigned to the employment category STF-C as defined in the Staff Regulations. Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs, including the Centre’s Staff Regulations regarding the terms and conditions of employment.

Starting date: As soon as possible.
Length of contract: Four years, with the possibility of a further contract.
Location: The position will be based in the Reading area, in Berkshire, United Kingdom.

How to apply

Please apply by completing the online application form available at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.
ECMWF has an Equal Opportunities Policy and applications from all suitably qualified candidates are
welcome.

Staff are usually recruited from among nationals of the following Member States and Co-operating
States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Staff from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases