European Defence Agency – Head of Human Resources

Deadline: 6 April 2021
Open to: nationals of Member States participating in the Agency
Benefits: a basic salary of 11.590,57€ supplemented with various allowances

DESCRIPTION

The European Defence Agency was established on 12 July 2004, and is governed by Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1835 defining the statute, seat and operational rules of the European Defence Agency. The main task of EDA is to support the Council and the Member States in their effort to improve the Union’s defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) as it currently stands and as it develops in the future.

EDA is looking for a dynamic and highly skilled Head of Human Resources who is experienced in management and leadership responsibilities, is used to working at middle management level, is resilient in challenging situations, and is firm, yet flexible, in adapting to uncertainties and change.

The jobholder reports to the Director of Corporate Services and:

Provides vision, direction and leadership for the HR Unit through effective management and coordination of its team members and output within the framework of the overall strategic planning of the Agency;
Contributes actively as a member of the middle management of EDA to the Agency’s strategy and policies, the (multi)annual planning, corporate identity, overall governance and decision-making, in collaboration with the Director and the Directorate’s management team;
Ensures the development and implementation of state-of-the art people management policies and processes (including selection and recruitment; performance management; learning and development; staff wellbeing; rights and obligations; end of service) to meet the evolving needs of EDA, position EDA as an employer of choice and foster a culture of excellence and empowerment;
Ensures cost-effective and efficient service delivery through optimum deployment of resources and sound financial management of the Unit, in line with policies and procedures; contributing to budget forecasting and monitoring of Title 1 budget execution;
Monitors and ensures the implementation of appropriate conditions of service and entitlements. Provides authoritative advice on the interpretation and application of HRM policies and the Staff Regulations, and other HR policies, regulations and rules, relating to staff salaries, entitlements, allowances and staff welfare;
Advises senior management on all aspects of human resources policies, practices and procedures and makes recommendations on proactive and innovative approaches to the delivery of human resources services as well as to strategic and policy issues;
Advises and counsels staff in respect of conditions of service, entitlements, responsibilities, code of conduct and difficulties associated with work. Provides assistance in the resolution of conflicts, including mediation;
Facilitates negotiations with staff, staff representatives and represent the Agency in intra community forums dealing with human resources questions;
Reflects EDA’s values and people principles in the day-to-day workplace interactions with colleagues and ensuring a respectful and healthy working culture for all staff.

The Head of Human Resources may also be called upon to deputise for the Director of Corporate Services in specific domains as necessary and duties may evolve depending on the development of EDA’s structure and activities, and decisions of EDA management.

ELIGIBILITY

To be considered eligible to take part in this selection procedure, on the closing date for the submission of applications candidates must satisfy all the eligibility criteria as specified below:

be a national of a Member State participating in the Agency;
be entitled to his/her full rights as a citizen;
have fulfilled any obligations imposed on him/her by the laws concerning military service;
produce the appropriate character references as to his/her suitability for the performance of his/her duties (extract from the “judicial record” or certificate of good conduct will be requested prior to recruitment);
be physically fit to perform his/her duties;
have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the participating Member States and a satisfactory knowledge of another of these languages to the extent necessary to discharge his/her duties;
have no personal interest (financial, family relationship, or other) which could be in conflict with disinterested discharge of his/her duties within the Agency;
hold, or be in a position to obtain, a valid Personnel Security Clearance Certificate (national or EU PSC at SECRET UE/EU SECRET level). Personnel Security Clearance Certificate (PSCC) means a certificate issued by a competent authority establishing that an individual is security cleared and holds a valid national or EU PSC, and which shows the level of EUCI to which that individual may be granted access (SECRET UE/EU SECRET), the date of validity of the relevant PSC and the date of expiry of the certificate itself. Note that the necessary procedure for obtaining a PSCC can be initiated on request of the employer only, and not by the individual candidate;
have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is four years or more, or a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma and appropriate professional experience of at least one year when the normal period of university education is at least three years or be a graduate of a national or international Defence College; or where justified in the interests of the service, professional training of an equivalent level.

Only diplomas that have been awarded in EU Member States or that are the subject of equivalence certificates issued by the authorities in the said Member States shall be taken into consideration. In the latter case, the authority authorised to conclude contracts of employment reserves the right to request proof of such equivalence.

BENEFITS

Recruitment will be as a member of the temporary staff of the Agency for a four-year period. Renewal is possible within the limits set out in the EDA Staff Regulations. The successful candidate will be recruited as Temporary Agent, grade AD12.

The pay for this position consists of a basic salary of 11.590,57€ supplemented with various allowances, including as applicable expatriation or family allowances.