Job Description
ESO is presently embarking on an important project to replace its longstanding Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system with a modern, sustainable platform that will enhance our operational efficiency, adaptability, and ability for ESO to remain at the forefront of ground-based astronomy. From Human Resources to Finance, Procurement to Project Management, this transformation will impact every corner of our organisation.
The Human Resources Department at ESO is a busy and dynamic team located both in Chile and Germany, delivering a comprehensive end to end service to colleagues, covering recruitment, pay and benefits, business partnering, as well as health and welfare services and learning and development. There is plenty of scope to contribute and make a difference in this exciting environment.
Opportunities in HR
As we begin to implement our new ERP system, a number of current HR staff will be diverted to work on the project. To maintain HR services to ESO at this time of change and development, we are looking for agile, flexible, and solution-focussed HR professionals to support our team during this period. We have two fixed-term roles available and both posts are located at our headquarters in Garching near Munich. Either of these roles will provide valuable experience to take your HR career forward, and with a proactive can-do approach, the opportunities to learn and develop will be there for the taking:
Post 1: HR Operations Assistant
Working as part of our dedicated HR Operation team you will undertake a wide-ranging and important role carrying out several duties. Although not an exhaustive list you will be responsible for:
- administering the relocation and registration of new staff, liasing with the German Foreign Affairs Ministry
- assisting with the onboarding of staff
- processing benefit and allowance claims
- monitoring staff absences
- dealing with enquiries and ensuring that all HR files are kept up to date.
- You will also provide back-up for our compensation and benefits colleagues during their absence and participate in the testing of the new ERP system.
To succeed in this role, you should be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills with a close attention to detail especially related to figure-work. You should also possess excellent communication skills both orally and in writing. Although you will be expected to work independently with your own areas of accountability, team working and collaboration will also be a critical skill. Working with HR data, it goes without saying that you should have the utmost discretion and integrity and be used to working with sensitive information. In terms of qualifications, a full secondary education is a must. A diploma in HR or business administration or equivalent will be an advantage, as well as experience of working in an international environment.
Post 2: HR Officer
Working in close collaboration with experienced HR staff, you will support on a portfolio of activities covering a wide range of HR services, learning on the job where required, for example:
- you will oversee the full spectrum of contractual management for staff, ensuring efficient and compliant handling of contracts, extensions, and updates to terms and conditions
- you will support recruitment campaigns for specific posts
- you will actively manage absence / leave issues including case work on sick leave and attendance
- you will help manage and coach on performance issues, development, and signpost staff learning opportunities.
- you will help with the processing of travel requests
To succeed you should have some experience working as an HR Officer with a generalist background spanning at least two years, ideally in an international organisation or international environment. You should be able to handle complex HR matters identifying key issues and be able to manage solution-focused interventions. With your diploma in HR, business, law or another relevant subject, and with your experience, you will also be able to demonstrate: that you have an ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team. You should show excellent communication skills and the ability to work sensitively in a multicultural environment. You should also show the drive and desire to provide a client centred service.
Language Skills:
With our working language being English, an excellent command of the English language - oral, reading and writing - is essential. A working knowledge of German and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.
Career Path:
The career path applicable to these roles are: II (Assistant) and III (Officer)
Our Salary and career structure:
ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our roles. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience and performance. The role of assistant will be in Career Path II, with the officer in Career Path III. Please follow this link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/
ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.
The contract is for a firm fixed-term duration of three years only and is specifically tied to the completion of the transition to our new ERP system. The contract is subject to successful completion of a probation period.
For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/).
Duty Station:
Garching near Munich, Germany.
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