HR Partner - VA 06/2026

EFTA Secretariat

Brussels, Belgium

Are you passionate about contributing to an ambitious international organisation working for the promotion of free trade and economic integration? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is seeking a proactive and solutions-oriented HR Partner to join our team.

EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation working to promote free trade and economic integration for its four Member States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EFTA Secretariat provides support to Member States, with offices in Geneva, Brussels, and Luxembourg. The Headquarters in Geneva services the EFTA Council and policy development; Brussels supports the EEA Agreement management; Luxembourg contributes to the European Statistical System.

This position is open to nationals of all the EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and EU Member States.

Division: Administration
Category/Level: B5
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term three years. If considered desirable and in the organisation’s interest, an additional three-year contract may be offered
Start Date: 1 September 2026 or earlier
Job Reference: VA 06/2026

Scope:

The Administration Division in Brussels provides administrative management and services to optimise the working environment. Acting as a strategic internal partner to the organisation, the Division provides services in HR, Finance, IT, Facilities and Security to all three EFTA duty stations.

As EFTA continues to modernise its HR function, we are looking for someone who is not only committed to high-quality HR support, but also comfortable working with digital tools, automation, and data-driven processes. You will play an important role in helping us streamline workflows, enhance employee experience, and support the adoption of modern HR technologies across the organisation.

The ideal candidate is a motivated team player who enjoys learning and tackling diverse responsibilities in an evolving HR team. The role includes supporting recruitment processes, delivering reliable HR advice and operational support, and actively contributing to digitalisation initiatives such as new HR system implementations, AI initiatives and process improvements. To succeed, you will need strong ownership, the ability to work independently, and a collaborative mindset that fits well within a small closeknit HR team.

As HR Partner, your tasks would include, for example:

Driving continuous improvement across HR, focusing on streamlining processes, enhancing quality and efficiency, and making use of data and analytics for insights;
Supporting the digitalisation of HR, including the implementation adoption and optimisation of HR technologies and system implementations (e.g., HRIS, ATS, digital workflows, automation tools);
Partnering with Division Directors to support performance management processes, manage employee relations cases and address a wide range of HR queries;
Managing end-to-end recruitment processes, including vacancy publication, applicant screening, interview logistics, onboarding and related coordination;
Supporting the Junior Professional Programme on the full life cycle of the Programme (recruitment, onboarding, programme activities, and events);
Contributing to Learning & Development initiatives, including gathering training needs and supporting delivery of L&D activities;
Acting as HR local representative supporting on administrative duties and point of contact with local authorities (e.g., special ID cards, VAT exemption) with occasional travel to Member States or other duty stations.

Skills:

At least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
Minimum 5 years proven and successful experience in HR preferably in an international or multicultural environment;
Ability to take a coaching approach with (senior) stakeholders, guiding and supporting effective decision-making;
Strong interpersonal skills, highly motivated and able to take initiative;
A learner who is eager to stay up-to-date and develop;
Service-minded, solution-oriented, flexible and consistent;
Excel in administrative tasks and strong eye for detail;
Ability to work both independently and in a team;
Capable of prioritising and managing multiple tasks simultaneously;
Strong analytical;
Tech savvy and high proficiency in digital HR systems and Microsoft Office solutions.

Languages:

Excellent command of written and spoken English;
Fluency in written and spoken Dutch and/or French considered a plus.

Employment Terms:

EFTA has a dynamic and diverse work environment with the opportunity to work in a team of highly qualified people. Here you will be part of an organisation based on professionalism, cooperation, trust, responsibility and respect. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

EFTA also offers:

International career and learning opportunities;
An inclusive environment with high regard for cultural differences;
Competitive benefit package (salaries are exempt from income taxation);
Generous holiday scheme including a Christmas closure period;
Medical, life and disability and travel insurances;
Savings fund to assist with retirement planning;
Flexible working arrangements;
Language training expenses.

Appointments are normally made at the first step of the grade. The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level different from that advertised. Through its recruitment policy, the EFTA Secretariat wants to ensure diversity in terms of gender, age and culture.

Grade: B5
Annual starting salary experience: EUR 65,398.80

EFTA is an international organisation, and the salaries and related payments are normally exempt from income taxation by the EFTA Member States and in the host states of the EFTA duty stations. Depending on the candidate’s family status, benefits and allowances may apply.

This position is open to nationals of all the EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and EU Member States. Applicants must apply via the EFTA e-recruitment tool.