Head of people and organisation

The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) invites qualified and motivated professionals to apply for the position of Head of People and Organisation. Operating from Paris and Brussels, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the work of a distinguished European agency in the field of foreign, security and defence policy issues. If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding career within a dynamic and influential international organisation, we encourage you to explore the details below.

HEAD OF PEOPLE AND ORGANISATION

Ref.: EUISS (2025) PERM 03

Status: Contract staff member 

Place of employment: Paris or Brussels

Starting date: as of 1 October 2025

Salary:

The salary scale of the EUISS is calculated according to that of the Coordinated Organisations. The successful candidate will be offered a contract at grade A3 or A4, depending on the level of experience. Contract staff at the EUISS have international status in terms of taxation.

Duration:

The successful candidate will be offered a contract 3 years, renewable twice for a maximum total of 9 years.

 

Job description

The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) is the EU agency that analyses foreign, security and defence policy issues. With its Headquarters in Paris and a Liaison Office in Brussels, the Institute acts as a trusted interface between EU officials, member state diplomats, and Europe’s wider think tank and scholarly community.

Through its publications and events, the Institute works to enhance policymakers’ understanding of the underlying trends and complexity of a fast-changing world. It combines rigorous research with policy-relevant conclusions and recommendations. It has a solid track record of strengthening the links among EU think tanks working in the field of foreign, security and defence policy, thus helping to build a stronger EU ‘strategic community and culture’.

The EUISS seeks to hire an experienced Head of People and Organisation to ensure the effective coordination and delivery of all Human Resources (HR) and administrative matters. The Head of People and Organisation reports to the EUISS Director and plays a pivotal role in supporting the strategic direction of the Institute. In this capacity, s/he works closely with other horizontal functions and manages the HR, administrative and events teams. The Head of People and Organisation leads the Institute’s on-going modernisation agenda, to update and streamline various business processes and internal policies to secure its long-term success and sustainability.

Main responsibilities

  • Overseeing the full HR and Administration lifecycle, including recruitment and selection, on-boarding, individual rights and contracts, payroll, performance management, retention and off-boarding, while ensuring the correct application of the EUISS Staff Regulations;
  • Leading and managing the daily operations of the HR, administrative and events teams, including a fair distribution and assignment of tasks;
  • Ensuring pro-active and clear internal communication on HR and administrative matters, including briefings and presentations to the EUISS Board;
  • Developing, updating and implementing organisational policies, inter-institutional agreements and service contracts to ensure the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Institute and ensure alignment with legal and regulatory requirements;
  • Monitoring developments and representing the Institute in joint bodies of the Coordinated organisations as well as the European Union adapting regulations and implementing rules as necessary;
  • Maintaining and nurturing relations with the national authorities in France and Belgium concerning privileges and immunities;
  • Managing all aspects of social security and associated health insurance plans for staff;
  • Overseeing facilities and office services at both locations, including space planning, maintenance, asset inventory, and physical security;
  • Fostering constructive dialogue with the staff committee in line with the legal framework;
  • Providing legal counsel and other advice to the Director in relation to the Institute’s activities;
  • Any additional tasks as agreed with the Director to enhance the Institute's operations and employee well-being. This may include, but is not limited to, leading projects such as organizational change management and other special initiatives.

Eligibility criteria

On the closing date for applications, candidates must fulfil all the following conditions:

  • Be a national of a member state of the European Union who enjoys full rights as a citizen attested by a recent extract from judicial records and/or certificate of good conduct;
  • Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by national law on military service;
  • Be physically fit to perform the required duties;
  • Hold, or be in the position to obtain, a valid security clearance certificate.

Education

  • A specialised master’s degree, preferably in the field in business administration, public administration, law or human resources.

Professional experience

  • at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in a similar (and/or relevant) position in an international environment, preferably within EU Institutions, Agencies or the Coordinated Organisations, or leading think-tank/research institute;
  • Strong ability to communicate effectively, build relationships across diverse cultures, and lead multidisciplinary teams;
  • At least 5 years of proven experience in designing, implementing and monitoring HR and administrative policies, processes and procedures;
  • Familiarity with modern practices and technologies used in HR and administration;
  • Demonstrated knowledge managing office infrastructure, including leases and other service agreements;
  • Solid understanding of data protection principles, quality assurance and risk management;
  • Proven experience with HR and administration-related legal matters and case law, including EU statutory rules is considered as an asset;
  • Proficiency in key office IT tools, including Microsoft Office Suite; and experience with specific HR/Administration software is a plus;
  • Proven ability to work well under pressure and to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines;
  • High ethical standards, including discretion, integrity and circumspection.

Languages

  • Excellent English and French writing and speaking skills are essential.

Procedure

All interested candidates must complete the online application form and attach:

  • A detailed CV in English (with a clear indication of educational attainment and professional experience);
  • A cover letter in English addressed to the EUISS Director;

Applications received by email, or post will not be considered. Only correctly and fully completed applications will be accepted.

 

The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday 28 August 2025, 12:00 CEST.

The Selection Board, chaired by the Director of the EUISS, will screen the applications and establish a shortlist of candidates to be interviewed. The interview will be completed with a written test, the exact nature of which will be communicated to the candidates concerned in advance and a second interview. Both, interviews and written test are planned to take place in mid-September 2025.

Following the interviews and written test, the successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three years with a nine-month probationary period.

All applicants will be informed of the results of their application by the end of the procedure.

The EUISS is an equal opportunities employer and accepts applications without distinction on the grounds of age, race, political or religious conviction, sex or sexual orientation and regardless of disabilities, marital status or family situation.

Any questions related to this selection procedure have to be submitted to EUISS Human Resources via the online contact form and indicating the reference of the vacancy notice.

The processing of personal data by the EUISS is governed by Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) N° 45/2001 and Decision N° 1247/2002/EC. By submitting an application, the applicant consents to the processing of the personal data contained in the application form and the supporting documents enclosed therewith, in the sense of Article 5.1 (a) of the Regulation. The personal data in question is collected by the EUISS for the sole purpose of this selection process.