Human Resource Administrative Specialist

Human Resource Administrative Specialist

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

October 27, 2026December 15, 2026United States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce dedicated to delivering impactful solutions, the IRC aims to help millions of people regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities, embodying a force for humanity.

Job Overview:
The Human Resource Administrative Specialist position is a critical role within the IRC, directly supervised by the HR Manager. This position is responsible for supporting HR administrative functions for the IRC offices located in New Jersey and New York. The specialist will engage in various human resources administrative tasks, including recruitment, onboarding, personnel file management, time attendance oversight, and employee orientation. This role serves as a knowledgeable resource for both staff and management, coordinating employee lifecycle processes and supporting special projects and initiatives. The specialist will be expected to maintain compliance with IRC policies and state-specific labor laws while fostering a supportive environment for employees throughout their lifecycle within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Resource Administrative Specialist include, but are not limited to: serving as the first point of contact for employee lifecycle matters such as recruitment, new hire setup, orientation, benefits, payroll, onboarding, leaves of absence, status changes, and separations. The specialist will assist with HR administrative activities, including processing new hire and hire change paperwork and managing background checks for staff. They will administer the organization’s applicant tracking system, manage job postings and closings for locally managed requisitions, and ensure compliance with HR-related IRC policies and procedures. Additionally, the specialist will coordinate HQ initiatives related to the IRC Way, Duty of Care, and Safeguarding, liaise with the HR Manager to escalate issues, and connect staff with appropriate HR-related training and resources. The role also includes supporting special projects and initiatives and serving as the primary point of contact for interns, providing guidance and support throughout their program.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an undergraduate degree in a related field, with a preference for candidates who have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in office administration, human resources, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, with a proven track record of effective communication in a multicultural environment. A self-starter mentality with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively is essential. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products are critical, as is fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to utilize digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates are expected to possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, which may include human resources, business administration, or a related discipline. This educational background is preferred to ensure that the candidate has a foundational understanding of HR principles and practices that will be applicable in the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in office administration, human resources, or a related field. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle HR administrative tasks effectively and provide support in a fast-paced environment. Experience in a non-profit or humanitarian organization is a plus, as it may provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced in such settings.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with the communities served by the IRC, enhancing communication and support for diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as full-time and has an end date of September 30, 202
  • The compensation for this role ranges from $26.50 to $28.04 per hour, depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid sick leave, paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The IRC is committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment and adheres to the core values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.
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