Principal Assistant, Personnel, Administration and Logistics

Job Posting Organization:
The NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) is a subsidiary body of NATO that operates under the governance of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) and is overseen by the NATO Science and Technology Board (STB). Established to enhance the scientific and technological capabilities of NATO and its member nations, the STO plays a crucial role in ensuring that S&T investments serve as a strategic enabler for defense and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization comprises over 5,000 scientists and engineers from NATO and partner nations, engaging in approximately 460 S&T activities aimed at addressing current and future challenges faced by armed forces. The STO Collaboration Support Office (CSO) is one of its three executive bodies, providing essential administrative and executive support to various scientific and technical committees.

Job Overview:
The Principal Assistant role within the Personnel, Administration and Logistics (PAL) Branch of the CSO is a senior operational position that requires a proactive and experienced individual to manage a diverse portfolio of personnel administration tasks. This includes advising staff and management, preparing monthly payroll for civilian staff, supervising an assistant, and enhancing the delivery of HR services. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of the PAL Branch, adapting to the evolving needs of the organization as it implements its 2030 vision and strategy. The position demands a hands-on approach to HR operations, ensuring that personnel administration processes are efficient and effective, while also contributing to the overall strategic goals of the NATO STO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including acting as the primary point of contact for HR-related queries, managing personnel records, contracts, compensations, benefits, and overseeing staff arrivals and departures. The role involves interpreting and applying NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations, providing reliable advice on day-to-day HR matters, and ensuring accurate and confidential handling of cases. The incumbent will also contribute to recruitment processes, onboarding, performance evaluations, and training, while maintaining high standards of HR data quality. Additionally, the Principal Assistant will oversee the monthly payroll process for civilian staff, contribute to budget information, and support the Branch Head and Staff Officer HR with practical advice. The role requires continuous improvement of HR processes and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure service continuity and efficiency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in a senior assistant role relevant to the position, including at least two years of experience in payroll processing. A Higher National Diploma or technical degree in Business Administration or Human Resources is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations and possess good knowledge of both official NATO languages (English and French).

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Higher National Diploma or a technical degree in Business Administration or Human Resources. Additional specific education or training in HR or personnel administration is considered advantageous, as is certification in project management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of professional experience in a senior assistant position, with a focus on HR functions, including payroll processing. Experience in an international environment is desirable, particularly familiarity with NATO or similar organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in both official NATO languages (English and French) is mandatory, with a good command of additional European languages being advantageous. The work environment primarily operates in English, but knowledge of French is essential for processing various documents.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at NATO Grade G 12, with a starting basic monthly salary of Euro 6,072.35, exempt from income tax. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave, life and medical insurance, and a retirement pension plan. Expatriated staff may receive additional allowances, including for education of dependent children and biennial home leave. The successful candidate will be offered a definite duration contract of three years, with the possibility of transitioning to an open-ended contract based on performance and organizational needs. The appointment is contingent upon obtaining a NATO Secret security clearance and a certificate of medical fitness.