Human Resources (Junior) Officer – Recruitment based in Geneva, Switzerland

at  IMPACT Initiatives

IMPACT Initiatives is a humanitarian NGO, based in Geneva, Switzerland. As the largest independent data provider in crisis contexts, IMPACT supports humanitarian, stabilization, and development actors by enabling better decision-making through the provision of high-quality, context-specific data. The organization manages several initiatives, which includes i) the REACH Initiative aimed at facilitating the development of information products that enhance the humanitarian community’s decision making and planning capacity for emergency, reconstruction and development contexts, ii) the PANDA Initiative aimed at directly supporting key aid actors in improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and efficacy of their programmes, and iii) the AGORA Initiative aimed at promoting localised and multi-sectoral aid action in support of the recovery and stabilisation of crisis-affected communities.
The IMPACT team comprises specialists in data collection, management and analysis and GIS. We have a footprint in 37 countries, with 897 staff members in our country offices and Geneva HQ, and 82 international experts. Through our global team of research specialists, IMPACT publishes more than 2,000 information products on average yearly, with 183 projects implemented in 2023.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Joining IMPACT Initiatives’ Global HR Team as a Recruitment Officer is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and impactful humanitarian NGO based in Geneva, Switzerland. In this role, you will be instrumental in sourcing, assessing, and onboarding diverse talent to support our global humanitarian efforts. Your work will directly impact IMPACT’s mission of providing essential data and analysis to aid humanitarian action worldwide by ensuring that we are attracting and selecting the right people for the right positions.
The Recruitment Officer will play a critical role in managing the full recruitment cycle for both internationally deployed and headquarters-based positions. Based in Geneva, you will work closely with the Human Resources Director and colleagues in the recruitment unit to identify, attract, and onboard the best talent to meet the needs of our organization. This role offers the chance to connect with colleagues and hiring managers across diverse country contexts, gaining valuable insights into different operational environments.
Success in this role requires a strong grasp of recruitment best practices and the ability to manage the recruitment process efficiently, from sourcing to onboarding. You must excel in communication, building relationships with candidates and hiring managers while maintaining high levels of professionalism and confidentiality. The ability to adapt in a diverse, fast-paced environment, combined with meticulous attention to detail and proactive problem-solving, will ensure effective recruitment and alignment with IMPACT Initiatives’ mission. Your expertise in HR practices, coupled with proficiency in relevant tools and languages, will be key to enhancing our recruitment operations and supporting our global HR team.

1. RECRUITMENT PROCESS MANAGEMENT

• Liaise with hiring managers to understand recruitment needs and provide regular updates on recruitment progress
• Review, update, and post job descriptions and advertisements on relevant platforms and job boards
• Screen and shortlist applications for assigned positions, adhering to IMPACT’s recruitment policies
• Arrange technical tests and conduct preliminary HR interviews to assess candidate suitability, ensuring a positive candidate experience
• Coordinate and schedule interviews with hiring managers and panels for a smooth recruitment process
• Maintain and update the recruitment database and software daily, tracking all activities and candidate statuses
• Conduct reference checks, third party screening and verify candidates’ qualifications
• Draft employment offers and placement emails, securing final approval from the HR Director
• Respond promptly to candidate inquiries about salary, start dates, and benefits, coordinating with the HR Director and conducting follow-up calls as needed
• Regularly review the recruitment pipeline to inform trend and gap identification, informing required outreach to attract a diverse candidate pool
• Conduct daily meetings with the recruitment unit to track progress and address issues, and review twice weekly with the HR Director to ensure accuracy, set priorities, and address risks or follow-up actions, escalating ad-hoc to the HR Director as necessary

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred. Relevant hands-on experience in Human Resources may be considered in lieu of a degree in this field
• Experience: 1-2 years of relevant experience in recruitment or Human Resources, ideally in a similar role. Experience in the humanitarian or development sector is a plus
• Recruitment Knowledge: basic to intermediate understanding of recruitment best practices and administrative requirements in Switzerland and for international contexts
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to conduct basic interviews focused on key qualifications and initial fit, actively listen, build effective relationships, and confidently market IMPACT Initiatives
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in a diverse and international environment
• Very good organizational and time management skills (multi-tasks, prioritizes work tasks, utilizes resources effectively/efficiently, adapts to changing work demands/priorities/environments)
• Dynamic, fast learner and proactive team player
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing candidate materials, recording information accurately and drafting employment offers to ensure accuracy and relevance;
• Integrity: Ability to handle confidential information of candidates and colleagues with professionalism and sensitivity at all times;
• Language Skills: Fluent in English; proficiency in French or Spanish (B1 level or higher) is desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Work Authorization: Applicants must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland or be EU/EFTA

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in HR - recruitment for an international non-profit/non-governmental organization and familiarity with the specific challenges of recruiting for crisis contexts
• Experience conducting competency-based recruitment approaches
• Experience with HR software and applicant tracking systems

As a Recruitment Officer and under the line management of the IMPACT’s HR Director, you will play a key role in managing the end-to-end recruitment process for an assigned geographic portfolio, ensuring that IMPACT’s staffing needs are met efficiently and effectively. In addition to overseeing recruitment activities, you will also lead the organisation of the onboarding process of new staff and contribute to continuous recruitment process improvement, reporting, and general HR management.