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Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.
We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support.
Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?
The European Institute of Peace is looking for a Human Resources Manager to support the Institute’s operations on the different HR projects.
Your place in the team
The Human Resources Unit ensures that EIP has reliable, effective and fit-for-purpose people management practices. It covers the employment and engagement lifecycle, from recruitment and contracting to development, performance and wellbeing. It also supports EIP’s international operations through the appropriate engagement and oversight of consultants working in different countries.
Working transversally with the Chief Operating Officer, Finance, programme teams, managers and staff, HR provides more than administrative support: it advises on people-related issues, identifies risks and needs, and develops practical solutions suited to EIP’s size, maturity and operating context.
Reporting to the COO, the HR Manager leads the HR Unit and is accountable for the effective delivery and continuous improvement of EIP’s HR function. The role combines hands-on generalist HR management with responsibility for developing and implementing appropriate policies, processes and people-management practices. Its priorities are to ensure sound HR operations and legal compliance, strengthen the organisation’s HR framework, and contribute proactively to a healthy and effective working environment.
You will
HR operations, administration and compliance
- Ensure that core HR processes are reliable, timely and consistently applied, including recruitment administration, onboarding and offboarding, employee records, leave, employment documentation and HR reporting.
- Supervise the HR Officer’s administration of monthly payroll, ensuring appropriate checks and coordination with the social secretariat and Finance.
- Oversee employee contracts, benefits and insurance; maintain accurate and confidential HR records; and ensure compliance with Belgian employment and social legislation, seeking specialist advice when required.
HR policies, frameworks and people development
- Review existing HR policies and practices, identify gaps and priorities, and lead the development, consultation, implementation and regular review of clear, proportionate and legally compliant policies and procedures.
- Develop and maintain EIP’s approach to compensation and benefits, including salary frameworks, job levels and salary-setting principles, in close coordination with the COO and Finance.
- Coordinate workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management and learning and development, providing managers with practical guidance and tools.
- Advise managers on employee relations and sensitive people matters, including performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance issues, escalating significant risks to the COO.
Consultant engagement and international compliance
- Own EIP’s framework for engaging consultants internationally, including contract templates, approval processes, documentation and contract oversight, working closely with programme teams and Finance.
- Oversee consultant agreements and renewals, ensuring that contractual terms, employment-status considerations and relevant local legal, tax, social-security and work-authorisation issues are appropriately assessed, with local specialist advice where needed.
Organisational culture, wellbeing and team leadership
- Act as a proactive partner to managers and senior management, identifying people-related needs and proposing practical improvements to organisational effectiveness, management practices, staff development and retention.
- Promote a respectful, inclusive and constructive working environment, and coordinate staff wellbeing initiatives in line with Belgian occupational wellbeing requirements.
- Lead and organise the HR Unit, setting priorities and allocating responsibilities; supervise, coach and develop the HR Officer and HR Trainee, strengthening their skills and autonomy while retaining overall accountability for the Unit’s work.
- Build effective collaboration with Finance and programme teams, contribute an HR perspective to organisational decisions, and provide the COO with concise updates on key HR issues, risks and priorities.
Your skills and experience
- University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Law or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- At least 7 years of broad HR experience, including developing or improving HR policies and processes. Experience in an international NGO or mission-driven organisation is an asset.
- Good knowledge of Belgian employment law and HR administration, and experience working with a Belgian social secretariat and external advisers.
- Experience across the HR lifecycle, including recruitment, contracts, payroll oversight, compensation and benefits, performance management, learning and development, and employee relations.
- Experience supervising or managing colleagues and developing their capabilities. Experience with salary frameworks and international consultant contracting, including insurance and cross-border risks, is an asset.
- Excellent written and spoken English and good command of at least one official language of the Brussels-Capital Region (French or Dutch). Knowledge of the other language or additional languages is an asset.
- Strong digital skills, including confidence with HR systems and standard office applications.
What we are offering
An exciting job in an international and diverse environment (18 nationalities represented at the Brussels Office)
Open-ended Belgian contract
Competitive benefits package which includes health care insurance and pension plan, meal vouchers, transportation and telework allowance, and SIM card
40h/week and 32 leave days/year
The possibility to telework 3 days a week
Start date: as soon as possible
The selected candidate will need to reside in or relocate to Belgium when the employment contract starts.
Recruitment process
Closing date: 01/12/2026, midnight (CET).
Please submit your application using the webform below.
Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.
EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.