HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT
HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT

HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT

Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
International Institute for Strategic Studies

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR operations, recruitment, and employee onboarding in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a leading defence and security think tank.
  • Benefits: Full employment package with potential for contract renewal.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable HR experience while contributing to impactful projects in a global context.
  • Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or relevant HR experience; strong English communication skills.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a supportive team.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: London

Contract: Fixed-term, one year

Hours: Full-time

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is looking to recruit a Human Resources Administrator to work within the Human Resources Department. This role will report to the Head of Human Resources.

Responsibilities

  • Provide general administrative support as required, including maintenance of the HR Information Database System, payroll and employee record procedures.
  • Support with the recruitment and onboarding procedures of IISS employee joiners, as well as for Consultants, Associate Fellows and Commissioning Authors. This would include creating and placing job adverts, liaising with candidates, organising interviews and verifying right to work.
  • Support with the administration of joiners and leavers, including the drafting of letters, conducting exit interview meetings, providing statistical reports as requested.
  • Provide logistical and administrative support for learning and development initiatives.
  • Be a point of contact for employee queries and contribute to other departmental projects as requested.

Requirements

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or experience within HR/office administration.
  • The desire to progress within the field of HR.
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Remuneration

The IISS provides a full employment package. This position is for an initial one-year Fixed Term Contract with the potential for renewal by mutual agreement.

Application

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ blue button above and follow the instructions to submit two documents:

  • A cover letter outlining what skills and experience they can bring to the role.
  • A full Curriculum Vitae (resume).

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted. The deadline for receipt of applications is 6 April 2026.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.

HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT employer: International Institute for Strategic Studies

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where employees can engage with leading experts in defence and security. With a strong commitment to professional development, IISS provides ample opportunities for growth within the HR field, alongside a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a comprehensive employment package and the chance to contribute to impactful projects that shape global policy discussions.
International Institute for Strategic Studies

Contact Detail:

International Institute for Strategic Studies Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in HR or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Knowing what IISS stands for and their approach to HR will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 3

Practice common HR interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine during the interview.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT

HR Information Database System Management
Payroll Administration
Employee Record Management
Recruitment Support
Onboarding Procedures
Job Advertising
Candidate Liaison
Interview Organisation
Right to Work Verification
Exit Interview Conducting
Statistical Reporting
Learning and Development Support
Employee Query Resolution
Excellent Command of English

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the HR Administrator role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity.

Tailor Your CV: When it comes to your CV, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Customise it to reflect the specific requirements of the HR role at IISS. Focus on your administrative experience and any HR-related tasks you've tackled before – we love seeing how you can contribute!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to hit that ‘Apply Now’ button on our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it ensures you’re following the correct process, which we really appreciate.

How to prepare for a job interview at International Institute for Strategic Studies

Know Your HR Basics

Brush up on key HR concepts and practices, especially those related to recruitment and onboarding. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.

Showcase Your Organisational Skills

As an HR Administrator, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed various responsibilities in the past. This could be anything from coordinating interviews to maintaining records—make it relatable!

Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions about their HR processes or team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience

Have specific examples ready that highlight your experience in HR or office administration. Whether it's handling employee queries or supporting learning initiatives, being prepared with real-life scenarios will make you stand out.

HR Administrator – Maternity Cover (London) – 1-Year FT
International Institute for Strategic Studies

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