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

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

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR functions, manage recruitment, and assist with employee queries.
  • Company: Join a leading defence and security think tank in London.
  • Benefits: Full employment package with potential for contract renewal.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career progression in the HR field.
  • Why this job: Gain valuable HR experience in a dynamic and impactful environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field or HR/office admin experience required.

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. The more comfortable you are with your responses, the more confident you'll feel during the actual 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!

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 Procedures
Onboarding Processes
Job Advertising
Candidate Liaison
Interview Organisation
Right to Work Verification
Exit Interview Conducting
Statistical Reporting
Learning and Development Support
Communication Skills
Administrative Support
Problem-Solving Skills

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 passionate about HR.

Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to showcase your experience in HR or office administration. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear that you’re a perfect fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application documents clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured information that’s easy to read. Avoid jargon and get straight to the point – we want to know what makes you the best candidate for this position!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

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 Administrative Skills

Prepare examples of your previous administrative experience, particularly in maintaining databases or handling payroll. Highlighting your organisational skills will demonstrate your ability to manage the HR Information Database System effectively.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you would handle specific HR situations, like dealing with employee queries or conducting exit interviews. Practising your responses to these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the IISS's HR initiatives or their approach to employee development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your career goals.

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

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>