At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the employee lifecycle, recruitment, onboarding, and HR administration in a dynamic role.
- Company: Join UKCISA, a mission-driven organisation supporting international students.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work remotely with monthly London meet-ups and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while shaping positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR support and strong communication skills are essential.
About the Role
You’ll play a key role in supporting the full employee and volunteer lifecycle, helping us create a positive and inclusive experience for everyone who works with us. This is a varied role where no two weeks look the same. You’ll support recruitment, onboarding, HR administration, volunteer governance, and small improvement projects — all with the guidance of our Head of Finance & Resources and an external HR advisor when needed. If you enjoy meaningful work, value autonomy, and like being part of a mission‑driven organisation, this could be a great fit.
About UKCISA
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) supports international students and the institutions, students’ unions and organisations who work with them. Our mission is to ensure every international student has a positive, supportive and informed experience throughout their time in the UK. We are a small team of around 20 permanent staff, working closely with a network of volunteers, trustees and member organisations. Despite our size, our impact is significant – we provide expert guidance, training, policy insight and a trusted advice line that helps shape the national conversation on international student experience. We’re collaborative, values-driven and committed to creating an inclusive environment for both our staff and the communities we serve.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Recruitment & Onboarding
- Support managers with scheduling interviews and communicating with candidates
- Prepare offer letters, contracts and new starter packs
- Carry out right‑to‑work and reference checks
- Co‑ordinate induction plans and ensure new starters are set up on our systems
- Provide admin support for recruitment of staff, trustees and committee members
- HR Administration – Employees
- Keep personnel files accurate and up to date
- Process changes such as hours, job titles, salary amendments and contract renewals
- Draft routine HR letters (e.g., confirmations, probation outcomes)
- Support the review and updating of HR policies
- Manage the quarterly rota for our advice line
- HR Administration – Volunteers
- Maintain accurate records for trustees and committee members
- Support governance admin such as registers of interest and suitability checks
- Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements
- Work closely with the Head of Finance & Resources on governance tasks
- Attendance & Leave Management
- Keep annual leave, sickness and other absence records up to date
- Run leave reports and share them with managers ahead of the leave‑year end
- General Support
- Contribute to HR projects and help improve our processes
- Keep our intranet updated with useful HR information
- Provide friendly, high‑quality support to staff and volunteers
- Help us nurture a positive, inclusive workplace culture
What You’ll Bring
- Experience in an HR support role (CIPD Level 3 or working towards it is ideal)
- A commitment to confidentiality and professionalism
- Excellent attention to detail
- Clear, confident communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with remote colleagues
- A proactive approach and willingness to improve how we work
- Alignment with UKCISA’s mission and values
In Your First Few Months, You Will Have…
- Built strong working relationships across the organisation
- Become confident using PeopleHR to support the team
- Reviewed our HR systems and suggested ways to improve efficiency
Why Join Us?
- A genuinely supportive team
- A role with variety and autonomy
- Opportunities to shape processes and make a real impact
- A mission‑driven organisation where your work matters
- Staff benefits include:
- A defined benefit pension scheme (USS)
- Support for your training & development as well as 3 days personal development leave
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays as well as concessionary days between Christmas and New Years. Staff also receive an extra day of leave for every year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days.
- Flexible working – Our staff mainly work from home, but we have an office in London for collaborative work and staff who want access to an office space.
We welcome applications from throughout the UK, as long as you are able to join us in London for one day every month. We are unable to sponsor visa for this role, so you must have the right to work in the UK.
Human Resources Administrator employer: UKCISA
UKCISA is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful role in Human Resources, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a mission-driven culture, staff enjoy the autonomy to shape processes and make a real impact on the international student experience. The benefits package includes generous annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for personal development, making it an attractive place to work in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UKCISA’s mission and values. Show us how your skills align with our goals, and don’t forget to think of questions to ask us about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR interview questions. We want to see your personality shine through, so be ready to share examples of your past experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in our minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Human Resources Administrator and how your skills align with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! We want to see how your experience fits the role. Highlight relevant HR support experience and any projects that showcase your proactive approach and attention to detail.
Show Your Passion for Our Mission:We’re all about creating a positive experience for international students. In your application, let us know why you’re excited about working with us and how you can contribute to our mission-driven culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKCISA
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Human Resources Administrator role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like recruitment, onboarding, and HR administration. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves a lot of communication with candidates and staff, be prepared to demonstrate your clear and confident communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated, whether it was during recruitment or while supporting colleagues.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in HR. Bring examples of how you've maintained accurate records or managed sensitive information in previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the administrative aspects of the job with precision.
✨Align with the Mission
UKCISA is all about supporting international students, so make sure you express your alignment with their mission and values. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that connect you to their work, showing that you're not just looking for a job, but a meaningful role.
