HR Business Partner

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit

IFC’s Human Resources (HR) Department provides strategic partnership to the business to develop and implement workforce strategies. The HR department includes three Centers of Expertise (COEs) -- Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness, Global Talent Acquisition & Mobility, and Talent & Incentives – and two Client Services teams providing support to HQ and regions.

The Regional HR Client Services team in Europe is looking to recruit an HR Business Partner to facilitate the HR agenda in partnership with IFC Management and staff. On a day-to-day basis, s/he serve as an advisor to staff and management and will be for her/his clients the focal point of all HR matters throughout the employment lifecycle, including but not limited to onboarding, staff development and deployment, performance management, workforce planning, compensation and benefits, learning, career counseling, and policy advise.

The position is based in Vienna and the selected candidate will report to the HR Client Services Regional Lead.

Duties and Accountabilities:
•  Collaborate with the HR Client Services Regional Lead to develop the HR agenda and transformation plan for the Europe region.
•  Gain a deep understanding of the client's business model and assist managers in identifying HR implications for their workforce.
•  Provide guidance to staff and managers on HR policies and practices.
•  Offer advice on innovative HR approaches and solutions to address emerging challenges, using sound judgment and leveraging HR resources when necessary.
•  Proactively generate and utilize HR analytics to understand staffing, workforce and other trends within the client area and present these in ways that provide input and value to client strategy development.
•  Assist managers in creating staffing plans by analyzing trends and staffing scenarios, advising on succession planning, determining appropriate staffing levels and skills mix, and promoting workforce diversity that aligns with work program requirements and corporate talent management goals.
•  Advise managers and staff on effective talent and career development, performance management, and take the lead in identifying, assessing, and resolving issues, problems, and conflicts, utilizing additional resources as needed.
•  Look for and action opportunities for reducing bureaucracy, generate efficiencies, reduce delays, and other actions that help to move HR related actions at a faster pace.
•  Support the design and implementation of organizational effectiveness initiatives and facilitate the development and management of high-performing teams.
•  Collaborate with IFC HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) and WBG resources, as necessary, to ensure effective delivery of the HR agenda and manage critical HR cases (e.g., performance, health, and exit) within the client area.
•  Contribute to policy development by actively collaborating with other HR units to identify the need for policy adjustments and ensure successful program implementation.
•  Participate as a team member on HR projects, working groups, task forces, etc., both within the client area and at the corporate level.
•  Support the implementation of the corporate HR agenda.
•  Take action on assigned responsibilities as directed by the Regional Lead or Manager.

Selection Criteria

•  Possess a Master's degree in HR or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
•  Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of human resource management processes, best practices, and possess in-depth knowledge of HR and organizational development methods and tools.
•  Have prior experience in recruitment, talent and performance management, organizational development, HR advisory, management coaching, and change implementation.
•  Exhibit strong analytical skills and proficiency with analytical tools.
•  Display a track record of being organized, structured, and tactful, with a strong focus on quality.
•  Be results-driven with a positive attitude, high degree of initiative, responsiveness, agility, and solution orientation, while also understanding the risks, benefits, and potential adverse consequences of different options.
•  Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and demands, multitask effectively, meet tight deadlines, and pay attention to detail while staying focused on key priorities.
•  Possess skills and experience in designing and implementing client projects and engagements.
•  Exhibit excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, and team-building skills, as well as experience in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
•  Demonstrate the capability to establish oneself as a trusted advisor for both management and staff.
•  Have a track record of maintaining a high level of integrity, tact, and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
•  Possess international experience and an understanding of multicultural issues.
•  Exhibit strong communication skills, both oral and written. COMPETENCIES: 
•  Tasks and Workflow Management - Has excellent workflow and project management and task organization skills; able to take responsibility for all aspects of coordination of the workflow of assigned responsibilities as they relate to the implementation of complex, multi-functional projects in varied geographical and economic conditions.
•  Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Gathers inputs, assesses risk, develops scenarios, considers impact, and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term. Demonstrated analytical skills and proficiency with analytical tools.
•  Client Orientation - Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions and provides evidence-based advice and solutions based on sound diagnosis and knowledge.
•  Drive for Results - Identify the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and finds solutions to obstacles affecting key deliverables.
•  Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Show leadership in ensuring the team stays organized and focused, and actively seek and consider diverse ideas and approaches.
•  Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Lead in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge, and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas verbally and in writing in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels. Facilitate and lead discussions and ensure productive exchange of ideas.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.