Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division

Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division

Job Description

The University of Geneva is a generalist teaching and research institution, centuries-old, recognised worldwide. Founded in 1559, it now brings together nearly 6,500 staff members and 18,300 students, grouped within 9 faculties and 13 interfaculty centres and institutes. It promotes excellence and skills development at all levels and in all fields of knowledge, fostering debate, critical thinking, innovation and collective intelligence.

To strengthen its Human Resources Directorate, the University of Geneva is advertising the position of:

Deputy Director of the Human Resources Division (100%)

Directly reporting to the Director of Human Resources, you play a key role at the heart of the University’s strategic challenges. You support the evolution of the HR function in a demanding environment, backing the institution’s ambitions in governance, transformation, service quality and support for university entities. Alongside the Director of Human Resources, you contribute to making the HR Division a strategic partner serving the University’s development.

Your main responsibilities

• Contribute to defining, deploying and evolving the University’s HR strategy, in close collaboration with the Director of Human Resources.
• Ensure the harmonisation of HR practices and the compliance of processes with legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring their continuous improvement.
• Assume the role of HR subject matter expert and process referent, notably within the framework of the strategic Human Resources Information System (HRIS) programme.
• Provide high-level HR expertise to management and HR officers in handling complex, sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Develop knowledge sharing, contribute to HR performance management and participate in identifying, assessing and managing HR function risks.
• Represent the Human Resources Directorate before university bodies and institutional partners, and act as deputy to the Director of Human Resources.

In this context, the HR Division is seeking a person able to grasp challenges globally, with strong influence and persuasion skills, wishing to commit to a long-term role: this position offers real potential for development.

Why join UNIGE

Joining the University of Geneva means contributing to the development of a leading academic institution committed to excellence, innovation and service to society. You will hold a position at the heart of the University’s human and organisational challenges, in a stimulating environment that fosters collaboration, diversity and skills development.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Your profile and strengths to succeed in this role

Holder of a university master’s degree in human resources or an equivalent qualification, complemented by training in management or project management, you have at least five years’ experience in a responsible HR role, enabling you to lead strategic projects and support organisational transformations. You possess excellent knowledge of the functioning of a public administration or a university institution as well as solid expertise in human resources management, HR governance and project management.

Recognised for your leadership, analytical skills and decisiveness, you engage with diverse interlocutors with diplomacy and conviction. You demonstrate a high sense of ethics, confidentiality and public service. Excellent writing skills and proficiency in French and English (C1 level) are expected, with good knowledge of German (B2 level).

Starting Date

1 October 2026 or by agreement

Contact

To respect the environment, complete application files (cover letter, CV, copies of diplomas and employer certificates) must be submitted exclusively online on the UNIGE website by clicking the "Postuler/Apply now" button.

Further information can be obtained from the HR Division Secretariat .

The University of Geneva offers motivating employment conditions in a stimulating work environment. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills and personality and actively contribute to the reputation of an institution founded in 1559.

In the interest of gender parity, the University encourages applications from the underrepresented sex.