Social Security Officer

Role Overview

As a Social Security Officer at EMBL, your primary responsibility will be to support employees by managing social security schemes including health insurance, long-term care, accident at work, and death benefits, all administered through external providers. You will ensure personnel receive precise information and prompt assistance in compliance with EMBL's policies.

Main Duties

• Serve as the initial contact point for staff inquiries relating to social security branches handled by third-party providers and resolve operational concerns.
• Manage individual questions and complaints via Workday Help Cases and a dedicated mailbox.
• Issue social security coverage certificates upon request.
• Work with HR People Advisors and the HR ERP team to maintain accurate registration and deregistration data for social security branches and appropriately relay it to providers.
• Provide administrative support to the social security governance body, coordinate regular meetings with external administrators/providers, and assist with contract management including tender processes.
• Organize meetings, prepare agendas and supporting documentation, record minutes, and maintain institutional records.
• Conduct research projects regarding social security in international organizations and EMBL host nations as assigned.
• Create and update clear communications such as FAQs, guidelines, and presentations, while coordinating necessary approvals.
• Assist HR People Advisors in onboarding, offboarding, and managing employment life cycle changes related to social security for new hires, current staff, and leavers.
• Support group briefings and info sessions on social security matters.
• Draft and revise standard operating procedures and continuously enhance administrative processes to improve service efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, Finance, and external providers to ensure cohesive operations across departments.
• Perform additional related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum four years’ experience in Human Resources, preferably within an international organization.
• Strong understanding of social security systems, ideally in a multinational context.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities with a focus on service excellence.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in HR ERP systems and administrative procedures.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of German or another language of EMBL host countries is advantageous.

Contract and Compensation

This position offers a three-year contract with the possibility of renewal up to nine years. The salary corresponds to Grade 4 or 5 scales, starting from 3812 EUR per month after tax, excluding EMBL pension and health insurance contributions of 13%, along with other paid benefits.

Workplace & Culture

EMBL fosters a culture of curiosity, inclusiveness, and international collaboration. The organization values diversity and is committed to providing flexible working conditions where all employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Benefits

• Tax-exempt salary and monthly family, child, and non-resident allowances; annual salary review.
• Pension scheme and comprehensive insurance coverage (death, long-term care, accident, unemployment).
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote options.
• Private medical insurance including prescriptions, dental and optical care for employees and immediate family.
• Generous leave entitlement of 30 days annually plus public holidays.
• Relocation assistance with installation grant if applicable.
• Campus amenities such as a free shuttle bus in Heidelberg, library access, subsidized cafeteria, casual dress code, and extensive sports and social clubs.
• Family support including kindergarten facilities (Heidelberg), child sick leave, paid maternity/parental leave, and monthly allowances.
• Special benefits for international newcomers: visa exemptions, private schooling grants, financial travel support every two years, and monthly non-resident allowances.

Additional Details

• International candidates are welcomed; EMBL offers visa exemptions where applicable.
• The organization adheres to DORA principles in recruitment and performance evaluations.
• EMBL is dedicated to fostering diverse teams and encourages applications from all genders, identities, nationalities, and backgrounds.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV through the specified application process before the closing date of 30/08/2026.