Application Specialist - Human Resources
Paris
- Organization: CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank
- Location: Paris
- Grade: B6/A2
-
Occupational Groups:
- Human Resources
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Closing Date: 2026-01-11
Application Specialist - Human Resources
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank with an exclusively social mandate from its 43 member countries. The CEB finances investment and provides technical assistance in social sectors such as education, health and affordable housing, while focusing on the needs of vulnerable people, as well as on the social dimensions of climate change and the environment.
The Information Technology Division (CS-IT) is seeking an Application Specialist – Human Resourcesto deliver first-line technical support for the Bank’s HR applications and systems, with a primary emphasis on payroll processes (integrated within SuccessFactors Cloud and S/4HANA Accounting) alongside other SuccessFactors modules such as Employee Central, Onboarding, Time Management, Learning Management System, Recruitment, or SAC. Further responsibilities include supporting the management and deployment of annual SuccessFactors cloud releases to ensure seamless updates and system optimisation. The incumbent will act as the main IT contact for the Human Resources Division, liaising with end-users and external providers (Peopledoc or Beqom for instance), translating business needs into technical actions, and coordinating cross-functional teams within IT and the Bank. He/She will report to the Head of Corporate Systems Unit.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide comprehensive support for the aforementioned applications related to HR and actively participate in modernisation projects.
- Collaborate with external service providers for Third-Party Application Maintenance and Evolutive Maintenance.
- Engage with end-users and stakeholders to gather and analyse business requirements. Translate business needs into technical specifications and actionable change requests.
- Develop and prioritise project plans based on business needs and strategic goals.
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects from initiation to completion, adhering to CEB’s project management practices. Ensure timely delivery of projects by managing timelines, and budgets.
- Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of new application features and enhancements. Oversee the selection process for new solutions and vendors, including drafting requests for proposals and evaluating submissions.
- Use IT ticketing system to monitor progress on enhancement requests and defects with regular updates and preparing support for monthly steering committee meetings
- Monitor and manage weekly meetings with external service providers, ensuring adherence to contract terms and quality standards.
- Oversee the decommissioning of legacy systems and the implementation of new technologies.
- Work closely with other IT units, including architecture, infrastructure, and security teams, to ensure cohesive system development and support.
- Conduct regular technology reviews and maintain a watch on industry trends and best practices.
- Participate in the development of the ERP-related vertical banking sector and other strategic initiatives.
- Facilitate effective communication with stakeholders, including conducting workshops, presentations, and training sessions. Act as a liaison between the IT Division and other business units to promote understanding and collaboration.
- Ensure all application processes and systems adhere to CEB’s compliance standards and security protocols. Participate in audits and reviews to ensure system integrity and data protection.
The incumbent will focus primarily on the following three core areas: (i) Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Technical Management; (ii) HR Process Optimisation; (iii) Change Management.
i. HRIS Technical Management:
- Responsible for the technical implementation and management of HR systems, including SAP/SuccessFactors, focusing on modules such as payroll, employee central and talent management, and other applications.
- Responsible for the decommissioning of existing HR tools, e.g. current time management and recruitment systems.
- Act as the primary technical support on correcting anomalies, payroll entries, and verifications of monthly payroll data transfers from SuccessFactors into SAP S/4HANA coordinating with external maintenance services on complex technical issues.
- Collaborate closely with HR to support large-scale changes to the system, including mass data uploads, organisational chart updates due to restructuring, modifications to data portlets, and conducting rigorous system testing post-changes.
- Ensure the implementation of data protection and safeguarding processes within the HR systems from a technical standpoint.
ii. HR Process Optimisation:
- Collaborate with the HR Division to streamline and optimise HR processes.
- Provide insights and recommendations for HR technology-driven solutions.
- Provide technical support for HR reporting using tools such as SuccessFactors Reporting Center, payroll reporting, and SAP SAC (SAP Analytics Cloud).
iii. Change Management:
- Collaborate in change management initiatives to support the adoption of new HR technologies and processes.
- Develop comprehensive training materials and conduct workshops to ensure smooth transitions and user adoption.
PROFILE
Academic background:
- University degree in Information Technology, Computer Sciences or related field (Master's degree preferred)
Professional background:
- A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in application implementation, system management, and customisation, with a focus on the Human Resourc
- Proven project management skills, including experience in leading cross-functional projects, managing timelines, resources, and budgets, and ensuring successful project delivery aligned with strategic goals.
- Must have direct experience in the successful implementation of an HRIS/ERP system. This includes participating in all phases of the ERP lifecycle—requirements gathering, system design, configuration, testing, deployment, and post-implementation support.
- Proven experience in dealing with external suppliers and monitoring contract performance.
- Strong understanding of HR processes, workflows, and best practices, with the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Project management skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines.
Required aptitudes & Asset qualifications
- In-depth knowledge of HR processes, including employee life cycles, talent management, payroll, recruitment, and performance management - Required
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms, particularly SAP/SuccessFactors, and their integration with other business systems - Required
- Relevant certifications in SAP SuccessFactors modules (e.g., Employee Central, Learning Management, Recruiting Management) – Asset.
- Certifications related to change management or process optimisation within HR systems – Asset.
Language skills:
- Excellent command of one of the two CEB official languages (English and French), both oral and written, and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
Core competencies:
Nationality:
- Citizen of one of the Bank’s Member States: Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and Ukraine.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
1) Initial 4-year contract (including a one-year probationary period) with the possibility of renewal one or more times up to six years and of conversion into an indefinite-term contract.
2) Grade and salary:
- B6/A2
- Depending on level of experience, monthly salary range starts € 6,846.51 and € 7,652.42, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
- Appointment may be made at a lower grade, based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
- Grades are established without any discrimination (including gender discrimination)
For more information, please consult the CEB Basic Salary Scale in section 5. Benefits of the CEB website
As an international financial institution, CEB remuneration is exempt of income tax in France. In addition, our offer includes allowances* based on family / personal situation, and medical and personal insurance. Staff members benefit from a contributory pension plan which provides them with either a pension or a leaving allowance.
* Exact benefit package to be determined based on selected candidate’s personal situation:
• basic family allowance
• expatriation
• dependent child supplement
• additional dependent child supplement for a single-parent family
• supplement for a disabled and dependent parent
• supplements for a disabled or severely disabled child
• education allowance (children) for expatriate staff members
• installation allowance and reimbursement of travel and removal expenses
RECRUITMENT CONDITIONS
The CEB welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of CEB Member States.
The CEB rigorously applies the principle of equal pay for equivalent work. We are committed to workplace gender equality and strive to ensure the recruitment of suitably qualified and experienced staff without regard to their gender, as well as their age, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation/identity, or disability. In line with peer international financial institutions, the CEB is EDGE certified (Move level), having demonstrated its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and have been assessed against the highest global standards.
Our selection process includes several steps conducted online, such as digitally recorded interviews, technical assignments and interactive panel interviews.
Applications (CV and cover letter) from CEB Member Statescandidates should be made in English or French using the Bank's online application system at CEB Careers before midnight Paris time on 11 January 2026.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.