External Call for Applications for the post of Senior Research Officer (Human Resources)

Our Ref: HRO 21/2025
Jobsplus Permit No: 1174/2025
Number of posts: 1 (One)
Published on: 9th June 2026
Closing date for submission: 26th June 2026, 12:00 (noon)

Annex A

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Research Officer (Human Resources) is responsible in supporting the HR Function on a day-to-day- basis.

The Senior Research Officer (Human Resources) shall be reporting to the Head (Corporate Services) and the Director Operations.

Principal Responsibilities

The Senior Research Officer (Human Resources) is responsible for supporting the Head (Corporate Services) and the Director Operations in the operations of the HR function.

The Officer is expected to keep abreast of all relevant HR legislations and policies regulating the employment sector.

Essential Functions

The key functions of the Senior Research Officer (Human Resources) are to:

•Assist in the Implementation and maintenance of HR strategies including talent acquisition and employment processing, training and learning development, records management, employee relations.
•Assist in the coordination of vacation leave and sick leave of OPSA employees.
•Comply with the legal requirements in the recruitment of staff.
•Liaise with Jobsplus with respect to engagement and terminations of staff.
•Liaise with recruitment agencies as necessary.
•Assist in the compilation and submission of any monthly returns, such as sick leave returns, HR returns etc.
•Assist in monitoring performance management procedures and regular human resource appraisal processes.
•Assist in the preparation of reports regarding staff.
•Communicating with employees at all levels to facilitate the implementation of HR programmes while ensuring employee participation and involvement initiatives.
•Supporting and guiding employees by communicating and assist in enforcing HR Policies.
•Assist in the issuing and distribution of memos to staff as may be required from time to time.
•Handle routine correspondence in respect of staff policies and procedures.
•Assist in planning and organising external events and initiatives to promote staff well-being measures and corporate social responsibility.
•Updating job knowledge by participating in conferences and educational opportunities while maintaining personal networks.
•Keeping abreast with developments in the field of HR practices and developments and contributing to the preparation of the relative policies and procedures.
•Ensuring that the policies and procedures within the areas of operations responsibility are adhered to and constantly kept up to date.
•Maintain and report on workplace health and safety compliance.
•Assist in any other duties that might be required from time to time by the director operations and/or CEO.

Business Skills

•Accuracy and attention to detail.
•Ability to perform filing and record keeping tasks.
•Good knowledge of Employment Law.
•High proficiency in both verbal and written communication skills.
•Strong ethical values with the ability to act responsibly and ethically when working with sensitive personal information
•Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to prioritise, coordinate and organise work.
•A conscientious attitude, self-motivation, and ability to work without close supervision.
•A level of accuracy and must be able to respond adequately to demands from internal and external stakeholders.
•Ability to work under pressure with a flexible approach.

Knowledge

By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must be:

i. Proficient, both verbally and in writing, in the Maltese and English languages;

And

ii:

a) In possession of a recognised Master`s qualification at MQF level 7 (subject to a minimum of 90 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent*) in Human Resources or Management or Administration or Public Management.

or

b) In possession of a recognised bachelor’s qualification at MQF Level 6 (subject to a minimum of 180 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent) in Human Resources or Management or Administration or Public Management, plus two (2) years relevant work experience.

or

c. In possession of a recognised qualification at MQF Level 5 (subject to a minimum of 60 ECTS/ECVET credits, or equivalent) in Human Resources or Management or Administration or Public Management, plus three (3) years relevant work experience.

*A recognised comparable qualification, as applicable, is only accepted subject to an MQRIC formal recognition statement being submitted with the application.

Terms and Conditions

The post of Senior Research Officer (Human Resources) is for an indefinite term and is subject to a probationary period of twelve (12) months. It carries an annual salary which in 2026 is of €28,351.00 per annum, rising by annual increments of €487.00, up to a maximum of €31,760.00 and any applicable allowances as per OPSA Collective Agreement 2022-2026.

Eligible applicants will be interviewed by a Selection Board to assess their suitability to carry out the mentioned duties. The maximum mark for this selection process is 100% and the pass mark is 50%.

Submission Requirements

•Covering letter highlighting experience.
•Curriculum vitae (CV).
•A scanned copy of qualifications and certificates including transcripts and recognition statements*.
•Police certificate of conduct (issued within the last six (6) months from closing date).

*Submission of recognition statements in respect of qualifications.

1. With the exception of those qualifications referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 hereunder, applicants are required to submit a recognition statement by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) within the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority, which is to be obtained by submitting an online ‘Application for the Recognition of Qualifications’ here.

2. Prior to requesting recognition statements as per paragraph 1 above in respect of their qualifications, candidates should first consult the ‘Malta Qualifications Database’ of the MFHEA which can be accessed here. Applicants are exempt from submitting a recognition statement as mentioned in paragraph 1 if they are presenting qualifications listed therein. A print of such list including the qualification is to be submitted by the applicant.

3. No recognition statement by MQRIC is required in respect of qualifications issued by Maltese self-accrediting institutions, these being the University of Malta, MCAST and ITS; or any Maltese qualification that has been accredited by the MFHEA, which on the certificates states: The ‘Malta Further And Higher Education Authority deems this certificate to be MQF’.

Applications are to be sent electronically on [email protected].

All applications are to be received by no later than 12:00 hours (noon) (Central European Time) on Friday 26th June 2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that applications are received within this deadline as late submissions will not be accepted.

Qualifications and experience claimed must be supported by certificates and/or proof/testimonials.

Applicants are granted up to two (2) working days after the closing date or from the date of notification, whichever is the latest, to submit any incorrect, incomplete, or missing documents.

The OPSA shall process information provided by candidates solely for the purpose of this vacancy. In the event of unsuccessful applications, the Authority may keep applicants’ personal data on file for a period up to twelve months following the date that the post applied for was filled. Applicants’ information will only be used to identify any future employment opportunities within the Authority for which applicants may be suited. Applicants are free to withdraw their application and their consent to the retention of their personal data, at any time.