Human Resource Administrative Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the HR Manager, the HR Administrative Specialist supports the HR administration affairs for the IRC New Jersey and New York offices. They will assist in the human resources administrative tasks including recruitment and onboarding, personnel files, time attendance management, and orientation. They serve as a knowledgeable resource for staff and management, coordinate employee lifecycle processes, and support special project and initiatives.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the offices’ first point of contact on employee lifecycle matters, including but not limited to recruitment, new hire setup and orientation, benefits, payroll, on-boarding, leaves of absence, status changes, and separations.
• Assists with HR administrative activities including new hire and hire change paperwork processing, managing background checks for staff.
• Administer the organization’s applicant tracking system, posting and closing locally managed requisitions, and providing related coordination.
• Support compliance with HR-related IRC policies and procedures and state-specific labor laws.
• Coordinate HQ initiatives related to the IRC Way, Duty of Care, Safeguarding, and related content.
• Liaise with HR Manager to escalate issues and connect staff with appropriate HR-related training and other resources.
• Support special projects and initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for interns throughout the program, providing guidance, support, and direction
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education

• Undergraduate degree in related field preferred.

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in office administration; human resources, or related field, preferred. 

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Cross-cultural understanding and strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.

Work Environment:

• Standard office work environment combined with some travel throughout service delivery area.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $26.50-$28.04) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

This is a short-term role with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2026, and is not eligible for IRC's full benefits package. 

U.S. Benefits for Short‑Term Employees: Short‑term roles are not eligible for IRC’s full benefits package. However, U.S.‑based short‑term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), paid sick leave in accordance with policy, and access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families.  

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.