Director of People

JOB PURPOSE

There has never been a more challenging time for refugees. At UK for UNHCR we are determined to be as effective and inclusive as we can to mobilise resources to support vital work for displaced people.  We aim to share the refugee experience to inspire hope and compassion with our supporters and key audiences in the UK.

As our Director of People, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for human resources and organisational development, ensuring the charity remains a top-tier employer that attracts, retains, and develops talent. This is a key leadership role, where you will drive organisational culture, ensure compliance with UK employment laws, and foster an inclusive and high-performing workplace aligned with the charity's values and goals. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Management Team (SMT), this is an exciting opportunity to be the first Director of People for the charity, which has grown rapidly since its inception in 2020. You will have the opportunity to shape your future team, which currently includes a Senior Manager of HR & Ops who is interim and some support from our Operations Officer.  

This is a part time position - 3 or 4 days per week.

If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply.  We welcome applicants from minority ethnic and protected groups.
 

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness and funds to protect refugees through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.

Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.

Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.
 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING 

We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.  

UK for UNHCR is proud to have an Inclusion Network as well as a Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. Our Inclusion Network team work to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I (Diversity & Inclusion) Approach. 

We are also open to flexibility in many different ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive People & Skills Strategy aligned with the charity’s mission and goals.
• Develop the annual budget and manage expenditure for all areas of responsibility. 
• Lead the creation of a positive organisational culture, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on HR issues, trends, and best practices.
• Champion staff well-being, engagement, and development, ensuring a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Represent the charity at external HR and humanitarian forums, conferences, and events.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees and lead in the management of the Board’s Remuneration Committee.

Recruitment and Talent Management

• Oversee the recruitment and onboarding process, ensuring the charity attracts diverse and qualified candidates.
• Develop talent retention strategies, ensuring the charity is an employer of choice in the humanitarian sector.
• Implement learning and development programmes to nurture leadership, enhance skills, and ensure compliance with sector-specific training (e.g., fundraising / line management skills, safeguarding, data protection).

Performance and HR Compliance

• Oversee performance management systems, ensuring they are fair, transparent, and supportive of staff development.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation, including employment contracts, grievances, disciplinary procedures, and workplace policies.
• Provide oversight of health and safety regulations, safeguarding standards, and risk management across all organisational levels.
• Responsible for maintaining and continuousy improving the charity’s HR software system and other HR platforms.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws for all HR related information.
• Use data to generate insights, inform decision-making and improve processes.

Employee Engagement and Culture

• Lead on creating a culture of collaboration, empathy, and shared commitment to the charity’s values.
• Design and implement employee engagement initiatives to enhance job satisfaction and motivation.
• Ensure effective communication channels between leadership and staff, including regular staff surveys and feedback mechanisms.

Key Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role in the UK charity sector.
• Solid understanding of UK employment law and most recent best practices.  A commitment to continuous professional development in this area.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience implementing organisational change in this area.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex employee relations issues sensitively and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels of the organisation.
• Level 7 CIPD qualification (or equivalent) highly desirable.
• Experience working in international agencies or NGOs highly desirable. 
• Understanding of refugee issues and/or experience working with vulnerable communities would be a significant advantage.

Personal Attributes

• Empathy and a strong commitment to the humanitarian values of the charity.
• Leads with integrity, accountability, and a collaborative approach.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver practical and impactful solutions.
• High emotional intelligence, able to foster trust and build strong relationships across diverse teams.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing charity with an international mission.
• Flexible, hybrid working environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including pension contributions and a focus on well-being.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR?

You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised. 

What else?

Wellbeing 

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays (or pro-rata for part time).
• Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing. 
• Hybrid and Flexible Working.
• Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
• Office wellness perks.
• Discount on gym memberships. 
• Staff socials.

Financial

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme.
• Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
• One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Enhanced sick pay scheme. 

Development 

• Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
• Individual training budget. 

HOW TO APPLY

If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section of our online portal.   

Closing date: Midnight, Monday 21st October. 

First interviews: w/c 4th November

Second interviews: w/c 11th November

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact us using the email address provided when you click through to our online portal . We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.