Global Human Resources Director

Relief International; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global humanitarian organization is seeking a Global HR Director to lead its HR function remotely. The role involves modernising HR policies, overseeing the employee lifecycle, and ensuring compliance across global operations. The ideal candidate has significant experience in an international context and must be fluent in English. This position offers an annual salary of circa £80,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in an international NGO context is ideal.
• Knowledge of HR systems and performance tools is necessary.
• Must possess a current right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Modernise and harmonise HR policies and processes globally.
• Review and update staff handbooks for clarity and compliance.
• Lead and restructure an international HR team.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and mitigate HR risks.
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment.

Skills

Significant experience as an HR Director

Background in complex organizations

Deep expertise in HR policy design

Proven ability to lead remote teams

Strong communication skills

Fluency in English

Tools

BambooHR

Job description

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About the Job

Relief International (RI) is a global humanitarian and development organisation working in over 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We partner with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and natural disasters to save lives, strengthen resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Our integrated programmes span health and nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), education, and livelihoods, with protection embedded as a core principle across all areas of our work.

This is a crucial time to join Relief International as we continue to invest in our HR function which is an integral part of delivering our global mission. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our people function and ensuring we can attract, support, and retain the talent needed to deliver our humanitarian and development programmes worldwide.

• Global Human Resources Director
• Relief International
• Salary: Circa £80,000 plus benefits
• Location: Remote

The role

Relief International is looking for an operational Global Human Resources Director to lead our global HR function. This is a unique opportunity for a senior HR professional to drive real, lasting impact across our international operations by strengthening the foundations of HR practice, enhancing team capability, and embedding consistency and compliance across global offices.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Global HR Director will act as a trusted advisor to the COO and wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on all people and organisational matters.

This is a transformative role for a leader who combines vision with pragmatism, and who thrives on translating challenges into meaningful change.

The successful candidate will

• Modernise and harmonise HR policies and processes across country programmes and global support offices.
• Review and update staff handbooks and HR procedures to ensure relevance, clarity, and compliance.
• Restructure and lead an international HR team, clarifying roles and fostering a positive, collaborative culture.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and international standards, mitigating HR-related operational and financial risks.
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance, development, mobility, and well-being.
• Support organisational change, guiding managers and teams through transitions with empathy and structure.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, respect, and accountability in line with RI’s values.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic HR matters, contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

About you

We are seeking a confident and values-driven leader with the following:

• Significant experience as an HR Director or senior HR Manager, ideally within an international NGO context.
• Background working in complex, multi-country organisations—including fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
• Deep expertise in HR policy design, implementation, and compliance.
• Proven ability to lead and restructure remote, international teams.
• Skilled in change management and supporting organisations through transitions.
• Strong knowledge of HR systems (e.g. BambooHR), staff handbooks, and performance tools.
• Strong communicator, capable of building relationships across cultures and levels.
• Fluency in English, French language skills are desirable but not essential.
• Current right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

To arrange a discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Harjit Bola or Erica Ritchie:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

Closing date: Sunday 16th November

Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 17th November

First stage panel interview with Relief International: w/c 1st December

Final stage panel interview with Relief International: w/c 8th December

Location

United Kingdom (Remote)