Global Human Resources Director

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

Further information, please review the Appointment Brief below.
To arrange a discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors at Prospectus, Harjit Bola or Erica Ritchie.

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