Deputy Director, People & Culture (P&C)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was established in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. It operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on providing assistance to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, and economic wellbeing to those devastated by humanitarian crises. With a workforce dedicated to delivering impactful solutions, the IRC aims to empower communities and help individuals reclaim control over their futures. The organization is recognized for its commitment to humanitarian principles and strives to create a positive impact on the lives of millions worldwide.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, People & Culture (P&C) is a senior leadership role within the IRC's operations in Sudan, tasked with overseeing the P&C function. This position is critical in ensuring that the organization has the right talent, structures, and culture to deliver effective humanitarian programming. The Deputy Director will serve as a strategic advisor to the Country Director and will be responsible for driving organizational culture, staff wellbeing, and ensuring that P&C systems align with IRC's global standards and values. The role requires a proactive approach to embedding inclusive and high-performing people practices across all levels of the organization, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: advising the Country Director and Senior Management Team (SMT) on workforce planning and organizational design; leading the P&C team to ensure high-quality service delivery and continuous staff development; driving initiatives for employee engagement and team cohesion; overseeing core P&C processes such as recruitment, onboarding, and performance management; ensuring compliance with labor laws and donor requirements; implementing strategies for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) and safeguarding; providing guidance on staff wellbeing and safety; organizing all-staff communications; and supporting the Country Director with cross-cutting tasks. The role also involves monitoring workforce data and HR metrics to inform decision-making and guiding managers on performance and staff wellbeing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience. Significant experience in HR or P&C roles is required, typically 10+ years, including senior leadership positions in complex humanitarian or international settings. A strong understanding of HR operations, labor law, and organizational development is essential, along with demonstrated experience in leading GEDI and safeguarding initiatives. Excellent leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills are necessary, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Human Resources, Organizational Development, or Business Administration. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education and progressive experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in HR principles and practices, particularly in the context of humanitarian operations.

Experience:
The position requires significant progressive experience in HR or People & Culture roles, typically at least 10 years. This experience should include senior leadership roles within complex humanitarian or international settings, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenging environments and lead teams effectively. Candidates should have a proven track record of implementing HR strategies and initiatives that align with organizational goals and values.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and support the organization's mission in Sudan.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Sudan and is part of a senior leadership team. The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive remuneration package that includes competitive compensation, return flights, shipping allowances, temporary housing, and relocation allowances. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes gender equality. IRC emphasizes the importance of a safe work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and actively supports flexible working arrangements and tailored duty of care planning for its employees.