Executive Director for People & Organisation

Executive Director for People & Organisation

Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

November 7, 2026December 7, 2026Democratic Congo
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading humanitarian organization that focuses on providing assistance and protection to refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization aims to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced individuals, advocating for their rights and providing essential services to help them rebuild their lives. DRC is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and mutual respect among its employees.

Job Overview:
As the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director for People & Organisation (P&O) at the Danish Refugee Council, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's people strategy and ensuring that it aligns with DRC's mission and goals. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire and empower employees while fostering a culture of inclusivity and high performance. You will be responsible for overseeing various functions, including HR, leadership development, and organizational culture, while also ensuring that DRC's policies and systems support its global operations effectively. Your leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the global humanitarian landscape and adapting the organization to meet future challenges and opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Set the strategic direction for DRC’s global People & Organisation strategy, ensuring it supports the organization's ambitions.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Management Team and senior leaders to create an environment that fosters talent development and employee engagement.
  • Ensure that global policies, systems, and governance frameworks provide timely support to operations.
  • Lead and develop a senior team across various P&O functions, including Global HR, HR Operations, and Legal Affairs.
  • Oversee safeguarding, ethical conduct, legal compliance, and safety measures within the organization.
  • Strengthen DRC’s humanitarian surge capacity to respond effectively to crises.
  • Foster a culture of inclusivity and high performance, ensuring that all employees feel valued and empowered.
  • Build trusted relationships with colleagues and partners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of P&O initiatives and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
  • A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in global organizations, particularly in people management.
  • Proven track record of developing and implementing people strategies that drive organizational transformation.
  • Strong understanding of governance, compliance, safeguarding, and legal matters relevant to humanitarian work.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
  • An inclusive leadership style characterized by integrity, empathy, and decisiveness.
  • Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive change effectively.

Educational Background:
A relevant master’s degree in human resources, organizational development, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates should possess a strong academic background that supports their understanding of organizational dynamics and people management.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 10 years of senior experience in global organizations, with a focus on people leadership and organizational development. Experience in managing complex, international operations is essential, as is a strong record of leading transformation initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, Arabic, or Danish is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a permanent position based at DRC’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. The work location is easily accessible via public transport. The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and Lederaftalen, which is the managerial agreement in Denmark. DRC is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all nationalities. For candidates who do not have the right to work in Denmark, DRC will assist with the application and payment for a work permit.
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