As Executive Director for People & Organisation (P&O) at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), you will shape the people, culture and organisational foundations of one of the world's leading humanitarian organisations. Reporting directly to the Secretary General and sitting on the Executive Management Team, you will set the direction for DRC's global People & Organisation strategy and lead approximately 200 colleagues across P&O functions in headquarters and countries. Your portfolio is global and spans organisation and culture, HR and leadership development, surge capacity, safety, legal affairs and Code of Conduct.
You will lead and develop a senior team covering Global HR, HR Denmark, HR Operations & Analytics, Surge Capacity, Safety, Code of Conduct, Legal, management support, and change, leadership and culture. You will ensure that global policies, systems, data, employment conditions and governance provide relevant and timely support to operations, while carrying executive accountability for safeguarding, ethical conduct, legal compliance, safety and humanitarian surge capacity.
The impact you will make:
- Shape DRC's strategy, culture and global P&O agenda.
- Lead organisational change, leadership development and employee engagement.
- Attract, develop and retain the people DRC needs to deliver its mission.
- Ensure effective global P&O policies, systems, services and people insights.
- Oversee safeguarding, Code of Conduct, safety, legal compliance and duty of care.
- Strengthen humanitarian surge capacity.
What you will bring:
- 10+ years of senior experience in global organisations and people leadership.
- A strong record of shaping people strategy and leading transformation across complex, international operations.
- Experience of organisational development, including the renewal and design of operating models.
- Broad understanding of governance, compliance, safeguarding, safety and legal matters.
- Strong stakeholder management, analytical and communication skills.
- An inclusive, decisive and high-integrity leadership style.
- A relevant master's degree and fluent English; French, Spanish, Arabic and Danish are an advantage.
This is a permanent position based at DRC's headquarters in Copenhagen. All nationalities are welcome to apply; DRC will support with applying and paying for a work permit if needed.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 11th November 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a motivated application, a cover letter and an updated CV (maximum four pages) in English through the designated recruitment channel (Apply Now link). Applications sent by email will not be considered. Korn Ferry is assisting DRC with the recruitment; questions can be directed to Rabea Rehman, Associate | Executive Search at Korn Ferry.
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