Global HR & People Lead

Cordaid is an international organisation for development and humanitarian assistance, working especially in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Guided by Christian values of human dignity, justice and compassion, we work towards a world without poverty and with equitable opportunities for all.

More than 1.9 billion people live in fragile contexts where access to essential services and opportunities is limited. Together with our partners, we support locally led programmes that strengthen healthcare, education, agrifood and justice systems. When crises occur, we work alongside local organisations to provide humanitarian assistance. Cordaid is headquartered in the Netherlands and operates in 15 countries across Africa and Asia.

Our organisation operates through a domain-based model, where regional teams work closest to partners and context, supported by specialised domains that provide technical expertise, quality standards, donor engagement and compliance. This interdependent way of working enables us to combine local ownership with strong organisational standards and deliver effective, context-driven programmes.

Global HR & People Lead

(Fulltime, based in one of Cordaid offices worldwide)

As our dedicated and visionary Global HR & People Lead, you will lead and coordinate people management, organisational development, workforce planning, and HR governance across Cordaid.

In this key role, you will help shape and implement people-focused HR practices that support our evolving organisation and ways of working. You will ensure consistency in HR policies and standards across the organisation while fostering a culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and future-focused. You will report directly to the Director of the Shared Services Unit (SSU).

What you do

• HR Strategy & Organizational Development: You develop and implement global HR strategies aligned with Cordaid’s operational priorities, cultural transition, and commitment to Locally Led Development (LLD).
• People Management & Leadership Support: You support and advise managers and leadership teams on leadership development, performance management, team effectiveness, and organizational change processes.
• Workforce Planning & Effectiveness: You coordinate workforce design across domains and regions, developing scalable HR services that enable lean country structures while maintaining robust employee support and duty of care.
• HR Operations & Digital Enablement: You ensure the accurate, efficient delivery of HR services across the employee lifecycle and promote the effective use of HRIS, workflow tools, and people analytics to streamline processes.
• Talent Acquisition & Staff Development: You oversee recruitment, onboarding, talent development, and succession planning practices to attract and retain qualified professionals across the organization.
• HR Governance & Compliance: You ensure consistent implementation of HR policies, labor regulations, and the Cordaid Integrity Compliance Framework, mitigating HR-related risks globally.
• Employee Wellbeing: You oversee absence management, duty of care initiatives, and organizational health, contributing to safe and responsible working conditions in complex operational contexts.
• Team Leadership: You manage and coach HR personnel (including the HR Officer) in accordance with Cordaid’s management style, focusing on employee development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Who you are

• You have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• You have at least 5 years of senior leadership experience within a global or international organisation, with direct responsibility for setting strategic direction, leading an HR function or team, and influencing executive decision-making across multiple countries or regions.
• You have strong knowledge of HR governance, labour regulations, workforce analytics, and HR information systems (HRIS).
• You have proven experience supporting organizational transformation, change initiatives, and distributed operating models.
• You are an effective advisor and facilitator, with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to communicate people-related insights clearly.
• You are a collaborative team player with a "One Cordaid" mindset and can build trust across different regions, cultures, and organizational domains.
• You are accountable, empathetic, and committed to high standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical behavior.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written. Fluency in French is preferred and considered a strong asset. Knowledge of additional languages, such as Dutch, is also an advantage.
• You recognize yourself in Cordaid’s mission and values.

What we offer

• A high-profile senior leadership position within an international, professional organization with a focus on social impact.
• The opportunity to shape and strengthen HR strategy and people practices across a global organization.
• Hybrid working conditions and a market-conform contract, with employment terms and conditions aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

More information

Applications including a motivation letter and CV in English for the attention of Mrs. Sandrien Izaaks, HR Manager a.i., including the contact details of references at the last two employers can be uploaded through our website: Global HR & People Lead | Working for Cordaid | Cordaid International

For information on the content of the advertised position you may contact human resources, through humanresourcesgo@cordaid.org.

Your application must be received by 11 October 2026 at the latest.

Cordaid is fully committed to a safe working environment and the highest integrity standards. To read more on our commitment to Integrity, click here: https://www.cordaid.org/en/who-we-are/integrity-and-code-of-conduct/ an integrity screening will be part of this application procedure. Cordaid signed up to the IASC Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

An assessment and / or a presentation of a “case study” can be part of the selection procedure.

For more information about Cordaid, please visit our website: www.cordaid.org

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.