Role: Talent Acquisition Manager
Contract Type: Volunteer, Pro Bono
Interview: August 2026
Duration: 12 Months (With Possible Extension)
Who we are & What do we believe?
The International Council of Peace and Security (ICPS) is an independent international NGO based in Geneva, committed to building a safer, more peaceful world for all. We believe that peace is not just the responsibility of governments and institutions—it is a shared effort, where every individual has a role to play. Our mission is to bridge research and action, providing expert analysis on global security challenges while fostering diplomatic dialogue between individuals, policymakers, and international institutions. Through our 12 specialised research disciplines, we analyse conflicts, assess emerging threats, and provide the public with knowledge to better understand global security challenges. We publish policy recommendations for governments and international bodies, advocating for peaceful solutions, humanitarian protection, and security strategies that prioritise human rights and the safety of all people.
At ICPS, we believe that peace is a collective effort and we work for humanity. Our work is driven by experts, researchers, and engaged individuals from diverse backgrounds who contribute to meaningful discussions and solutions. Whether through research, policy guidance, or public engagement, we strive to create a space where everyone can play a role in shaping a more secure and peaceful world.
Wherever you are, whoever you are!
We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. ICPS welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 39 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.
About the Position
ICPS is seeking a high-calibre Talent Acquisition Manager to lead its executive hiring function and drive the organisation’s approach to leadership talent acquisition. This role is responsible for overseeing a specialised team of Talent Acquisition Specialists and ensuring the consistent identification, engagement, and selection of top-tier candidates for director and executive-level positions.
Reporting directly to the HR Recruitment Operations Director, the Talent Acquisition Manager is accountable for defining and executing the organisation’s executive recruitment strategy. This includes establishing advanced headhunting methodologies, overseeing talent mapping and market intelligence efforts, and ensuring that all executive hiring processes are conducted with rigour, discretion, and strong alignment to ICPS’s long-term strategic priorities.
This role plans and provides strategic oversight across the full executive recruitment lifecycle, ensuring that candidate evaluation frameworks are robust, consistent, and aligned with leadership expectations. The position requires close collaboration with senior stakeholders to align hiring priorities, manage critical roles, and ensure that leadership hiring outcomes directly support organisational growth and performance.
This is a leadership-critical role requiring strong judgement, structured thinking, and the ability to operate at a high level of confidentiality and precision. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a disciplined, high-performing talent acquisition function capable of consistently delivering exceptional leadership talent.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Talent Acquisition Strategy
- Develop and implement strategic headhunting methodologies to identify and engage high caliber executive candidates. Provide expert guidance on talent mapping, market intelligence, and executive search strategies to position ICPS as a leader in securing top tier leadership talent. Oversee the design and execution of recruitment campaigns, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and long term workforce planning.
Leadership and Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of ten high performing Talent Acquisition Specialists, fostering a results driven and collaborative culture.Set performance benchmarks, provide strategic insights on candidate selection, and ensure the team operates at the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism. Conduct monthly department meetings to review recruitment metrics, assess challenges, and drive continuous improvement in executive hiring processes.
Candidate Evaluation and Selection Frameworks
- Design and implement best in class evaluation methodologies for executive level candidate selection. Establish structured assessment criteria, ensuring rigorous competency based evaluation and cultural alignment with ICPS’s mission and values. Oversee the review and refinement of hiring frameworks, ensuring that the team employs the most effective tools and techniques for executive recruitment.
Skills and Competencies Required:
Executive Recruitment and Headhunting Expertise
- Extensive experience in high level talent acquisition, with a deep understanding of headhunting methodologies, executive search, and recruitment best practices. A strong background in executive hiring strategy, with expertise in market intelligence, talent mapping, and leadership assessments.
Strategic Leadership and Team Development
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high performing recruitment teams, ensuring optimal productivity and effectiveness.Exceptional strategic thinking skills, with the ability to align executive recruitment strategies with long term organisational objectives.
Candidate Selection and Assessment Methodologies
- Expertise in designing and implementing executive level candidate evaluation frameworks, ensuring rigorous and objective selection processes. Knowledge of C level and director level hiring trends, ensuring the attraction of transformative leadership talent.
Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, Organisational Leadership, or a related field is required.
- 5 years of experience in executive recruitment, talent acquisition, or headhunting, with a proven track record of success in C- level, director level, and senior leadership recruitment.
- Minimum 5 years experience in managing and leading a team of high performing recruitment professionals, including setting performance metrics, providing coaching, and driving team success. A solid background in designing and executing recruitment strategies specifically tailored to identify and attract high caliber leadership talent.
- Proven ability to work closely with executive teams and senior leadership to understand organisational needs, contribute to workforce planning, and align recruitment strategies with long term business goals.
- Expertise in executive search methodologies and headhunting techniques, including talent mapping, market research, and competitor analysis to identify the best candidates.
- Strong understanding of candidate assessment frameworks, with the ability to implement and manage rigorous interview processes for senior leadership roles, ensuring the selection of individuals who align with organisational culture and strategic objectives.
- Proven success in managing confidential and sensitive recruitment operations, particularly at the executive level, demonstrating discretion, professionalism, and integrity in all hiring activities.
- Comfortable with part time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
- A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.
What We Offer
- An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at ICPS.
- Access to ICPS's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
- Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
- We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
- Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
- Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the ICPS Board.
- The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
- The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
- Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.
ICPS is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.