Apply for the IRC Global Surge Team Emergency Deputy Director of People & Culture position: Deadline 5 December 2026

Overview

The International Rescue Committee is inviting applications for the Emergency Deputy Director of People & Culture position on its Global Surge Team Roster. This is a roster opportunity rather than a guaranteed continuous full-time position, with deployment opportunities depending on humanitarian needs, organisational requirements, and available assignments. The role involves joining a specialised roster of humanitarian professionals deployed at short notice to support emergency responses, strengthen operational capacity, and provide strategic HR leadership in countries affected by conflict, disasters, and crises worldwide.

Who can apply

Applications are open to qualified professionals with at least 10 years of progressive People & Culture experience. Candidates must have experience leading HR functions supporting country programmes of various sizes, working across multiple locations in emergency environments, and operating in conflict, post-conflict, or disaster response settings. Applicants should also have experience establishing or expanding HR operations during emergency start-ups or organisational transitions. A graduate degree in Human Resource Management or a related field is preferred, alongside relevant professional qualifications and practical experience.

Requirements

The successful candidate must possess technical knowledge and demonstrated leadership capabilities to manage people operations, workforce development, recruitment, employee relations, and organisational systems in complex environments. Responsibilities include establishing HR structures and policies, ensuring compliance with local labour laws, managing payroll and compensation, coordinating emergency recruitment, and providing strategic advice to senior management. The role also requires overseeing safeguarding standards, promoting Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, supporting staff welfare and duty of care in high-risk settings, and handling the transition and knowledge transfer of HR systems as operations move into longer-term programmes.

Key dates

The deadline to apply for this opportunity is 5 December 2026.