Director of People

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is a not-for-profit policy research and influence organisation, and a globally recognised force for social and environmental justice. Our mission is to build a fairer, more sustainable world, using evidence, action and influence in partnership with others. We work with an unparalleled global network to reshape policies, funding mechanisms and governance at all levels. For more than 50 years, IIED has acted alongside marginalised communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring lived experience, expertise and evidence from those regions to global attention. Our people are central to this purpose, and we currently have almost 200 people across more than 16 countries, with office bases in London and Edinburgh.

As IIED navigates challenges common across the sector, the Director of People will play a pivotal role in delivering and embedding our new organisational model as well as a programme of work designed to enhance efficiency and achieve essential savings. Shaping and leading an ambitious, people focused agenda that champions justice, equity, anti-racism, inclusion, and wellbeing, you will deliver meaningful impact across our globally connected organisation. This is a full time (35 hours per week), permanent role, with flexibility to support work life balance. It’s an unmissable opportunity for a senior people-centred leader with a strong track record in inclusive, values–led strategy to join our mission driven organisation.

As a key member of IIED’s Strategy and Leadership Council (SLC), the Director of People will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation, embedding our values and supporting a collaborative, high performing culture across our globally distributed team. Working in partnership with leaders and teams across the Institute, the role will lead a team of dedicated Human Resources and Organisational Development professionals supporting the organisation to make progress against our ambitious strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World. This senior leadership position combines strategic vision with HR operational excellence. You will lead the development of people-centred strategies, workforce planning and change management initiatives that drive organisational performance and promote inclusion and wellbeing.

Other responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership across all areas of people and culture, aligned with IIED’s values and Manifesto
• Being a trusted advisor on all people matters
• Delivering KPIs related to people, culture, equity and wellbeing using evidence and analytics to drive continuous improvement
• Ensuring legal compliance and excellence across all People operations, including recruitment, employee relations, and reward management
• Working in partnership with the union on strategic organisational change and development

To be considered as our Director of People, you will need:

• Demonstrable senior level HR leadership experience with outstanding leadership, coaching and relationship building capabilities
• A strong track record of delivering inclusive and values-led HR practices
• Proven experience leading and embedding wellbeing and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• Experience supporting and embedding cultural and behavioural change within complex, ideally international, organisations
• In depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices, ideally combined with knowledge of international legislative frameworks
• Successful experience of translating strategy into practice, led by people-centred design and grounded in the experience of diverse stakeholders
• A sound understanding of HR Information Systems and the use of people data/analytics

The Benefits:

• Salary of £78,715-£91,102 per annum
• 25 days' annual leave per year plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contributions
• Flexible hybrid working options
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

Please note you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

Applicants are advised that the selection process for this role is expected to follow the timeline below:

• Initial discussion with the Executive Director: 21 July 2025
• First formal interviews: between 23 and 30 July 2025
• Informal meeting with the People Team: 31 July 2025
• Final stage interviews: 7 August 2025

Closing date for applications 13th July 2025. This role is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with our safeguarding and safer recruitment commitments. A criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment; any disclosed information will be considered fairly and confidentially, in accordance with our recruitment procedures and the nature of the role.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

If you're ready to lead meaningful people-focused change in a dynamic, complex environment and take the next step in your career as our Director of People, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now!