People Support Lead

IIED Director of People Hybrid (within the UK) with regular travel to the London or Edinburgh office 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. 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. 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. Ensuring legal compliance and excellence across all People operations, including recruitment, employee relations, and reward management -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 -In depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices, ideally combined with knowledge of international legislative frameworks -A sound understanding of HR Information Systems and the use of people data/analytics 25 days\’ annual leave per year plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas -5% employer pension contributions -Flexible hybrid working options -Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay -Cycle-to-work scheme -Please note you are likely to be working from home most of the time. Initial discussion with the Executive Director: 21 July 2025 -All interviews will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. 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. 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.