At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects to enhance employee experience and organisational culture.
- Company: Join the International Rescue Committee, a global leader in humanitarian aid.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration across cultures.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of work.
- Qualifications: Senior HR experience with strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 62933 £ per year.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
In Europe, the IRC currently operates in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece and Poland. This role is part of the global People & Culture (P&C) function at the IRC, which has its global headquarters in New York, New York.
THE PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The selected candidate will step into the Transformation Lead, P&C Services Europe role during the incumbent’s parental leave. They will work closely with senior stakeholders across Europe and the US, partnering with European and global P&C leaders to understand priorities, secure resources, and deliver organisational design and transformation work aligned with IRC Strategy 100. In this role, they’ll help lead change, strengthen the employee experience, and support a culture of continuous improvement across the full employee life cycle. Their leadership will play a key part in improving our organisational culture, enhancing the services we provide to colleagues, managing our cost base, and building a resilient P&C organisation for the future.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports to the Director, P&C Partner Services & Transformation and Regional Director, P&C, Europe.
- Works closely with P&C Partners, Country P&C Focal Points, and global P&C teams such as Operations, P&C IT, Recruitment, Compensation, Duty of Care, GEDI, or People Development.
- Regularly engages with P&C leadership, HQ teams, and Senior Leadership in Europe.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment (~20%)
- Help turn the global P&C strategy into a clear, actionable plan for Europe and the US.
- Work with senior leaders to assess readiness, set priorities, and align resources.
- Stay ahead of external trends and workforce changes to shape our future of work approach.
- Maintain strategic roadmaps that guide how P&C services evolve for our European teams.
- Program & Project Management (~45%)
- Lead and deliver transformation and process improvement projects that strengthen employee experience, efficiency, and service quality. Current initiatives include but are not limited to:
- Quarterly People Trends Metrics Reports
- Manage Europe P&C Calendar and support key milestones
- Skillsurvey rollout
- Absence, leave, and time tracking rollout
- Workday Onboarding enhancement
- EU Pay Transparency Directive – monitoring local implementations and finalising our internal framework and operational processes
- Exit Survey Redesign
- Mapping for Impact – supporting the planning and execution to reconcile identified gaps at each location
- Build tools and routines to track KPIs, progress, risks, and impact.
- Develop practical project plans and communication approaches to support initiatives across multiple countries.
- Provide local expertise to ensure global P&C plans reflect European needs.
- Manage program-level risks, dependencies, and issues.
- Use project management tools effectively to support planning, delivery, and reporting.
- Continuous Improvement (~35%)
- Use data and insights to drive transparency, effective decision making, and operational excellence.
- Apply internal and external HR best practices to improve processes and outcomes.
- Partner closely with P&C teams across Europe to ensure strong execution and alignment.
- Promote a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience
- Significant senior HR experience with both strategic and hands-on project management responsibilities, ideally in large, complex global organisations.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience supporting European HR required; experience supporting US HR preferred.
- Experience contributing to organisation-wide change, improving processes, and supporting global P&C transformation in a matrixed environment.
- Strong understanding of business transformation, organisation development, process improvement, programme and project management, and change-focused communication and engagement.
- A track record of delivering results in fast-moving, evolving environments.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong consulting skills with the ability to influence, challenge thinking, and solve problems collaboratively.
- Comfortable working across countries and cultures with an inclusive, consultative, and resourceful approach.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
New Hire candidates may be based in the United Kingdom or Germany. Candidates based in the United States may also be considered, provided they are able to work a schedule aligned with European time zones. Current employees are welcome to apply regardless of location.
Compensation: (UK: 55,000 - 62,933; US: 74,987 - 84,960). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Please submit your application by May 28th, 2026.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
Transformation Lead P&C Services Europe employer: International Rescue Committee, Inc.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development while making a meaningful impact on global humanitarian efforts. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, employees are empowered to lead transformative projects that enhance the employee experience across Europe and beyond. The IRC fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every team member contributes to restoring dignity and hope to those in need.
Contact Details:
International Rescue Committee, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transformation Lead P&C Services Europe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in humanitarian work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Transformation Lead P&C Services Europe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Transformation Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR transformation and project management, and show how you align with our mission at IRC.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the results you've achieved. Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or led successful projects, especially in complex environments like ours.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for passionate change-makers, so don’t hesitate to share your motivations and what drives you to make a difference in the humanitarian sector.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Rescue Committee, Inc.
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the International Rescue Committee's mission and values. Understand their work in humanitarian crises and how the Transformation Lead role fits into their broader strategy. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for their cause and show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the focus on transformation and project management, expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led change or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders across Europe and the US. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated in diverse teams before. Highlight your consulting skills and how you've influenced others to achieve common goals, especially in a matrixed environment.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The IRC values a culture of learning and innovation. Prepare to talk about how you've used data and insights to drive improvements in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've implemented best practices and fostered a culture of continuous improvement within your teams.
