At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation projects to enhance employee experience and drive organisational change.
- Company: Join the International Rescue Committee, a global leader in humanitarian aid.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and cultural engagement.
- Why this job: Be a change-maker and positively impact lives across Europe and beyond.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in HR with strong project management skills; experience in global organisations preferred.
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.
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.
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 UK
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of millions affected by humanitarian crises. With a strong focus on employee growth and a culture of continuous improvement, IRC offers unique opportunities for professional development while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment across Europe. Join us in our mission to restore dignity and hope, and be part of a team that values integrity, service, and accountability.
Contact Detail:
International Rescue Committee UK Recruiting 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 field, especially those connected to the IRC. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the IRC's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in transformation and employee experience. We love candidates who are passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills can help lead change and improve processes at the IRC. Keep it concise and impactful – we want to hear how you can make a real difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team and making an impact.
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 and project management, and show how you can contribute to the IRC's mission of improving employee experience and organisational culture.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the results you've achieved. Use specific examples of how you've led change or improved processes in previous positions, especially in complex global organisations. We want to see how you've made a difference!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. The IRC values integrity and accountability, so be honest about your experiences and motivations. Share why you're passionate about humanitarian work and how it aligns with your career goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is seen by the right people and helps us streamline the process. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at International Rescue Committee UK
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the International Rescue Committee's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their humanitarian focus and how they operate in Europe will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
As a Transformation Lead, you'll need to highlight your experience in organisational change and project management. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully led transformation efforts, focusing on the impact you made on employee experience and service quality.
✨Prepare for Cultural Sensitivity Questions
Given the diverse environments IRC operates in, be ready to discuss how you approach working across different cultures. Share experiences that showcase your inclusive and consultative style, as well as how you've navigated challenges in a matrixed environment.
✨Bring Data-Driven Insights
Since the role involves using data to drive decisions, come prepared with insights or metrics from your previous roles. Discuss how you've used data to improve processes or outcomes, and be ready to suggest how you could apply similar strategies at IRC.
