Director of People and Culture
Director of People and Culture

Director of People and Culture

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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UNICEF

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the People function to shape culture and workforce strategy at UNICEF UK.
  • Company: UNICEF UK, dedicated to improving children's lives globally.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a mission-driven team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's rights while fostering an empowering workplace.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in leading people functions and driving organisational change.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

UNICEF UK is seeking an exceptional Director of People and Culture. This is a defining opportunity to shape our culture, strengthen our workforce strategy and ensure UNICEF UK remains an employer of choice for people committed to creating a better world for children.

As Director of People and Culture you will lead the People function with clarity, compassion and purpose, embedding diversity, equity & inclusion, wellbeing and high‑performance into every aspect of our work. You will provide strategic leadership across UNICEF UK, advising the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board on all people‑related matters and shaping a People Plan that aligns with our mission and future direction. As an active member of the Strategic Leadership Group you will guide organisational change that strengthens effectiveness, sustainability and adaptability.

A core part of your role will be championing an inclusive, values‑driven culture where wellbeing is prioritised and colleagues feel empowered to perform at their best. You will lead strategic workforce planning to attract, develop and retain diverse talent, overseeing leadership development and succession planning to build capability and confidence at every level. You will also ensure performance and reward frameworks motivate excellence and support growth, and enhance the overall employee experience by strengthening engagement, ensuring compliance with employment law, overseeing our office environment and leading our approach to health, safety and wellbeing.

This is a critical appointment for UNICEF UK and we are seeking a senior people leader with a proven track record of leading and developing a multidisciplinary People function at strategic level. You will bring experience of partnering with Boards and Executive Teams as a trusted advisor, leading significant organisational and cultural change and shaping leadership capability. Your understanding of workplace transformation and the power of people data to drive performance will be underpinned by a deep commitment to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion. Combining strong commercial awareness with evidence‑based judgement, you will bring expertise in organisational design, workforce planning, employee relations and UK employment law. You will also appreciate the power and value of collaborative leadership, be willing to contribute beyond your functional remit.

If you are a mission‑driven leader who is motivated by children’s rights, inspired by UNICEF UK’s values and ready to help build a workplace where colleagues feel empowered, supported and united in creating a better world for every child, then we would love to hear from you.

Director of People and Culture employer: UNICEF

UNICEF UK is an outstanding employer that prioritises a values-driven culture, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our mission. As the Director of People and Culture, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our workforce strategy in a supportive environment that champions employee wellbeing and growth, ensuring that every team member feels empowered to contribute to our vital work for children. With a commitment to professional development and a collaborative leadership approach, UNICEF UK offers a fulfilling career path for those dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
UNICEF

Contact Detail:

UNICEF Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to UNICEF UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching UNICEF UK's culture and values. We want to see how you align with our mission, so think about examples from your past that showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for the People and Culture role. Make it engaging and show us how you can lead change and foster a positive workplace environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture

Strategic Leadership
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Workforce Planning
Leadership Development
Succession Planning
Performance Management
Employee Engagement
Compliance with Employment Law
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Organisational Change Management
People Data Analysis
Organisational Design
Employee Relations
Collaborative Leadership
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of People and Culture role. Highlight your leadership experience and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as these are key aspects of the job.

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for UNICEF UK's mission shine through in your application. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your dedication to children's rights and how you envision contributing to a better world for them.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can make an impact in the role.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNICEF

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into UNICEF UK's mission and values. Understand their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their workforce strategy. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Director of People and Culture, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading organisational change and how you've fostered an inclusive culture in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to empower teams.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about UNICEF UK's current challenges and future direction. This demonstrates your strategic mindset and shows that you're thinking about how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a key focus for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've prioritised employee wellbeing in your past positions. Share initiatives you've led or been part of that enhanced the employee experience and contributed to a positive workplace culture.

Director of People and Culture
UNICEF
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