Global HR & People Lead

Cordaid is an international organisation for development and humanitarian assistance, working especially in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Guided by Christian values of human dignity, justice and compassion, we work towards a world without poverty and with equitable opportunities for all.

More than 1.9 billion people live in fragile contexts where access to essential services and opportunities is limited. Together with our partners, we support locally led programmes that strengthen healthcare, education, agrifood and justice systems. When crises occur, we work alongside local organisations to provide humanitarian assistance. Cordaid is headquartered in the Netherlands and operates in 15 countries across Africa and Asia.

Our organisation operates through a domain-based model, where regional teams work closest to partners and context, supported by specialised domains that provide technical expertise, quality standards, donor engagement and compliance. This interdependent way of working enables us to combine local ownership with strong organisational standards and deliver effective, context-driven programmes.

(Fulltime, based in one of Cordaid offices worldwide)

As our dedicated and visionary Global HR & People Lead, you join our Shared Services Unit (SSU) in The Hague. In this pivotal role, you lead and coordinate people management, organizational development, workforce planning, and HR governance across Cordaid globally. Operating within our corporate governance and integrity compliance framework, you will support our transition toward a distributed, interdependent, and domain-based operating model, ensuring aligned, people-centered, and future-oriented HR practices. You report directly to the Director of the Shared Services Unit (SSU).

HR Strategy & Organizational Development: You develop and implement global HR strategies aligned with Cordaid’s operational priorities, cultural transition, and commitment to Locally Led Development (LLD).

People Management & Leadership Support: You support and advise managers and leadership teams on leadership development, performance management, team effectiveness, and organizational change processes.

Workforce Planning & Effectiveness: You coordinate workforce design across domains and regions, developing scalable HR services that enable lean country structures while maintaining robust employee support and duty of care.

HR Operations & Digital Enablement: You ensure the accurate, efficient delivery of HR services across the employee lifecycle and promote the effective use of HRIS, workflow tools, and people analytics to streamline processes.

Talent Acquisition & Staff Development: You oversee recruitment, onboarding, talent development, and succession planning practices to attract and retain qualified professionals across the organization.

HR Governance & Compliance: You ensure consistent implementation of HR policies, labor regulations, and the Cordaid Integrity Compliance Framework, mitigating HR-related risks globally.

Employee Wellbeing: You oversee absence management, duty of care initiatives, and organizational health, contributing to safe and responsible working conditions in complex operational contexts.

Team Leadership: You manage and coach HR personnel (including the HR Officer) in accordance with Cordaid’s management style, focusing on employee development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.

You have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in HR management, organizational development, or workforce planning within an international, matrix, or complex environment.

You possess strong knowledge of HR governance, labor regulations, workforce analytics, and digital workflow platforms/HRIS.

You have proven experience supporting organizational transformation, change initiatives, and distributed operating models.

You have excellent advisory, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate human capital insights clearly.

You are a collaborative team player with a “One Cordaid” mindset, capable of building trust across different regions, cultures, and organizational domains.

You are accountable, empathetic, and committed to high standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical behavior.

You are fluent in English, both spoken and written. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to Cordaid’s operational regions (such as French or Dutch) is considered a distinct asset.

You recognize yourself in Cordaid’s mission and values.

A responsible leadership position in a global organization with a focus on social impact.

Hybrid working conditions, NS-business card, and good working conditions.

Hybrid working conditions and a market-conform contract with employment terms and conditions aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

Applications including a motivation letter and CV in English for the attention of Christèle Coutureau, HR Advisor, including the contact details of references at the last two employers can be uploaded through our website: Global HR & People Lead | Working for Cordaid | Cordaid International

For information on the content of the advertised position you may contact Koos Boering, through  [staat bij de werkgever] .

Your application must be received by 16 August 2026 at the latest.

Cordaid is fully committed to a safe working environment and the highest integrity standards. To read more on our commitment to Integrity, click here:  https://www.cordaid.org/en/who-we-are/integrity-and-code-of-conduct/  an integrity screening will be part of this application procedure. Cordaid signed up to the IASC Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

An assessment and / or a presentation of a “case study” can be part of the selection procedure.

For more information about Cordaid, please visit our website:  www.cordaid.org

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.