Job Description

Our Organisation

Mercy Corps is a leading global organisation powered by the belief that a better world is possible.  In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, they partner to put bold solutions into action – helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within now and in the future. 

Mercy Corps Europe (MCE) has grown rapidly both in terms of the volume of activity and its complexity. With offices in Edinburgh, London and Geneva and over £80m in income they employ around 100 domestic and expatriate field team members. The breadth and impact of their programmes makes Mercy Corps a unique and truly rewarding place to work. They are now seeking an experienced and talented HR Director to share Mercy Corps’ passion and commitment.

The role

This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Director, Mercy Corps Europe and with a dotted line to the Chief People and Strategy Officer based in the US. The HR Director, Mercy Corps Europe is responsible for leading the Human Resources structure that contributes to a positive, equitable and consistent employment experience for team members across our European offices and all expatriate team members on UK contracts. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team in Europe this role will oversee the administration of HR and benefit related functions, ensuring a collaborative, proactive and strategic approach to supporting Mercy Corps HR needs. This role will work closely with all Global Team leaders to leverage resources and coordinate strategies while adapting and communicating these to the European team.

A broad overview of the responsibilities are outlined below:

• Provide strategic HR leadership and input across the Senior Leadership Team of Mercy Corps Europe.
• Deliver on people policies and initiatives that align with Mercy Corps’ global and strategic priorities and which promote a positive organisational structure.
• Understand and continually educate Mercy Corps on legislation and trends in international human resource management, particularly within the international development sector.
• Manage and grow the Mercy Corps Europe HR team while developing the team’s capacity to technically deliver across the HR strategy.
• Maintain and develop staff communication channels, provide feedback and promote regular communication.
• Oversee the efficient hiring and development of all Europe-based staff and UK-nationals working overseas.
• Design and establish consistent HR administrative procedures and practices in order to ensure effective HR Function in accordance with UK and European law.
• Oversee all queries from Mercy Corps Europe employees regarding HR issues, providing efficient, credible and caring support services across the organisation.
• Act as first point-of-contact for performance management issues and escalate issues as appropriate.
• Work with key stakeholders to recruit and retain talent effectively.

Skills and Experience

This is a senior appointment and critical for the organisation’s continued success. As such, the calibre of applicant is expected to be high. It will be essential that you can bring not just the technical skills in Human Resource Management but also the personal gravitas to transition Mercy Corps Europe from a period of fast to stable growth. Working in a non-hierarchical but complex environment you will have the ability to work autonomously and bring emotional leadership to the team.  This role will be expected to be highly mobile, travelling extensively within Europe and internationally including some sites where security protocols will need to be followed.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate evidence of the following:

• Substantial third sector experience and deep understanding of the complexity of the HR regulations in the sector and as it pertains to a European and ex-pat workforce.
• Deep knowledge of UK and EU employment regulation including knowledge of European data protection laws.
• Previous experience of partnering with a senior leadership team to build strong teams and influence positive and concise communication throughout an organisation.
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience managing the Human Resources function of a global organisation or entity.
• An advanced degree in organisational psychology, human resources management or other related field.
• CIPD certification preferred.
• French or other European language skills will be advantageous.

This is an opportunity to work for an iconic organisation in its field and offer genuine strategic direction and team leadership. A high level of emotional intelligence will be required to work affectively across the geographical landscape and ensure good communication at all levels.

A competitive salary is on offer and further details are available on request.

New Town Partnership is the exclusively retained advisor to Mercy Corps for this search. All direct and third-party applicants will be forwarded to New Town Partnership. For a confidential conversation please contact Jane Gilchrist or apply online. All applications will be considered and acknowledged.