Apply by: 11:59pm, Monday 23rd February 2026
Overview
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.
Role Overview
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.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications and Experience
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.
About You
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.
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