Human Resources Manager

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations. 

DRC Ukraine is offering an opportunity to join our Country team as Human Resources Manager – a key position responsible for driving HR strategy, technical excellence, and staff well-being in a dynamic and fast-evolving humanitarian context.

About the job

We are seeking a highly organized and adaptable Human Resources Professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. In this role, you will manage a high volume of diverse tasks, while quickly navigating the complexities of local labor legislation and ensuring alignment with DRC’s internal policies and procedures.

To succeed, you will need strong coordination and communication skills, as you’ll be working closely with colleagues across departments and locations. If you're a proactive problem-solver who enjoys dynamic challenges and making a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Lead and inspire the Human Resources team (comprising 8 HR colleagues), overseeing people planning, performance, well-being, and development initiatives across all locations.
• Ensure compliance with national labor legislation and DRC policies, maintaining and updating the Staff Human Resources Handbook and developing additional HR policies as needed.
• Oversee the payroll process for the national staff, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with applicable labor legislation and internal controls.
• Build the technical capacity of the HR team through ongoing support, coaching, and skills development.
• Advise and assist managers on a range of HR-related matters, ensuring sound decision-making and compliance
• Drive recruitment and onboarding processes, ensuring consistency in grading and title structures
• Support staff development initiatives, recommending and approving Learning & Development opportunities through DRC’s Learning Catalogue and other resources.
• Manage performance counseling, employee grievances, and disciplinary cases, while supporting line managers in maintaining proper documentation and procedural fairness.
• Define and regularly review the salary structure, coordinate the annual compensation review process, and implement necessary adjustments in collaboration with the Senior Management Team.
• Proactively drive continuous process improvement in HR practices, enhancing the quality, responsiveness, and efficiency of HR service delivery.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have at least 5 years of progressive experience in the Human Resources field, including a minimum of 2 years in a senior HR management role within an NGO, and at least 3 years of people management experience. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Strong knowledge of national labor legislation
• Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge/experience of Human Resources Management principles, concepts & processes
• Excellent skills in handling and advising on complex people management issues
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management
• Experience in developing Human Resources strategies and policies, and driving implementation
• Experience using an online system for recruitments
• Full professional proficiency in English and Ukrainian

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 
• Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract length: 12 months with possibility of extension
• Band: F – Management
• Work location: Kyiv, with travel to field locations
• Start date: ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for DRC Employees please refer to our website for more details.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: April 26th, 2025

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.