Director of People and Culture

Unicef; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-profit organization in the UK is seeking a Director of People and Culture to shape its workforce and culture. This role involves strategic leadership in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will guide organizational change, oversee talent management, and ensure an innovative employee experience. Ideal applicants will have significant experience leading a People function, working with senior leadership, and a commitment to driving positive change for children's rights.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading and developing a multidisciplinary People function at a strategic level.
• Experience partnering with Boards and Executive Teams as a trusted advisor.
• Strong understanding of workplace transformation and people data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the People function, embedding diversity and wellbeing.
• Provide strategic leadership and advice on people-related matters.
• Oversee workforce planning to attract and retain diverse talent.

Skills

Leadership

Diversity and Inclusion

Organizational Design

Workforce Planning

Employee Relations

Performance Management

Job description

Apply by: 11:59pm, Monday 23 February 2026

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.