Human Resources Manager - DRC Ukraine

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international humanitarian organization, committed to protecting the rights and improving the lives of displacement-affected people around the world.

DRC Ukraine is offering an opportunity to join our Country Team as Human Resources Manager – a key role responsible for driving HR strategy, ensuring technical excellence, and fostering staff well-being in a dynamic and rapidly evolving humanitarian context. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the vacancy may be filled before the deadline.

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:

1. Team leadership and capacity building

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of 20 HR colleagues across all locations (10 at country office and 10 at field offices).
• Build technical capacity through coaching, skills development, and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee staff planning, performance management, well-being, and development initiatives.

2. HR Policies and compliance

• Ensure compliance with Ukrainian labor legislation and DRC policies.
• Maintain and update the HR Handbook and develop additional policies when needed.
• Ensure policies are aligned with organizational values and regularly reviewed.

3. Recruitment, onboarding and development

• Oversee recruitment and onboarding, ensuring consistent job grading and titles.
• Support staff learning and development by facilitating access to training and growth opportunities.

4. Payroll management

• Oversee payroll for national staff, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Define and review salary structures, coordinate annual compensation reviews, and implement necessary adjustments with senior management.

5. Employee relations and case management

• Manage grievances, disciplinary cases, and performance counseling, ensuring fairness, proper documentation, and compliance with law and policy.
• Provide guidance to managers and staff on conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and HR best practices.
• Develop preventive measures and training to reduce disputes and grievances.

6. Legal & Risk Management

• Coordinate with the legal team in matters related to labor disputes and court proceedings
• Ensure thorough documentation and reporting of all grievance, disciplinary, and legal cases to minimize risk.
• Support senior management in risk assessments and decision-making on sensitive HR legal matters.

7. Process improvement and service delivery

• Proactively drive continuous improvement in HR practices, enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and overall service quality.

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
• Experience in managing complex disciplinary processes and labor disputes.
• 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: 01/11/2025

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: 07th October 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the indicated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

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.