Humanitarian operations officer jobs in birmingham
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Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) is actively recruiting for the position of L&D Operations Manager to be based from its office in Birmingham, UK. Serving the Humanitarian and International Development Sector and its parent Islamic Relief Worldwide - it collects, coordinates and delivers compelling HAD in action content and messaging around the globe to promote the training, research and talent development services HAD offers to retain existing customers and attract new customers. The Division leverages digital platforms, public relations, events and the media, all in line with HAD’s vision, mission and strategy. It is envisioned to be a hub where humanitarian and development theories and practice are studied, examined and developed.
Job Purpose:
· Lead and oversee the operational delivery of all learning and training activities across IRW through HAD, ensuring high-quality, values-driven learning experiences that meet organisational and sectoral needs.
· Take full responsibility for the management and development of HAD’s digital learning offer, ensuring the transformation of traditional training into engaging, scalable, and high-impact e-learning experiences.
· Enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of HAD’s learning programmes through effective communication, marketing, and learner engagement strategies.
· Work with IRW stakeholders to develop and deliver initiatives that strengthen management, leadership, and technical capabilities, aligned with organisational culture and values.
The successful candidate must have or be:
- Extensive experience in coordinating or managing training delivery and operations within a large, multi-site organisation.
- Proven record of managing learning systems, logistics, and administration to a high standard.
- Experience in implementing and monitoring quality assurance processes for training programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to engage learners through communication, marketing, or learner engagement strategies.
- Experience of managing budgets, contracts, and supplier relationships related to training delivery.
- Experience in managing and developing teams across different geographical locations.
- Strong operational planning, project management, and organisational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in marketing or promoting learning initiatives.
- Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS) and e-learning platforms.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills; able to measure and communicate impact.
- Demonstrated understanding of adult learning principles and blended learning design.
- Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and disciplines.
For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description
Islamic Relief promotes equality and meritocracy, and seeks individuals who are sympathetic to the IR values of; Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice and Custodianship together with our policy standards on Anti-Bribery, Child Protection and Code of Conduct. If you would like to be a part of an organisation striving to make a difference in the world and are looking for a meaningful career, we will be glad to hear from you.
For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit:
What we offer UK colleagues - Islamic Relief Worldwide
Please Note: Interviews are expected to take place in mid-late December 2025.
Pre-employment Checks:
Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:
- screening clearance
- proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
- receipt of satisfactory references
For UK based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
HAD is an equal opportunities employer
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Relief International (RI) is a global humanitarian and development organisation working in over 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. We partner with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and natural disasters to save lives, strengthen resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Our integrated programmes span health and nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), education, and livelihoods, with protection embedded as a core principle across all areas of our work.
This is a crucial time to join Relief International as we continue to invest in our HR function which is an integral part of delivering our global mission. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our people function and ensuring we can attract, support, and retain the talent needed to deliver our humanitarian and development programmes worldwide.
Global Human Resources Director
Relief International
Salary: Circa £80,000 plus benefits
Location: Remote
The role
Relief International is looking for an operational Global Human Resources Director to lead our global HR function. This is a unique opportunity for a senior HR professional to drive real, lasting impact across our international operations by strengthening the foundations of HR practice, enhancing team capability, and embedding consistency and compliance across global offices.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Global HR Director will act as a trusted advisor to the COO and wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on all people and organisational matters.
This is a transformative role for a leader who combines vision with pragmatism, and who thrives on translating challenges into meaningful change. The successful candidate will:
- Modernise and harmonise HR policies and processes across country programmes and global support offices.
- Review and update staff handbooks and HR procedures to ensure relevance, clarity, and compliance.
- Restructure and lead an international HR team, clarifying roles and fostering a positive, collaborative culture.
- Ensure compliance with labour laws and international standards, mitigating HR-related operational and financial risks.
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance, development, mobility, and well-being.
- Support organisational change, guiding managers and teams through transitions with empathy and structure.
- Champion a culture of inclusion, respect, and accountability in line with RI’s values.
- Advise senior leadership on strategic HR matters, contributing to the overall success of the organisation.
About you
We are seeking a confident and values-driven leader with the following:
- Significant experience as an HR Director or senior HR Manager, ideally within an international NGO context.
- Background working in complex, multi-country organisations—including fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
- Deep expertise in HR policy design, implementation, and compliance.
- Proven ability to lead and restructure remote, international teams.
- Skilled in change management and supporting organisations through transitions.
- Strong knowledge of HR systems (e.g. BambooHR), staff handbooks, and performance tools.
- Strong communicator, capable of building relationships across cultures and levels.
- Fluency in English, French language skills are desirable but not essential.
- Current right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Further information, please review the Appointment Brief below.
To arrange a discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors at Prospectus, Harjit Bola or Erica Ritchie.
Closing date:Sunday 16th November
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 17th November
First stage panel interview with Relief International: w/c 1st December
Final stage panel interview with Relief International: w/c 8th December