International Director People & Culture (w/m/d)

About Us:
Light for the World is an international organization committed to building inclusive societies where people with disabilities have access to quality education, economic empowerment, and advocacy. Partnering with communities, governments, and other stakeholders, we drive sustainable change to empower individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all areas of life. We are a diverse, values-driven international team of over 300 staff operating in 6 countries in Africa and in 6 countries in Europe.

Place of work: Vienna, Austria, hybrid
Duration: min 30h/week or 38,5 (full time); permanent
Salary: EUR 75K to EUR 80K; market rates apply elsewhere
Starting date: November 2025

About the role:
The International Director of People & Culture leads our global People & Culture department, shaping strategy and driving innovation across all HR functions. This role ensures we attract, develop, and retain top talent, foster an inclusive and inspiring workplace, and strengthen our position as an employer of choice across all countries. As part of the International Management Team, the Director acts as a strategic partner to the CEO and the senior global leadership in advancing our mission and strategy. We seek a collaborative leader who empowers team members through trust and autonomy, demonstrates genuine empathy in their management approach, and champions work-life balance while fostering an environment where individuals can excel in their roles. At the same time, we expect an individual who is engaged and committed to developing the entire international organisation.

Tasks

• Lead and inspire: Head our global People & Culture department and serve as a key member of the International Management Team (7 direct reports, dotted line to 6 country offices).
• Shape strategy: Drive and steer effective implementation of our global People & Culture strategy, ensuring it supports the organisation’s Strategy 2030 and targets. Foster a thriving, engaged, and inclusive workforce within the given budgets and financial requirements.
• Talent and leadership: Design and implement leadership development, and succession planning to ensure our people have the skills and opportunities to grow.
• Culture and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Champion our values, strengthen our culture, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (as well as decolonising development) across all our countries.
• HR operations: Ensure strong foundations in compensation & benefits, HR practices and policies, and legal compliance across our country footprint. Dealing with local and international HR enquiries, guiding and supporting operational HR tasks.
• Innovation: Build future-ready HR processes, support the implementation of a new HR tool and continuously improve how we work together on all levels in all countries.
• Safeguarding: Act as global safeguarding lead and ensure a transparent and inclusive incident management together with safeguarding officers and focal points across the organisation

Requirements

• Strong experience in change management and organisational development in an international environment (INGO experience is an asset).
• Senior level leadership skills with the ability to empower team members through trust, autonomy and empathetic management while supporting work-life balance.
• Strong grounding in HR operations, legal requirements and compliance, and digital HR systems and tools.
• Proven ability to foster inclusive, values-driven cultures; and advance diversity, equity & inclusion and decolonisation within the organsation.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and ethical incident management (an advantage).
• Excellent communication, intercultural, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in German and English required; additional languages (French and Portuguese) are an advantage.
• Personal interest in international development and human rights and commitment to Light for the Worlds mandate and values.

Benefits

• This is your chance to drive meaningful change with an internationally recognized development organization, while expanding your professional skills and experience.
• Join a motivated, diverse, and professional team committed to continuous growth and innovation. We value participatory leadership, where your ideas and expertise will shape our collective success.
• Enjoy a competitive salary within the national NGO sector, complete with full social insurance and a range of additional benefits