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

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Human Resources Team Leader to join our team in Kyiv office.

About the job

Under the management of the HR Manager, the Human Resources Team Leader is responsible for coordinating and supervising the team of 5 HR Officers, providing technical guidance in terms of HR activities according to the Ukrainian legislation as well as in compliance with DRC Policies.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Human Resources

• Advise and support employees and managers on HR-related matters, ensuring fair and consistent practices
• Ensure that personnel documentation complies with labor laws and data protection legislation. Collaborate with other DRC offices in Ukraine to ensure the timely and accurate turnover of documents
• Collaborate with the Risk and Compliance team to prepare and provide the personnel documentation required for legal claims
• Assist the HR Manager and/or the Head of Support Services in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that ensure compliance with Ukrainian labor laws and internal DRC procedures
• Manage employee life cycle processes — hiring, transfers, extensions, and terminations — in line with DRC procedures and labor law
• Act as HR user in DRC Dynamics (ERP) for contract management, leave approvals, and benefits
• Manage, update, and process staff payroll in close collaboration with other departments and ensure submission to the Finance Department

Team Management

• Lead and manage the team (including people planning, performance, well-being and development) closely overseen of the HR Manager
• Ensure the effective planning and quality implementation of the HR team activities
• Ensure regular monitoring of team activities and assess the quality of the HR function, informing the HR Manager of any necessary improvements

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of 3 years' of relevant experience in Human Resources management, administration, and change management. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Master's degree in human resources, political science, international development, economics, or a related field
• Solid understanding of Ukrainian labor legislation and HR best practices
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team
• Proficiency in MS Office and HR systems
• Fluency in Ukrainian and good command of English

Desirable

• Previous experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, or donor-funded projects.
• Technical skills in managing compensation and benefits

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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

Band: G- manager

Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv

Start date: ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for natinal employees; please refer to our website.

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: December 1st, 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.