Role purpose

To strategically lead and improve CEPI's human resources initiatives, fostering a mission-driven culture that attracts, develops, and retains employees while ensuring agility and effectiveness in pursuit of CEPI's mission and objectives. The Executive Director – People & Organisation will report to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and will work closely also with the CEO and Senior Team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Drive our mission and culture: Reinforce CEPI's mission and values, fostering a cohesive and engaged workforce and organisation aligned with our purpose and strategies.
• Embed DEI into CEPI strategies: Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into all aspects of organisational strategy and operations, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace. Be the role model without our stakeholder groups on best DEI practices.
• Maximize leadership team effectiveness: Develop and implement strategies to enhance collaboration, decision-making, and overall performance of the senior leadership team.
• Further develop organisational agility and resilience: Design and implement initiatives to increase the organisation's adaptability and ability to navigate change in the dynamic global health landscape.
• Advise and assist the CEO and Senior Management Team (SMT): Provide strategic counsel to the CEO and as part of the SMT advise on organisational and people-related matters, organisational development, and cultural initiatives to support overall business objectives.
• Support senior leadership succession: Further develop and oversee robust succession planning processes for key leadership positions to ensure organisational continuity.
• Regularly advise and update the CEPI board on People, Organisational and Cultural issues while driving HR strategy.
• Ensure high contributors in critical roles: Further develop effective talent acquisition and development strategies to attract and retain high contributors.
• Deliver compelling total rewards: Further develop comprehensive compensation and benefits packages that attract and retain employees while aligning with organisational goals and budget.
• Lead the HR team: Provide leadership and strategic direction to the HR function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality HR services and initiatives across the organisation. The role will oversee an HR team with experts and generalists.

Additional Key Responsibilities

• This is a key role in CEPI’s ongoing growth and development as CEPI heads into a next replenishment cycle. CEPI workforce caliber, motivation, and inclusive culture of change will be critical to future success in addressing the mission of epidemic preparedness.

• Technology and HR Analytics: Lead the adoption of technology and data analytics to optimise HR operations and enhance employee experience. Implement tools to track key HR metrics.
• Workforce Planning: Oversee workforce planning to ensure CEPI has the talent and resources required to meet both current and future needs.
• Learning & Development: Drive the development of a learning culture by designing and implementing employee training programs to build internal capabilities and ensure continuous professional development.
• Prepare and lead regular updates on People and Culture vision and status to the CEPI Board of Directors.
• Employee Engagement & Wellbeing: Design strategies to foster employee engagement and wellbeing, ensuring that CEPI’s workplace culture promotes productivity and job satisfaction.

Profile Requirements

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to set the HR vision and strategy that aligns with the overall mission and objectives.
• Change Management: Proven expertise in leading complex organisational change, including culture shifts, restructuring, and large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyse data, interpret trends, and use metrics to drive decision-making and measure success in HR initiatives.
• Influencing and Negotiation: Ability to influence and negotiate effectively at senior levels, ensuring buy-in for strategic initiatives.
• Emotional Intelligence: High level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead with empathy and create an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Desired background – functional/technical/behavioural  

• 15+ years of HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a global senior HR role in multicultural environments in the international development sector, working closely with stakeholder committees at the board level.
• We seek a candidate who has worked in diverse geographical regions.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing HR strategies in global organisations.
• Demonstrated success in leading organisational change and culture transformation initiatives.
• A background encompassing both public sector and private sector experience would be most valued.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, trends, and legal and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, and diverse and decentralised workforces.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Additional Desired Background

• International HR Expertise: A solid understanding of global HR management, including navigating the complexities of different legal, cultural, and regulatory environments across multiple regions and at board level.
• Experience in bringing organisational values in service of the mission, and also able to design processes and policies that is fit for an organisation with a global equitable mission. This may be in health or other fields.
• Experience in cultural and structural change management and a challenging mindset with experience in large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives, board members, and external partners, ensuring HR strategies align with the broader objectives of the organisation.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Ability to navigate and lead through ambiguity and change, with a resilient mindset that fosters a culture of flexibility and innovation.
• Cultural Sensitivity: High cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments.
• Integrity and Ethics: Strong commitment to ethical leadership, acting as a role model for values- driven behavior across the organisation.

Educational Requirements (note desirable and essential)

• Essential: Master’s degree in human resources management or equivalent.
• Desirable: Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.

Terms of Appointment

• This is a full-time position.
• Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• A full benefits package is also included.

What Can We Offer You

• Experience in the international effort to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerate vaccine development in response to disease outbreaks.
• The opportunity to work together with leading internal and external experts on solutions for global challenges that can redefine global health for our future.
• A diverse and inclusive working environment.

Role Location

The position can be based in London, England or Oslo, Norway.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 03 January 2025 (23:59 hrs, GMT +1). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to undertake this assignment.