Deputy Director – People & Talent and Administration

About CDRI

The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is a global partnership of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, private sector, and academic institutions. It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems against climate and disaster risks to ensure sustainable development.

Strategic Work Plan 2023-2026

With the strategic work plan for 2023 – 2026, CDRI has set out the following strategic outcomes.

• Strategic Outcome 1: A strong Coalition that has the membership, resources, and global leadership to drive global, national, regional, and local DRI action.
• Strategic Outcome 2: Global DRI research, Coalition-led peer engagement, and CDRI-curated and generated knowledge promote risk-informed policy and practice.
• Strategic Outcome 3: Enhanced capacities of government, private enterprises, and communities to implement post-disaster recovery and DRI action at scale.

The CDRI Secretariat, based in New Delhi, coordinates and implements the Coalition’s strategic priorities and activities.

Role Purpose

The Deputy Director will play a key role in shaping and executing CDRI’s people and administrative strategies. The incumbent will be responsible for leading HR functions, talent acquisition, performance management, employee development, administrative operations and corporate security. Beyond operational efficiency, the role focuses on building a strategic HR function that fosters a high-performing, globally competitive, and diverse workforce.

Reporting Line

Reports to the Director – Operations.

1. Strategic HR Leadership

• Design and implement a people strategy aligned with CDRI’s strategic goals.
• Develop global HR policies ensuring legal compliance and alignment with international best practices.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, HR analytics, and talent development.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and high performance.
• Represent CDRI in external forums and inter-agency HR collaborations.

2. People and Talent Management

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention, and workforce planning.
• Develop compensation frameworks and propose benefits packages aligned with benchmarks.
• Manage consultants, advisors, and expert staffing engagements.
• Support employee relations, grievance handling, and workplace compliance.
• Lead learning and development efforts including coaching, training, and leadership development.

3. Performance Management & Organisational Development

• Implement a performance management system focused on results and career development.
• Conduct employee satisfaction surveys and 360-degree feedback processes.
• Support change management and internal communications during organisational shifts.
• Drive automation and digitalisation of HR operations.

4. Administrative Operations Oversight

• Supervise office infrastructure, fleet management, and front desk services.
• Manage vendors, contracts, workspace logistics, and facility maintenance.
• Enforce efficient document and records management systems.
• Ensure all administrative functions align with legal, operational, and compliance standards.

5. Corporate Security & Staff Wellbeing

• Champion staff wellness, mental health, and occupational safety programmes.
• Ensure compliance with HSE standards and conduct periodic safety audits.
• Oversee physical and digital security infrastructure including access protocols and surveillance.
• Establish emergency response protocols, travel safety procedures, and diplomatic liaison frameworks.

Qualifications

• Master’s in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as SHRM or CIPD preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in HR and administration, with at least 4 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record in HR policy development, talent acquisition, organisational design, and performance management.
• Experience in managing administrative and security functions, including vendor and facility management.
• Experience in international or development sector organisations is desirable.
• International project experience across at least 5 countries and 2 UN geographic regions is required for international hire eligibility*.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and change management skills.
• Deep understanding of employment law, HR innovation, and workforce analytics.
• Ability to integrate HR strategy into overall business planning.
• Proficiency in HRMS tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Sound judgement in handling sensitive HR matters and confidential information.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is essential.
• Proficiency in any UN official language is an asset.

*International Hire = 10 years of international work experience in at least 5 countries across 2 UN geographic regions (from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania) would be considered for international positions (International hire).

Apply For This Job

Name*

Email*

Phone*

A valid phone number is required.

Cover Letter*

Attach Resume*

Submit

By applying with us, you agree to Oxford HR’s Privacy Policy

Open Modal Open Modal Open Modal