Head of People and Organization

The organization in transition

In recent years, both the Dutch Red Cross and the People and Organization cluster have undergone significant development. A solid foundation has been laid. Roles, responsibilities, processes, and services have been reorganized, and various areas of expertise have been brought together within a single, integrated People and Organization domain. The next phase is now upon us. The challenge no longer lies primarily in designing new structures, but in further embedding them in daily practice. The success of this role is largely determined by the ability to ensure that vision, policy, and processes actually work in the day-to-day practice of managers, staff, and volunteers.

We are therefore primarily looking for a leader who can build on what has already been started and ensure that changes are firmly embedded for the long term.

At the same time, the world around us demands constant innovation. Developments in the labor market, changing forms of volunteer work, digitization, data, AI, and societal changes have a direct impact on how we attract, develop, support, and retain people. That is why you also have a vision for the development of people and the organization over the next five to ten years.

You will lead the People and Organization cluster and have overall responsibility for the strategy, ongoing development, and results of the People and Organization domain. In this role, you will directly manage the managers of HR Consulting & Services, Recruitment & Flex Agency, Learning & Development, and HR and Volunteer Policy. As a member of the Dutch Red Cross management team, you will work closely with those responsible for relief services, fundraising, finance, and association management. Drawing on your expertise in people, organization, and volunteers, you will actively contribute to the organization’s direction and serve as a strong strategic sparring partner for the Executive Director.

Our values as a compass

The seven fundamental principles—humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntarism, unity, and universality—are central to everything we do. These principles form the basis not only of our humanitarian assistance, but also of the way we work together, lead, and interact with one another.

This means that we expect our leaders to see the person behind the role, to make room for different perspectives, and to be able to bring people together around a shared social mission. In an organization where volunteers and staff work side by side, responsibility, courage, integrity, and empathy are essential for success.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will be responsible for the continued development of People and Organization within the Dutch Red Cross. You will ensure that the changes implemented are embedded and that People and Organization makes a visible contribution to the organization’s goals.

You:

• translates the organization’s objectives into a coherent vision for leadership, organizational development, volunteer policy, and employment practices;
• strengthens collaboration within the M&O domain and ensures that service delivery, ownership, and responsibilities are visible and effective in practice;
• contributes to an inclusive, safe, and learning-oriented organizational culture;
• develops a forward-looking vision for the labor market, volunteer work, and the utilization of talent;
• promotes innovation, digitization, and data-driven work within the M&O domain;
• are a strong and valued sparring partner for the CEO and the management team;
• are a member of the management team and lead your People and Organization cluster;
• represents People and Organization both within and outside the organization and builds lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as the Works Council and the union.

What do you bring to the table?

We are looking for a strategic leader who understands that the strength of the Dutch Red Cross begins with people. You have experience implementing organizational change and understand that sustainable change can only occur when strategy, leadership, processes, and behavior are interconnected.

In addition, you have:

• an affinity for community life and a good understanding of the dynamics between volunteers, staff, and the board;
• management experience within a complex organization;
• experience with organizational development, cultural change, and leadership issues;
• administrative sensitivity and the ability to operate effectively in an environment with diverse interests;
• experience managing professionals and managers;
• a vision for the future of work, volunteerism, and talent development;
• academic level of work and thinking.

Your talents

• Warm and firm: You’reapproachable, empathetic, and genuinely interested in people. At the same time, you’re not afraid to have difficult conversations, make decisions, and hold people accountable for their commitments and responsibilities.
• Bouwer: Youget energy from putting things into practice. You ensure that plans, policies, and agreements don’t just remain on paper, but are put into practice in everyday life.
• Staying the Course: Youknow that change can meet with resistance. Even when interests clash or the pressure mounts, you remain focused on the shared goal.
• Holistic thinker:You have a broad view of both the strategic and operational levels and know how to connect them. You have a keen sense of organizational dynamics and situational awareness; you know how to build support and maintain a broad perspective in complex situations.
• Sparring Partner: Youpossess natural authority and serve as a strong discussion partner for the CEO and the management team—someone who isn’t afraid to offer feedback, challenge them, and introduce new perspectives.

We believe that diverse teams make better decisions and are better aligned with the society we aim to serve. That is why we strongly encourage candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our organization and our management team to apply.

What do we offer you?

The work you do is socially relevant and makes an impact every day. You make a direct contribution to an organization dedicated to helping people in need, both near and far. We offer you a unique opportunity to help shape the future development of People and Organization within one of the Netherlands’ best-known social organizations.

In addition, we offer:

• a strategic management position with plenty of room for initiative and influence;
• a committed, professional, and mission-driven work environment;
• an organization that is constantly evolving and where your contribution makes a visible difference;
• the option to work remotely;
• excellent opportunities for personal and professional development;
• Salary in accordance with Scale 15 of the Dutch Red Cross Collective Bargaining Agreement (€6,373 – €9,465, with a maximum of 110%), supplemented by an Individual Choice Budget (over 19%) and attractive benefits.

The Dutch Red Cross is based in The Hague, within walking distance of the Laan van NOI train station.

Interested?

The Dutch Red Cross is working with the recruitment and selection agency Colourful People. René Burgler, a partner at Colourful People, would be happy to provide you with more information about the position and/or the application process. You can contact him by emailat r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nlor via WhatsApp at 06 2857 5436.

You can submit your cover letter and resume in PDF format by clicking the “Apply” button at www.colourfulpeople.nl. We look forward to hearing from you! To ensure an objective and thorough recruitment and selection process, please address the following questions in your cover letter:

• What appeals to you most about the Red Cross’s mission and values, and how would you like to contribute to our efforts to help people in vulnerable situations—both in the Netherlands and around the world?
• What defines your leadership and collaboration style, and how do you use it to help a diverse team grow, foster a sense of ownership, and provide direction and structure at the same time?

The interviews at the Dutch Red Cross are scheduled for September 7 and 14. We ask candidates to let us know their availability during the second-to-last week of August.

We believe it is important to ensure the reliability, professionalism, and integrity of our organization and our current and future employees. Integrity screening is a standard part of our selection process. This means that a reference check is a standard part of our selection process, and we also ask you to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

For more information about the work of the Dutch Red Cross, visitwww.rodekruis.nl or follow us on social media:Instagram,LinkedIn,Facebook,YouTube,TikTok, andX.