Global Crisis Response Lead

People for People is seeking a passionate and experienced Global Crisis Response Lead to steer the crisis response team and ensure the strategic design and effective execution of high-impact humanitarian projects. You are a decisive, solution-driven leader with strong international experience in the humanitarian sector, ready to take ownership and turn urgency into action. Join us in driving meaningful change.

About People for People

People for People Foundation connects businesses to targeted humanitarian aid. We turn collective commitment into tangible action, restoring lives in times of crisis. Founded by bunq, Bird, and Picnic, we bundle the strength of the private sector to act fast, effectively, and where it matters most.

About the Role

As Global Crisis Response Lead, you will oversee People for People’s global crisis response programme, both internationally and in the Netherlands. You will ensure that emergency relief and longer-term recovery initiatives are well-targeted, timely, and designed to deliver lasting impact. You will lead and support the crisis response team, manage local and international partnerships, oversee monitoring and evaluation, and plan and execute crisis response missions. You will report to the Foundation Director and collaborate closely with other department leads (Operations, Marcom, Partnerships).

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Programme Leadership

• Develop, lead, and continuously update the global crisis response strategy in line with People for People’s mission, values, and operational reality.

• Design, plan, and oversee emergency and longer-term crisis response programmes across multiple countries, from assessment to execution and follow-up.

• Lead needs assessments, context analyses, and stakeholder mapping to inform programme design, prioritisation, and decision-making.
  

Operational & Team Management

• Lead, manage, and mentor the crisis response team, providing coaching, guidance, and capacity building in high-pressure contexts.

• Plan and lead People for People crisis response missions and field activities, including essential relief distributions, shelter installations, and rapid assessments.

• Ensure organisational systems, policies, and monitoring, reporting and evaluation (M&E) processes are implemented, maintained, and continuously improved to safeguard programme quality and measurable impact.

• Coordinate closely with internal departments (operations, finance, partnerships, communications) to ensure timely, compliant, and effective programme delivery.
  

Partnerships & External Collaboration

• Manage, strengthen, and expand strategic partnerships with NGOs, institutional donors, and local implementing partners.

• Identify and act on opportunities for collaboration, innovation, adaptation, and scale, strengthening the reach and impact of People for People’s global crisis response work.

Experience & expertise:  

• Minimum 5 years of international experience in humanitarian programme and/or project management, including work in dynamic, fast-paced, and complex crisis environments.

• Proven experience working with displaced populations (refugees, IDPs, asylum seekers) in acute and protracted crisis contexts.

• Strong working knowledge of Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and Sphere standards, and their practical application in the field.

• Experience working in cross-cultural settings, demonstrating contextual awareness, adaptability, and sound judgement.

• Strong understanding and hands-on experience in humanitarian operations and logistics, including procurement, budgeting, supply chain management, operational delivery, and key operational risk areas, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Skills & competencies:  

• Strategic, analytical, and data-informed decision-making skills, with the ability to translate analysis into clear, actionable interventions.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with experience mentoring teams and working across disciplines.

• Ability to engage professionally and sensitively with culturally and linguistically diverse stakeholders, including partners, local organisations, beneficiaries, and volunteers.

• Proficiency with project management tools and Agile ways of working, particularly in evolving and high-pressure contexts.

• Fluent in English; additional languages such as Dutch, Arabic or French are a strong asset.

Personal attributes:

• Resilient, calm under pressure, and able to operate effectively in uncertain and rapidly changing environments.

• Solution-oriented and flexible, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset, comfortable balancing strategic oversight with operational involvement.

• Deeply motivated by humanitarian principles and committed to creating tangible, measurable impact for crisis-affected communities.

Our Behavioural Commitments:

You recognise yourself in our Behavioural Commitments and enjoy working in a way that reflects them:

• Take ownership and deliver results.

• Embrace agility and iteration.

• Collaborate and communicate openly.

• Act with integrity and respect.

• Learn continuously and apply insights.

• Support and empower others.
  

What we offer

• Full-time role with a minimum of 32-40 hours per week.

• Market-aligned salary (€3,500 - €4,700 gross/month) 8% holiday allowance.

• MacBook for professional use.

• Hybrid working: 2-3 days in the office.

• Inspiring, supportive work environment with barista-quality coffee, warm lunches, snacks, and monthly after-work drinks.

• Direct impact on the lives of displaced people and communities affected by crises.
  

Sounds like you?

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity, we’d love to hear from you! If there’s a potential match, we’ll start with a brief introduction call, followed by an interview to explore your fit for the role and our mission.

Equal Opportunity Employer

People for People celebrates diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Salary : $3,500 - $4,700