Director of Human Resources (Transformation & Organizational Development) – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Reference Number: BLR-LJ-DHR-01

Job Description:

To lead, modernize, and transform the Human Resources function into a strategic enabler of institutional excellence, governance, and sustainable development impact. The Director will provide visionary leadership across all human capital domains, ensuring both operational excellence and strategic transformation aligned with the Bank’s mandate as a development institution operating in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.

Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Leadership & Institutional Alignment

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR transformation and workforce strategy aligned with the Bank’s strategic plan and reform agenda.
• Lead workforce planning and prepare the annual Human Resources budget in line with approved policies and institutional priorities.
• Establish and monitor HR KPIs, maturity indicators, and dashboards, and report outcomes to the President/Director General to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Ensure that HR initiatives directly contribute to institutional sustainability, effectiveness, and development impact.

Organizational Design & Job Architecture

• Lead the continuous development and optimization of the Bank’s organizational structure in coordination with relevant units to ensure agility and accountability.
• Oversee job architecture, job analysis, job descriptions, job evaluation frameworks, grading systems, and competency models aligned with international best practices.
• Ensure structural alignment between strategy, roles, capabilities, and performance expectations.

Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition & Succession

• Develop strategic workforce planning and talent forecasting models to meet evolving institutional needs.
• Oversee recruitment and selection processes, ensuring transparency, meritocracy, diversity, and alignment with competency-based standards.
• Lead succession planning frameworks, leadership pipeline programs, and career pathing systems to ensure long-term institutional continuity.
• Drive talent retention strategies focused on high performers and critical roles.

Performance Management & Capability Development

• Design and oversee a modern performance management system linked to institutional objectives, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
• Analyze performance results and implement targeted development interventions to improve efficiency, productivity, and organizational impact.
• Identify and periodically review institutional training and development needs.
• Prepare and execute the annual training and development plan and budget; evaluate effectiveness and ROI.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and self-development across the institution.

Total Rewards, Compensation & Benefits

• Lead the design, review, and governance of compensation, salary structures, benefits, and incentive systems to ensure competitiveness, internal equity, and financial sustainability.
• Design and manage employee health insurance programs and ensure delivery of high[1]quality medical coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Ensure alignment between rewards, performance outcomes, institutional values, and fiscal responsibility.

Employee Relations, Engagement & Work Environment

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture grounded in fairness, integrity, and professionalism.
• Establish effective communication and engagement programs to enhance employee satisfaction and institutional commitment.
• Ensure fair and transparent grievance handling and conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Design and implement initiatives that enhance employee well-being, engagement, and workplace quality, taking into account internal and external environmental factors.

HR Operations, Governance & Compliance

• Oversee and ensure the effective management of all HR operations across the employee lifecycle in compliance with Board-approved regulations, policies, and applicable laws.
• Strengthen HR governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage HR data governance, employee records, and HR information systems, ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and regular updates.
• Lead the digital transformation of HR systems (HRIS) and promote data-driven workforce decision-making.

Change Management & Cultural Transformation

• Lead large-scale institutional change initiatives including restructuring, modernization, and cultural transformation.
• Enhance organizational readiness and resilience during periods of rapid change.
• Provide executive advisory and coaching support to senior leadership on people-related transformation challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Representation

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Director General and Executive Management on all human capital matters.
• Present HR strategies, workforce analytics, and policy proposals to senior committees and governing bodies.
• Represent the institution in professional HR forums and relevant external engagements when required.

General Responsibilities

• Build and develop a high-performing HR team capable of delivering both strategic transformation and operational excellence.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and institutional integrity.
• Undertake any additional HR-related duties consistent with the nature of the role and as assigned by Executive Management or the Vice President for Corporate Services.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Master’s degree (required) in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field. Doctorate (PhD/DBA) is highly desirable.
• Internationally recognized HR certifications (e.g., CIPD, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CHRMP, or equivalent) are strongly preferred.

Experience

• 15–20 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 10 years in senior executive HR roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading HR transformation, restructuring, and institutional reform initiatives.
• Proven track record in workforce planning, compensation governance, talent strategy, and organizational development.
• Experience within international organizations, multilateral development institutions, or complex multicultural environments is highly desirable.

Core Competencies

Strategic & Technical Competencies

• Enterprise-level HR strategy formulation and execution.
• Organizational design and job architecture expertise.
• Compensation governance and benefits design.
• Workforce analytics and HR maturity measurement.
• HR policy modernization and regulatory compliance.
• Digital HR systems leadership (HRIS and analytics).

Language

• Arabic (Required), English (Required), French (Desirable)

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Visionary leadership with strong transformation capability.
• Executive presence and board-level influence.
• High emotional intelligence and stakeholder sensitivity.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Resilience and adaptability in high-change environments.
• Uncompromising ethical standards and institutional integrity.

Benefits and Contractual information:

• Willing and able to relocate to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to [email protected]  

Please visit www.caglobalint.com for more exciting opportunities.

Lara Joubert

Recruitment Specialist

CA Global | Finance

CA Global will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.