People & Culture Director

Reports to: CEO (Gabriela Faria)

Time Commitment: Full-Time (32 Hours p/Week hybrid)

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Summary:

The Lisbon Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build a community that integrates and empowers migrants and refugees. Through a community-centered approach, we empower individuals and families to thrive socially, economically, and culturally in their new environment. We are not only supporting vulnerable migrants and refugees — we are actively contributing to the building of a Portugal that is inclusive, efficient, and marked by both empathy and strategic action. 

We are seeking a visionary and strategic People and Culture Director to lead our Human Resources function and shape a values-driven, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture. This role requires a strong leader who is deeply people-oriented but also systems-minded. You will be responsible for guaranteeing the HR processes, tools, and structures that support our team’s growth, performance, and well-being. We are looking for someone who is eager to automate and optimize systems wherever possible — streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, and allowing our people to focus on what matters most. 

In addition, you will also lead and oversee the House and Welcome Desk team, ensuring that our space remains safe, welcoming, and aligned with our values. You will be a key member of the leadership team, partnering with senior leaders to ensure the Lisbon Project continues to be a purpose-driven, compassionate, and resilient organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and lead the implementation of a People & Culture strategy aligned with the Lisbon Project’s mission, values, and long-term goals.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and leadership team on organizational development, workforce planning, and talent strategy.

• Lead organizational design efforts, including role structuring, decision-making frameworks, and change management processes.

• Lead and oversee the House and Welcome Desk team, ensuring the physical space reflects organizational values of safety, dignity, and hospitality.

  
  

Human Resources & Systems Development:

• Oversee all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations and engagement.

• Design and implement effective HR systems, tools, and digital platforms to streamline internal processes, data tracking, and reporting.

• Ensure HR policies and practices reflect Portuguese labour law and align with international NGO standards.

• Leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and enhance employee experience.

  
  

People Development & Culture:

• Champion staff development through training, coaching, and career growth opportunities.

• Promote team health, resilience, and work-life balance through intentional policies and programming.

• Build systems for feedback, recognition, internal communication, and continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in Human Resources, People & Culture leadership, or Organizational Development

• Strong background in building and implementing HR systems, digital tools, and data-informed decision-making processes.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align people practices with organizational goals.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing diverse teams and fostering inclusive environments.

• Fluent in both Portuguese and English, written and spoken.

• Solid understanding of Portuguese labour law and employment best practices.

• Proficiency in digital collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Notion, Trello, or equivalent), and comfortable with learning new systems.

• Passion for social justice, inclusion, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities.

• Experience or familiarity with facilities oversight, volunteer team management, or hospitality systems is a plus.

• Ability to supervise multi-functional support teams, including administrative and space-focused roles, with attention to both operational detail and people-centered values.

Benefits:

• Contributing to Social Impact – Self-fulfilment and personal growth in contributing to a valuable cause.

• Networking Opportunities - Getting connected to partner institutions, philanthropists and people of all backgrounds.

• Knowledge Growth – Learning about immigration related processes, contexts and realities as well as other NGO related topics in Portugal.

Salary:

• 18,204€ - Gross annual under “contrato a termo”

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a motivational letter explaining why you're passionate about this role to peopleandculture@lisbonproject.org.

We can’t do it without you!

 Thank you for being a part of our team!