Nilawaty Bahar

Director People & Culture

International Rescue Committee

Nila is a bold and visionary People & Culture leader with 17 years of global experience delivering high-impact HR strategies across Asia and Africa’s humanitarian, development, banking, microfinancing, and UN Peacekeeping Missions, where she has driven transformative HR strategies that put planet, people, and profit at the heart of decision-making.

Known for turning complexity into clarity, Nila leads large-scale HR transformations focused on safeguarding, DEI, digital innovation, staff well-being, and embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles—setting new standards for excellence and sustainability. She blends strategic insight with operational excellence to build high-performing, resilient teams and foster inclusive workplaces that thrive on diversity, equity, and innovation.

With master’s degrees in Leadership in Sustainable Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Humanitarian Logistics & Management from Università della Svizzera Italiana, Nila combines business acumen with a passion for ESG impact. She is deeply committed to nurturing emerging leaders and building workplaces that deliver sustainable growth while safeguarding people and the planet—because true profit is shared, inclusive, and future-ready.