Head of People and Culture

About Hivos

Hivos is an international development organization guided by humanist values. Together with citizens and their organizations, we aim to contribute towards just, inclusive and life sustaining societies where people have equal access to opportunities, rights and resources. We work in partnership with others in SWANA, Africa, Asia and Latin America on three impact areas: Civic Rights in a Digital Age; Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Climate Justice.

About the Role

The Head of People and Culture (HPC) is a global role, reports directly to the CEO and is a member of Hivos Core Leadership Team (CLT) and responsible for People and Culture.

As a member of the CLT, the role carries collective responsibility for leading the entire organization on strategic and functional Human Resource Management. Leading the team of P&C Managers and Administration throughout the organization. Working collaboratively with the CEO and fellow CLT members (Programs, Finance, Business Development, External Engagement) to shape strategy, uphold organizational culture and leadership and all related services and operations.

Purpose of the Role

The primary purpose of the HPC is to develop and implement a global people and culture strategy, which will integrate a strong plan of action and culture change drive to improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), people management and safeguarding across Hivos. This strategy serves as a foundational document in executing the overarching Strategic Compass. Second, the HPC leads on revising, harmonizing or establishing the standards and policies to underpin the strategy. Thirdly, the HPC has the responsibility of HR services, operations and advice throughout the whole organization.

The HPC takes on the critical role of advising the CEO and CLT on all matters related to culture change, attracting and motivating good people, organizational development, leadership, and global HR policies. They will collaborate closely with all Hivos (P&C) Managers to create an outstanding, inclusive workplace across the organization.

In addition to these responsibilities, the HPC oversees Safeguarding. In this capacity, the HPC is accountable for the design, implementation, and monitoring of all safeguarding procedures, documents, and training initiatives for staff and Safeguarding Focal Points across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a global People and Culture strategy that aligns with the organization’s new strategy. In collaboration with the P&C team, set annual objectives and milestones for translating the People and Culture strategies into action and ensure timely implementation of the DEI agenda. Promote innovative practices in areas such as DEI, culture change, performance management, compensation, and training.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to simplify, clarify and harmonize HR standards, processes, and workflows, including through better use of modern IT and HR analytics.
• Lead development of harmonized and improved approaches across all cities for key areas such as reporting lines, job descriptions, recruitment approach, employer branding, onboarding, staff engagement and career advancement opportunities.
• Uphold, improve and oversee HR policies and procedures.
• Oversee the design and implementation of equitable and competitive compensation and benefits frameworks that align with Hivos’s global pay philosophy, ensure internal equity, and attract and retain top talent across diverse markets.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and employment regulations in all countries where Hivos operates, providing guidance on local requirements and managing relationships with legal advisors to mitigate organizational risk.
• Lead and standardize global processes related to employee movement—including promotions, transfers, and terminations — ensuring fairness, transparency, and alignment with organizational values and legal frameworks
• Oversee and ensure effective and high-quality HR services and advice throughout the organization provided by P&C managers
• Oversee and ensure effective administration of staff logistics, including travel management, safety protocols, and related operational policies and procedures.
• Lead, motivate, and develop staff, ensuring teamwork and professional growth.

Hivos is seeking a strategic leader with strong practical and hands-on execution skills. A person with global HR and DEI expertise, strong communication and collaboration skills. A People and Culture professional with over 10 years’ international experience, and who is comfortable with ambiguity and organisational transition. The new Head of People and Culture will be committed to clarity, trust, and adaptable leadership to drive organisational development and change.

Skills

• Critical thinking skills with experience designing and implementing a clear People and Culture vision and strategy and driving organizational change processes.
• Management experience with a strong global HR background.
• Experience in implementing DEI change processes in multi-cultural, global settings.
• Commitment to openness and trust.
• Ability to grasp the bigger picture while addressing immediate challenges.
• Innovative and determined, with a practical and hands-on approach to leadership with decisiveness and adaptability.
• Effective communication with a clear and tactful style.
• Skilled in collaboration and consensus-building.

Education and Experience

• More than 10 years of progressive experience managing P&C in international organization, preferably an (I)NGO
• Relevant higher professional education/academic level of working and thinking.
• Experience working in P&C/HRM in a change management environment and in an international setting.
• Familiarity with the Hay job evaluation methodology across diverse regions will be considered an asset.

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