Head of People & Culture

Internal vacancy

Scope: Global

Hours: 40 hours per week

Reports to: CEO

Term: 4 years

Office: All Hivos locations

Deadline: December 12th, 2025 (Midnight UTC)

About the Role

The Head of People and Culture (HPC) ) 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—working collaboratively with the CEO and fellow CLT members to shape strategy, uphold organizational culture, and ensure coherent, cross-functional leadership.

Purpose of the Role

The primary purpose of the Head of People and Culture 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, harmonising or establishing the standards and policies to underpin the strategy.

The GHPC takes on the critical role of advising he Executive Board and Management Team on all matters related to culture change, attracting and motivating good people, organisational development and global HR policies. She or he will collaborate closely with all Hivos Hubs and their support functions to create an outstanding, inclusive workplace across diverse workforce

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

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 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 labour 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 core operational support functions, including premises management, office services, and facilities standards across all locations.
• 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.

Skills and Experience

• More than 10 years of progressive experience managing P&C in international organization, preferably an NGO
• 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.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and CV (maximum 2 pages) as soon as possible by clicking the ‘Apply here’ button. "Or something extra for applicants.