Head of Human Resources

Head Human Resources_iFOREST

The Role

iFOREST is seeking a senior professional to lead the organisation's Human Resources function. The role involves overseeing HR operations, recruitment, talent development, organisational culture, and statutory compliance.

The HR Head will partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership to align people practices with institutional goals and support a growing, multi-disciplinary, and geographically distributed team.

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while contributing to national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

Our work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

Location Noida

Reporting to CEO

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Lead and oversee the overall HR function for the organisation.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with iFOREST's mission, growth plans, and organisational values.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on people-related matters.
• Strengthen organisational culture, employee engagement, and performance management systems.

Recruitment and Talent Management

• Lead workforce planning and recruitment across levels, including senior leadership, research, programme, and support roles.
• Design and manage efficient hiring processes, from role definition to onboarding.
• Support leadership in identifying talent needs and building high-performing teams.
• Drive onboarding, induction processes for new hires.
• Support learning, development, and capacity-building initiatives for staff.

HR Policies and Processes

• Develop, review, and update HR policies, manuals, and SOPs in line with best practices and organisational needs.
• Ensure transparent, equitable, and well-documented HR processes across the employee lifecycle.
• Implement performance appraisal systems, promotion frameworks, and feedback mechanisms.
• Manage employee relations, grievance redressal, and conflict resolution processes.

Institutional Support, Administration and Growth

• Oversee leaves, attendance, employee benefits, contracts, and HR documentation.
• Maintain accurate HR records and MIS for reporting and decision-making.
• Support organisational expansion by strengthening HR systems and structures suitable for a growing institution.
• Contribute to institutional decision-making as part of the senior management team.
• Promote best practices in people management within a not-for-profit research organisation context.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Human Resources Management
• 1015+ years of progressive experience in HR, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, or consulting firms.

Required Competencies

• Strong understanding of end-to-end HR functions, including recruitment, policies, performance management, and compliance.
• Ability to build systems and processes in a startup / growing organisation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and mission-driven environment.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

We encourage candidates to apply online at https://iforest.global/careers/. If you face any difficulties, you may send your application to [Confidential Information].