Job Vacancy – Global Head of People & Culture
Our client, Natural State, is a non-profit organization focused on large-scale environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation, using technology, impact monitoring, and innovative finance mechanisms to drive nature-based solutions worldwide. Natural State is seeking a highly driven and experienced professional to fill the following position:
GLOBAL HEAD OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Reporting to the Vice President, the Global Head of People and Culture will serve as the architect of Natural State’s global people strategy and the guardian of its organizational culture. The role holder will be responsible for building and leading a world-class HR function that supports the organization’s ambitious mission across diverse international landscapes. This is a strategic, hands-on role requiring equal expertise in developing global frameworks and managing complex, localized HR operations from U.S. and African employment contracts to fostering leadership development in remote field locations.
Key Responsibilities
i) Strategic HR Leadership & Global Framework
• Developing and executing a global HR strategy aligned with Natural State’s three-year strategic plan and mission.
• Designing and implementing standardized HR policies, processes, and HRIS systems that remain adaptable across multiple countries (Kenya, U.S., South Africa, and future locations).
• Establishing and monitoring global HR metrics and analytics to support data-driven decision- making on talent, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Leading strategic HR initiatives, including HRIS implementation, compensation benchmarking, and talent management framework development.
ii) Talent Acquisition, Management & Development
• Designing and overseeing a global talent acquisition strategy to attract diverse, high-caliber professionals in conservation, technology, finance, and field operations.
• Driving the development and implementation of a global performance management system, succession planning, and leadership development programs.
• Creating and managing career pathing and professional development initiatives that support staff growth across technical and managerial tracks.
1• Fostering a strong talent pipeline and internal mobility to support organizational scaling.
iii) Global Compliance, Contracts & Employee Relations
• Serving as the internal authority on employment law and contract management across the United States, Kenya, and South Africa.
• Reviewing, drafting, and standardizing employment, consultancy, and service provider agreements across jurisdictions.
• Ensuring 100% compliance with all local labor laws, regulations (including 501(c)(3) rules, data protection/GDPR), and best practices in every country of operation.
• Managing employee relations matters, including disciplinary processes, dispute resolution, and HR risk mitigation.
iv) Culture, Engagement & Team Leadership
• Building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing global HR team, comprising country HR managers, generalists, and coordinators.
• Serving as a trusted strategic advisor to the Vice President, Senior Management Team, and Board of Directors on all people-related matters.
• Partnering closely with global department heads (Finance, Programs, Technology) to understand their goals and provide integrated HR solutions.
• Championing organizational culture and employee engagement initiatives that reflect Natural State’s mission and values across diverse geographies.
Required Qualifications & Experience
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a direct global/regional HR leadership role overseeing multiple countries. Non-profit or mission-driven organization experience is highly preferred.
• Proven, hands-on experience independently reviewing, drafting, and managing employment and consulting contracts under U.S. (Federal/State), Kenyan, and South African legal frameworks. Must be able to demonstrate this expertise.
• In-depth, practical knowledge of employment laws, regulatory compliance, and labor practices in the U.S., East Africa, and Southern Africa.
• Proven experience in selecting, implementing, and leveraging a global HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and HR analytics.
• Exceptional leadership, influence, and communication skills with the ability to operate effectively at board, executive, and field staff levels across cultures.
Core Skills & Competencies
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build rapport and trust across diverse cultural contexts.
• A deep passion for conservation and sustainability, and the ability to connect HR work to tangible environmental impact.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, resource-conscious environment and solve complex problems with practical solutions.
• Unimpeachable ethical standards in handling sensitive global staff data and situations.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in scaling HR functions in a high-growth international organization.
• International professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, GPHR).
• Experience working in conservation, climate action, international development, or related fields.
Interested candidates are requested to forward their updated CVs to recruit@virtualhr.co.ke, stating the subject heading Global Head of People and Culture by Thursday, 26th March 2026. Please indicate your expected remuneration and provide contacts and addresses for three referees.
Note:
• Natural State is an equal opportunity employer. The Organization celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.