Human Resources Director, WRI Mexico

This is a hybrid position that requires a minimum of 8 days per month in the office in Mexico City.  Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. 

About the role 

The Human Resources (HR) Director for WRI Mexico, plays an integral role in the people agenda for staff located in Mexico and Colombia. In this role you will work with institute leaders to set people priorities and drive the progression of the people agenda including talent management and organization and leadership effectiveness. You will be an integral member of the WRI Mexico management team and the Global HR network, leading the way in optimized delivery of HR solutions and priorities, data-driven, growth oriented and strategic HR policies and systems.  

This is a role with substantial leadership, delivery and transformation aspects with an internal focus. The HR Director provides leadership in streamlining current practices and identifying innovative solutions to the HR requirements across WRI Mexico’s areas of work, aligning with the global organisation through participation in institute-wide initiatives, whilst ensuring Mexico and Colombia best practice and legal compliance is met. 

Reporting to the WRI Mexico Country Director with a dotted line to the Chief People Officer (CPO), you’ll work closely with our global WRI HR network (Africa, Brazil, China, Colombia, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, US). Your work will help WRI become the best-run NGO in the world — not just for operational excellence, but to ensure every employee has a great experience and can do their best work in service of our mission 

Job Responsibilities  

Leadership and Advisory (25%) 

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and Senior leadership providing strategic HR guidance aligned with organizational priorities and objectives 

• Build, mentor, develop high-performing HR teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth 

• Ensure that the HR and TA team infrastructure is fit for purpose as WRI Mexico continues to grow, managing expansion across programme areas and other disciplines  

• Lead and coach the team through organisational growth processes and changing needs of the Institute, ensuring that team priorities and development goals are aligned with the 5-year strategy 

• Work closely with Talent Acquisition Specialists to ensure recruitment practices are aligned with internal strategies, external regulations and market trends  

• Manage mobility, relocation, immigration and other processes related to movement of staff through continual improvement of policies and alignment with global practices 

HR Policies and Procedures (25%) 

• Balance long-term people strategies with effective day-to-day HR operations 

• Analyze and recommend HR-related policies, including compensation and benefits policies, to establish competitive programs and compliance with statutory requirements. 

• Ensure that HR policies and procedures are upheld through communication of HR policies to employees and managers Review HR policies and practices to ensure compliance with national legal and regulatory frameworks  

• Ensure that all employees have access to career development opportunities, through access to learning resources, including coaching and mentoring programmes  

• Oversee promotion process for WRI Mexico and WRI Colombia staff  

• Review and benchmark staff salaries and benefits in line with organisational standards and external markets 

• Ensure compliance with local laws, through awareness and topical application of existing, new or changed regulations 

• Plan, implement and facilitate communication of annual salary increases  

• Coordinate to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing 

Employee Relations (20%) 

• Facilitate healthy employee relations through fostering a fair, transparent and inclusive working environment 

• Supervise the maintenance of personnel files and HR database  

• Partner with (senior)managers on employee relations issues and concerns, managing grievance and disciplinary processes as needed 

• Conduct and provide guidance in termination processes including exit interviews, ensuring that all termination processes are performed in accordance with relevant legislation 

Change Management (15%) 

• Influence and facilitate the process of organizational change and development - leading to improved organizational and individual performance – through participation in global processes and collaboration with the wider HR community 

• Understand external developments and trends in order that they are represented within the WRI working environment 

Culture and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (15%) 

• Drive organizational culture and engagement initiatives, strengthening workplace climate and employee experience 

• Partner across the Institute to create and encourage a fair and transparent working environment that enables each WRI employee to reach their full potential 

• Play a leading role in advancing WRIs Mexico and Colombia’s DEI work, through global initiatives and local implementation, including monitoring and tracking progress via solid data systems and reporting, engagement with the DEI community 

• Facilitate opportunities for staff to provide regular feedback on issues of concern and ensure appropriate follow up 

What you will need: 

• Minimum of 12 years of full time relevant professional experience working in HR with at least 3 years’ supervisory experience, ideally within an international nonprofit matrixed organization 

• Experience including management responsibility for aspects of an HR department in a complex, fast-changing, and growing organization of approximately 100 staff with a strong record of accomplishment of delivering high-quality services 

• The ability to analyse and distil business needs and to coordinate and develop HR systems and processes strategically to meet evolving demands 

• Excellent people management skills with the ability to motivate and lead a team 

• Knowledge of Mexico Labor Law, processes and Mexico financial regulation preferred 

• Knowledge of written and spoken English and Spanish is mandatory 

Skills & Qualifications 

• High level of discretion and integrity with proven ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment and professionalism 

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, capable of navigating complex organizational dynamics with tact, empathy, and credibility 

• Strategic mindset with operational excellence, balancing long-term people strategies with effective day-to-day HR operations 

• Strong internal partner management skills, able to influence, align, and partner with senior leaders, board members, and global teams 

• Ability to manager complex and sensitive employee matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant decision-making 

• Sound judgement and emotional intelligence, particularly when handling delicate situations requiring discretion and balanced decision-making 

• Change management capability, guiding organizations and teams through transformation while maintaining alignment and engagement.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion to work with people across levels, functions, and programs to build a strong coherent institution 

• Integrity and the interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate at all levels in the organization 

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team across time zones. Strong problem solving and decision-making skills in the face of complexity 

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and HRIS (such as Workday) 

• Capability to learn and use proprietary software applications 

How to Apply: 

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 8 May 2026. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications. 

We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter in addition to your resume. 

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

What we offer: 

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US 

• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.  

• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work 

• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI 

• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours 

• Generous leave days that increase with tenure including sabbatical leave 

• A generous pension plan that includes employer and employee contribution