Senior Human Resources Business Partner

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will be based in our office in Washington, DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program: 

WRI’s new 5-year strategic plan commits us to build an inclusive, equitable and joyful organizational culture, strengthen organizational infrastructure, streamline systems, and achieve tighter operational integration. The HR team is responsible for enacting the support for this shift through our processes and policies

Job Highlight:

 Reporting to the Deputy Chief People Officer (CPO), The Senior HR Business Partner (HRBP) will serve as a strategic advisor and trusted collaborator to senior executives based in the WRI United States office, while also supporting HR operations and program teams across the WRI country/regional offices (Africa, Brazil, China, Colombia, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico). Operating from the WRI US office, you will provide guidance on workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, and change initiatives, ensuring alignment between global HR strategy, local labor compliance, and program operational needs.

This role will work closely with executive leaders and their delegates to anticipate talent needs and strengthen engagement. You will partner with country office HR teams and program leadership worldwide to harmonize HR practices, support compliance with local labor requirements, and promote equitable, consistent application of policies across regions. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating high matrixed environments and comfortable balancing strategic priorities with hands-on problem-solving.

What you will do: 

Business Partnering (70%):

• Advising leadership and country office HR teams on policy matters

• Supporting performance and development processes

• Guide organizational transitions

• Contributing to global HR initiatives such as DEI, compensation, US benefits, and workforce analytics

• Facilitate a healthy employee relations environment by providing timely and accurate responses to employment related queries, including leadership

• Support the annual performance management process

• Support the development and communication of HR policies to employees helping to ensure reliable access to up-to-date, relevant information and build cohesion between office locations

 Culture and Employee Experience 30%

 Team with managers and staff to create and maintain a positive working environment and improve morale

• Proactively advocate for employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives

• Monitor culture and employee experience. Engage with managers and staff to promote a workplace environment aligned with WRI’s values

• Identify skill gaps and recommend training or hiring solutions

• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management.

What you will need: 

Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, non-profit management, public administration, or a related field. Relevant work experience is accepted in lieu of a degree

• Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, including working in human resources administrative roles

• Experience in international development, humanitarian work, or similarly high matrixed global organizations

• Experience in the development of new systems and policies to improve efficiency and effectiveness

• Experience in workforce planning

• Experience working in an international organization across different cultures and geographies

• Experience handling confidential information discretely

• Experience managing multiple competing priorities

• Experience working with HRIS systems, preferably Workday

• Experience collaborating with other departments including payroll, accounting, facilities and operations

• Languages: You have verbal and written proficiency in English

• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary: 

Salary range for this role is between 97,000 to 110,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: 

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by February 10, 2026. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

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

What we offer: 

• A competitive salary

• 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.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People Team carefully reviews all applications