Vice President Global Human Resources

Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international NGO recognized as a leading agency promoting large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts and empowering African smallholders to build sustainable farms and resilient communities. We are benefiting from an expanding interest in agroforestry and transformational investment available through the voluntary carbon markets. As a result, our team and operations are expanding. We are seeking a VP of Global Human Resources with experience in change management to help us transition from an entrepreneurial model as we scale to serve a larger global footprint. With an emphasis on staff development and building an inclusive organizational culture, you’ll create the infrastructure of our HR function while supporting employees across multiple countries, each with its own legal requirements, cultural contexts, and resource challenges.

Reporting to the CEO, you will oversee all HR operations for our small US-based central office and a staff of over 300 in Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. You will also hire and lead a dedicated HR team. This is a highly engaged, complex, and hands-on role where you will address day-to-day HR needs while developing the strategy for and leading key initiatives across our operational countries. You will upgrade and improve our existing processes and systems and apply your broad expertise in all areas of international HR, including recruitment, benefits, compliance, employee relations, training and development, performance management, compensation, and culture management. A large part of your role will be working closely with and mentoring HR Business Partners in our African locations, ensuring compliance with employment requirements in each jurisdiction, supporting the implementation of employee engagement and professional development initiatives, and fostering a safe and supportive work environment for all.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Our people move our mission forward—we see investing in our human resources function as essential to our future growth. As a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the CEO, Board, and other senior leaders, receiving their full support to implement initiatives that will reshape our workforce as we grow.

Your strategic vision and hands-on approach will not only boost the efficiency and effectiveness of our processes and systems but also significantly improve internal communications and cohesion among our geographically dispersed teams. Your leadership will cultivate a vibrant, inclusive work environment where our diverse, global team feels empowered and supported to reach their highest potential, advance their careers, and drive meaningful change in the communities we serve.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• You’ll enjoy a fully remote work environment with travel periodically (4 to 7 times a year if not located in the DMV) to our central office in Washington, DC. This role requires additional travel in the first year to become familiar with staff and operations in Africa and flexibility in working hours to accommodate international time zones.
• The budgeted salary range for this role is $140,000-160,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience and work location. We also offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Key Focus Areas

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the human resources and staff development strategy to align with and support TREES’ strategic goals.
• Provide leadership and guidance as a member of the Senior Leadership Team in developing and executing corporate strategic work products, communications, and actions.

Talent Management and Development

• Oversee, resource, and lead the full complement of talent functions, including recruiting, onboarding/off-boarding, performance management, skills development, compliance, compensation, and benefits throughout the global operation.
• Enable the full utilization of the TREES HRIS and other systems for maximum efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of talent cycle management throughout the organization.
• Identify, sequence, and pace HR change management initiatives designed to be attractive to a diverse and global talent pool.
• In partnership with senior colleagues and country directors, empower and support in-country HR professionals to operate in line with good practice and TREES policies.
• Lead or support as-needed central office and field initiatives to support employee engagement and team building.
• Undertake and inspire formal and informal employee engagement activities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Develop and implement strategies to build a more inclusive workplace, fostering a workplace culture of respect, representation, and inclusivity.
• Address specific demographic and cultural challenges in different regions.

Governance and Compliance

• Update, initiate where necessary, document, and communicate HR policies and standard operating procedures.
• Develop and maintain a productive set of partnerships with counsel in all TREES jurisdictions and engage as necessary to ensure effective compliance with policies and laws related to employment.
• Lead and maintain policies, procedures, training, and reporting tools supporting global safeguarding and security.
• Perform the role of ombudsman for the organization’s whistleblower hotline system, including managing issues raised and reporting them to the Board.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is required. SPHR, SHRM-SCP, GPHR, or equivalent international HR certification is required.
• 10+ years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Experience with all aspects of the talent cycle and demonstrated success in developing and implementing HR strategies in a global, multicultural environment. Experience in African countries is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in HRIS and HR analytics tools. Experience managing and executing multiple projects in a high-growth organization.
• Deep understanding of global employment laws, compliance requirements, and best practices in compensation and benefits.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prepare and present concise and persuasive plans, documentation, and analyses.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English; French language capacity is a plus.
• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer (required).

About Us

Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international NGO dedicated to empowering farmers to restore their degraded lands, increasing their food security, wealth and resilience in the face of climate change.

As a global leader in agroforestry training for over 30 years, TREES provides hands-on, immersive capacity-building and support, encouraging farmers to work with nature, not against it. Our signature methodology, the Forest Garden Approach, helps farmers transform their land with thousands of fast-growing, ecologically appropriate trees and dozens of other crops, creating new possibilities for themselves and their communities. By embracing sustainable land practices, farmers are reclaiming their agency, breaking the cycles of climate change and generational poverty, and rebuilding food systems from the ground up. TREES currently works in Senegal, Mali, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.