Head of People, Culture and DEI

The Global Fund for a New Economy

Head of People, Culture and DEI

Introduction

The Head of People, Culture and DEI will lead the development and implementation of policies, systems, and practices that support GFNE’s mission while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This role will oversee all day-to-day people operations, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee well-being. Beyond traditional HR responsibilities, the Head of People, Culture and DEI will play a critical role in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the organization’s culture and working practices, while creating innovative approaches to collaboration, learning, and development for a remote, asynchronous team.

This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to build the foundations of a people-centered organization that thrives on collaboration, adaptability, and shared values.

About the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE)

Founded in 2024, the Global Fund for a New Economy (GFNE) is dedicated to building an economic system that benefits all people, protects our planet, and strengthens democracy. GFNE partners with leaders, changemakers, and innovative organizations to provide the strategic funding, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to drive this transformation.

As a remote-first organization, GFNE is committed to building a global team rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value a wide range of perspectives and strive to foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace culture that aligns with our mission. Our work spans partnerships with think tanks, community organizations, academic institutions, labor unions, and advocacy groups, building a global movement for a sustainable and democratic economy.

With founding support from the Hewlett Foundation, Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation, and the Omidyar Network, GFNE is prioritizing efforts in ten countries: Brazil, India, the United States, South Africa, Kenya, Germany, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Mexico, and Indonesia. Our current focus areas include exploring the economic opportunities and challenges of the green transition and addressing the impact of AI and emerging technologies. Specifically, GFNE will invest in field building, mobilize resources for the ecosystem, and support partner organizations through catalytic grants and strategic and operational support. 

We invite those who share our commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economy to join us in this transformative work.

About the role 

The Head of People, Culture and DEI will lead GFNE’s efforts to create a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace that reflects the organization’s mission and values. This role combines strategic leadership in people operations with a focus on embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the organization’s culture, while designing innovative approaches to learning and development for a globally distributed team.

As a remote-first organization, GFNE requires the  Head of People, Culture and DEI to be adept at working with employers of record and fiscal sponsors, as well as quickly assessing and navigating labor laws and compliance requirements across various countries.

Responsibilities

The work will entail a range of activities, including:

People Operations

• Manage all day-to-day HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and offboarding.
• Develop and implement policies and systems that ensure legal compliance and operational excellence across a globally distributed team.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, and payroll systems, ensuring transparency and equity in alignment with organizational values.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers of record, fiscal sponsors, and other stakeholders supporting employment and contracting of staff, including negotiating terms and services.
• Maintain and manage consultant management processes for various mapping, research, design and other services.

Policy and Systems Development

• Design and implement organizational policies and practices that reflect GFNE’s values and strategic priorities.
• Establish scalable HR systems to support the needs of a remote-first organization operating across multiple time zones and geographies.
• Maintain compliance with employment laws and regulations in key regions where GFNE operates.
• Assess people related risks and engage with leadership to find appropriate mitigations, including people safety and security in an environment with remote work and extensive global travel.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Support the development of GFNE’s DEI principles and lead efforts to infuse DEI principles into all aspects of GFNE’s culture, policies, and practices.
• Create and sustain initiatives that foster an inclusive, equitable, and empowering workplace.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and leadership to strengthen awareness and implementation of DEI principles.

Learning and Development

• Conduct a needs assessment to identify internal training and development priorities for staff.
• Design and implement innovative, asynchronous learning programs that cater to the needs of a remote workforce.
• Engage internal and external experts to develop and deliver appropriate learning and development spaces and opportunities.
• Build leadership development pathways to nurture talent and support career growth across the organization.

Organizational Culture and Engagement

• Partner with leadership to shape and sustain a values-driven organizational culture that prioritizes collaboration, well-being, and innovation.
• Develop a staff pulse survey and systems for regular employee feedback, engagement, and recognition.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and staff on people-related matters, fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect.

Person specification

The  Head of People, Culture and DEI will be a well-established leader in the field. They will have:

• 10+ years of experience in human resources, organizational development, or people management roles, with at least 5 years in leadership positions.
• A self-starter, agile and proactive, with experience working in either a start-up or growth-oriented organizational context highly preferable.
• Proven experience with employers of record and managing transitions from fiscal sponsorship to independent organizational operations.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing HR systems and policies for remote or globally distributed teams.
• Proven experience embedding DEI principles into organizational culture and practices.
• Strong knowledge of HR practices, employment laws, and compliance requirements across key regions, particularly the US and Global South.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and foster collaboration across a diverse team.
• Expertise in designing and implementing learning and development programs, especially for remote or asynchronous teams.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to solving operational challenges.
• Deep commitment to GFNE’s mission and values, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural, globally distributed organization.
• A proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset.

Compensation and terms & conditions

Location: Remote, but travel is expected to meet colleagues from the Fund, partners, and allied organizations. 

Working hours: Full-time. Some flexibility will be available and necessary to ensure effective working with a global team. 

Compensation for this role will be competitive relative to the market in which candidates are based. The Fund is currently determining benefits packages. The details of these will be discussed with candidates in due course. 

How to apply

If you wish to be considered for this position, please submit your application along with a résumé and cover letter outlining your interest in and relevance to the role at globalneweconomy.org. 

The deadline for applications is January 20, 2025. We currently aim to interview shortlisted candidates through Jan and early Feb, though this may be subject to change as schedules allow. 

The Global Fund for a New Economy is committed to building a diverse team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration, irrespective of racial or ethnic background, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health, or disabilities. We positively encourage applications from those from under-represented or marginalized groups.