HR Officer

Job Description

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will be based in our office in London. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. This will be a 1 year contract with the possibility of extension.

About the Program:

The WRI Europe HR and Operations team supports multiple aspects of each employee’s time at WRI, from hiring and induction to employee benefits and professional development, through development and application of global and local systems and policies.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the HR Director, WRI Europe, you will play an integral role in providing support to our staff located throughout Europe, with a focus on our London Office. You will be key to managing our HR processes and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Europe office. You are an independent thinker who can help solve complex problems and advise on internal processes. You will play an integral role in the delivery of HR solutions and priorities through data-driven information. The ability to work flexibly in a highly collaborative team and manage remote relationships within a global network is key to the success of this role. You will add vital capacity to the WRI Europe HR team, supporting the increasing number of staff based in Europe with a focus on systems implementation, data analysis and overall employee experience.

What you will do:

Business Partnering (70%):

• Facilitate a healthy employee relations environment by providing timely and accurate responses to employment related queries, including management of the WRI Europe HR Inbox
• Provide guidance to managers and staff on HR policies and procedures, including onboarding, sickness absence, Maternity & Parental leave, termination and off-boarding processes (focused mainly on the UK)
• Maintain personnel files and the HRIS database (Workday)
• Support the annual performance management process and learning and development initiatives within WRI Europe
• 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
• Play a pivotal role in conducting new employee orientation and training employees on HR policies, procedures and systems ensuring global alignment (internal) and local compliance (external)
• Work closely with facilities and office management teams to ensure health and safety of staff and support wellbeing initiatives across WRI Europe

Talent Acquisition (15%):

• Work closely with Talent Acquisition Team and support recruitment process for staff
• Support relocation, immigration and other responsibilities related to staffing administration, including visa application processes

Salary/Remuneration Structure (10%):

• Plan, implement and facilitate communication of annual salary increases
• Coordinate with the Europe Accounts team to ensure accurate and timely payroll transfers

Change Management (5%):

• Carry out special human resource/administration projects in collaboration with other teams, such as Operations and Facilities
• Engage in and help to promote DEI and Culture initiatives in support of a healthy working environment

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 relevant work experience including working in human resources administrative roles
• Experience in the development of new systems and policies to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Experience in customer service-oriented roles
• Demonstrable familiarity with UK labour laws & practices
• 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
• Experience within an international non-profit matrixed organization would be a plus
• 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:

£45,000 - £56,000

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 2 September 2025. 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