About the IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISDs staff of more than 300 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.

About the Position

The Manager, People and Culture plays a critical role in strengthening and streamlining Human Resources (HR) systems, processes, and support across IISD. As a key member of a small, collaborative team, this role ensures the smooth functioning of core HR platforms, provides expert guidance to people managers, and leads the implementation of high-impact projects that enhance the employee experience.

Reporting to the Director, People and Culture, the role combines hands-on responsibility for HR systems with proactive support for employee relations and people operations. It is ideal for someone who is systems-savvy, action-oriented, and energized by working in a globally distributed, purpose-driven organization.

While the focus of this position is on systems, strategic support, and project leadership, the Manager may occasionally contribute to generalist-level work in a hands-on waysuch as preparing offer letters, leading orientation, or inputting employee datawhen needed to support the broader team and maintain service excellence.

The role is based in Winnipeg. Hybrid work and flexible hours are available.

Why Join IISD?

• Contribute to a globally respected organization focused on sustainability, equity, and impact.
• Be part of a tight-knit, collaborative HR team where your voice matters.
• Lead meaningful projects and build systems that shape employee experience.
• Work in a flexible environment with autonomy and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations Leadership (40%)

• Own the functionality, data integrity, and optimization of key HR systems, including BambooHR (core HRIS), Payfactors (compensation), and Small Improvements (performance management).
• Support annual processes, including performance reviews and merit cycles.
• Oversee recruitment operations for assigned programs or departments by coordinating job postings, managing onboarding and offboarding processes, and contributing to IISDs employer brand and candidate experience.
• Mentor junior staff and provide leadership for specific initiatives.
  

People Partnering & Employee Relations (30%)

• Act as a trusted HR advisor to assigned people managers.
• Provide guidance on employee relations, performance issues, policy interpretation, and team dynamics; receive complaints and may conduct investigations.
• Coach managers to build confidence and consistency in people leadership.
• Contribute to HR policy development and application.
  

Strategic HR Initiatives (30%)

• Lead the implementation of a new, digitized employee onboarding system, coordinating across functions and vendors.
• Support organizational learning and leadership development by contributing to the design of learning initiatives aligned with institutional goals, leveraging the online learning platform to recommend relevant content and managing programs to build leadership capabilities while tracking their effectiveness.
• Support the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee and its Action Plan, embedding principles of inclusion and equity into all HR practicesfrom recruitment to employee engagementwhile championing a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.
• Support the implementation of the IISD HR People Plan, aligning people strategies with organizational priorities to foster a thriving, engaged, and high-performing workforce. This includes strengthening leadership, enhancing employee experience, and building organizational capacity for the future.
  

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including systems administration and HRBP support.
• Strong working knowledge of cloud-based HR platforms (e.g., HRIS and performance management systems).
• Experience advising managers and handling sensitive employee relations matters.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills, including experience with spreadsheets, formulas, and document formatting to support reporting and project work.
• A CPHR designation or candidate is considered an asset.
  

Competencies and Attributes

• Takes initiative, moves work forward independently, and thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment; brings momentum and drive to projects and initiatives.
• Listens actively, builds trust across diverse teams, and works effectively with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders to co-create solutions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skillsable to facilitate sessions and coach with clarity and confidence.
• Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to diverse cultural perspectives, actively promotes inclusive practices, and adapts approaches to foster equity and belonging across a global workforce.
• Alignment with IISDs mission and excitement for supporting purpose-driven work.

Location: Hybrid, Winnipeg.

Salary:The target hiring range for this position is $70,000-$90,000, CAD Annually with the ability to progress to a maximum of $103,891 CAD Annually. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role

Employment Type: Indefinite

Start date: Immediate opportunity

Application deadline: June 18, 2025, 4PM CST

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based without any sponsorship from IISD.

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A one-page letter of motivation
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process.We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer ouremployment equity questionnaireon our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.