HR Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) is a non-profit, international organization that focuses on improving agricultural production systems, particularly for basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. Established to address the challenges faced by resource-poor farmers, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South, working to enhance the livelihoods and resilience of these communities through applied agricultural science and strong partnerships. The organization is committed to fostering a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. CIMMYT's mission is to solve tomorrow's problems today, and it has a significant presence in various countries, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The HR Manager position at CIMMYT is a pivotal role that requires a self-motivated and results-oriented professional to lead and manage the full spectrum of human resources for CIMMYT’s India programs. This position acts as a strategic partner, ensuring compliance with Indian labor laws, HR policies, and organizational standards. The HR Manager will be responsible for supporting talent management, workforce planning, employee relations, and culture-building initiatives across CIMMYT India. The role encompasses overseeing HR administration and development activities, from hiring to retiring of locally recruited staff members, and providing effective support to the administration of internationally recruited staff. The HR Manager will also be involved in recruitment processes, staff benefits administration, performance management, training priorities, payroll processing, and ensuring compliance with local legislation and HR policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HR Manager will oversee all HR administration and development activities in CIMMYT’s India Country Office, which includes managing the recruitment processes in compliance with CIMMYT’s policies, administering staff benefits programs, and supporting the implementation of HR processes defined with HQ. Specific duties include conducting recruitment processes, providing professional HR advice to program leaders, maintaining staff databases, ensuring compliance with local legislation, overseeing HR analysts, coordinating training programs, and supporting grievance resolution processes. The HR Manager will also be responsible for payroll incidences, leave and attendance data management, and developing follow-up plans for training assessments. Additionally, the role requires performing any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. They should have 7–10 years of relevant HR experience, with strong knowledge of Indian labor laws and HR best practices. Experience working with multi-location or international organizations is preferred. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Flexibility to travel to various sites is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has a solid understanding of HR principles, business operations, and the strategic role of HR in organizational success.

Experience:
The HR Manager position requires 7–10 years of relevant HR experience. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in HR practices, compliance with labor laws, and the complexities of managing human resources in an international context. Experience in multi-location or international organizations is highly desirable, as it equips the candidate with the necessary skills to navigate diverse work environments and cultural differences.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of CIMMYT. Knowledge of Hindi or other local languages may be advantageous for effective communication within the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, including health insurance and other benefits. Candidates must apply online for the HR Manager position and ensure that their applications include a CV with contact details of three work-related references, along with a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is important to note that this position is recruited locally, and applicants must have the legal right to work in India at the time of application, as CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality and diversity.