People & Operations Lead

Emergent is a global non-profit that mobilizes public and private finance to conserve and restore the world’s forests to combat the climate crisis. We act as a catalyst between forest governments and participants of the LEAF Coalition—a groundbreaking public-private partnership committed to halting tropical deforestation by 2030. By uniting private sector buyers, donor governments, forest governments, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), and civil society, LEAF aims to raise and deploy the finance needed to tackle deforestation by making tropical forests worth more alive than dead.

Emergent purchases high-integrity carbon credits from national and subnational jurisdictions generated through their REDD+ programs and verified under the ART TREES standard. These credits are sold to LEAF Coalition participants – donor governments and corporate buyers – who are committed to achieving ambitious climate and nature goals.

We have a historical opportunity to bend the climate curve – if we act now. If you are passionate about climate change and believe in preserving and protecting forests, please read on.

The Role

We are seeking a People & Operations Lead (internal title ‘People & Operations Manager’) to own the employee experience from start to finish, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and organizational culture. Beyond this, the P&O role will also provide broad operational support on things like systems roll-out and management, vendor oversight, and contract generation.

Our ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter who appreciates organization. You are as capable of navigating health care documents as you are supporting a colleague in need. You are trustworthy, discreet, and systems oriented.

This role is based either in London or Barcelona and is expected to require approximately 80–90% of a full-time commitment, starting immediately.

Responsibilities

Talent Management & Recruitment

• Administer all employment changes on our HRIS (BambooHR) and global PEOs (US, UK, Spain)
• Summarize employment changes to inform payroll, in coordination with our Finance team
• Own recruitment from start to finish: prepare job descriptions, review applications, screen candidates, coordinate interviews, and share updates internally and with candidates
• Ensure our compliance with internal policies and external compliance requirements, in the US, UK, and Spain
• Onboard and orient new team members to the how and what of everything we do
• Promote our collaborative culture in ways big and small
• Discreetly escalate employee relations matters as necessary

General Operations & Logistics

• Manage service providers (IT, PEOs, background check, etc.)
• Prepare internal meeting agendas and decks as needed
• Generate and track consultant contracts

Finally, like all colleagues, this role is responsible for continuous improvement in our processes and systems. See something to improve? We want you to take the lead in making it happen.

Qualifications

Must haves:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in a fast-paced and growing company, social enterprise, or nonprofit.
• Demonstrated ability to operate flexibly, find creative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong sense of personal accountability, punctuality, and attention to detail.
• Compassion, poise, and professionalism.
• Interest in climate, sustainability, or nature-based solutions
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.

Nice to haves:

• Experience, formal training, and/or certifications in HR.
• Experience with a globally dispersed organization.
• IT management experience.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have work authorization in the country where they are applying.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter detailing why you are a strong fit for the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If your application is unsuccessful, we will not retain your personal data.

Equal Opportunities

Emergent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, local or other applicable laws.

Studies have shown that men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them. If you think you have most of what we’re looking for and believe you’d be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you.