Role: Chief Human Resources Officer

Contract Type: Volunteer

Interview: February 2025

Duration 12 Months

Who we are & What do we believe? 

Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:

Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.

At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.

Wherever you are, whoever you are !

We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.

About the Position

Arcadia is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Human Resources Officer to spearhead our Human Resources department and advance the growth and well-being of our diverse volunteer workforce. As the CHRO, you will be responsible for designing and executing innovative HR strategies that promote an inclusive organizational culture, foster the development of Arcadia’s talent, and align human resource initiatives with the strategic objectives of the organization.   In this role, you will oversee the implementation of HR policies and programs, with direct line management responsibility for six HR managers, each leading a specialized sub-department. You will convene and lead strategic planning meetings with these managers to establish effective and forward-thinking HR policies, foster leadership development, and create dynamic approaches to team engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, you will enhance HR frameworks to meet the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence.   

You will collaborate closely with the executive leadership to ensure that HR practices are fully integrated into organizational goals. You will also prepare detailed HR performance reports for executive and board-level discussions, ensuring transparent communication of all key HR metrics, initiatives, and solutions. The CHRO will be a vital partner in fostering an organizational culture that reflects Arcadia’s core values and mission, ensuring that our people and practices are equipped to drive sustainable growth and transformative impact across all of our programs and initiatives.  

Key Responsibilities

As the CHRO, you will have a strategic role in shaping the future of Arcadia and driving initiatives that directly impact the organization’s growth and mission. Your responsibilities will include:  

Strategic HR Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and refine HR strategies and initiatives that align with Arcadia’s vision, values, and strategic goals. Lead efforts to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence within the HR department, ensuring that the organization remains adaptable and future-focused in its approach to workforce development.  

Talent Management and Workforce Development:  

• Oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, onboarding, and retention to ensure that Arcadia attracts, nurtures, and retains a diverse and highly skilled pool of international volunteers. Design and implement forward-thinking programs for professional development, skill-building, and career progression.

Executive Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:  

• Work in close partnership with senior executives, including the CEO and department directors, to integrate HR strategies with the organization’s broader objectives. Provide strategic counsel and insights on emerging HR trends, talent priorities, and organizational growth opportunities, ensuring that Arcadia remains responsive to the evolving needs of its workforce and mission.  

Volunteer Engagement and Well-being:

• Advocate for the needs and well-being of Arcadia’s volunteers, ensuring that all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute effectively. Lead the development of well-being initiatives that enhance volunteer satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.

Skills and Competencies Required:

Executive HR Leadership and Strategic Vision  

• Expertise in crafting and executing forward-thinking HR strategies that align seamlessly with organizational objectives, ensuring sustainable impact, operational efficiency, and the cultivation of high-performing teams across diverse international contexts.  

Global Leadership and Cross-Cultural Competence  

• Deep experience leading and managing diverse, remote, and cross-functional teams in a global environment. A strategic mindset in fostering a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging, with a deep commitment to leveraging DEI best practices to ensure organizational adaptability, cohesion, and high employee engagement across cultural boundaries. Skilled in navigating complex cultural dynamics and effectively leading teams toward shared goals.  

Change Leadership and Organizational Excellence  

• Proven track record of leading and executing large-scale organizational change initiatives, driving strategic alignment, and ensuring the smooth integration of new structures, processes, and cultures. Expertise in organizational development, with the ability to diagnose system-wide challenges, design transformative solutions, and lead teams through transitions with minimal disruption, all while ensuring the achievement of long-term organizational effectiveness.  

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, International Relations, Psychology, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.  
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior or executive leadership capacity, ideally but not limited within an IO, INGO, NGO.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing HR strategies that facilitate organizational growth, enhance volunteer engagement, and maximize retention through data-driven practices. This includes the ability to tailor HR initiatives to meet the diverse needs of an international workforce while ensuring alignment with strategic goals and fostering a sustainable talent pipeline.  
• In-depth understanding of HR best practices in global and cross-cultural environments, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• Fluency in English is required. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with senior leadership, employees, volunteers, and external stakeholders.  
• Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
• A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.  

What We Offer 

• An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
• Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
• Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
• We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
• Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
• The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
• Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
• The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments. 
• The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 
• Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section. 
• Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
• Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.



Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.