International Institute for sustainable development
About Us
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. IISD’s 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 Role
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 way—such as preparing offer letters, leading orientation, or inputting employee data—when 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 IISD’s 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 practices—from recruitment to employee engagement—while 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.