International Development jobs in Italy

This is an exceptional opportunity to oversee, lead and unify the global HR function for an international non-profit entity.

Reporting to the CEO, this is a pivotal role for a people-first, systems-oriented leader who thrives in a multicultural, mission-driven environment.

As a key Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member, this role sets the vision for a high-performing, values-driven culture aligned with the organization’s mission and growth trajectory.

This position provides strategic oversight and direction of all HR functions globally. The VP will guide workforce planning, organizational design, leadership development, and HR systems integration while managing and mentoring a distributed HR team.

• Develop and implement a global people and culture strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Develop and govern unified policies, frameworks, and governance structures.
• Act as a strategic advisor on organizational design, people risks, and workforce decisions.
• Present key people metrics and insights to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Board of Directors.

• Design and execute global talent strategies that meet current and future organizational needs.
• Partner with regional and local HR teams to implement global talent acquisition, succession planning, and workforce planning processes across all locations.
• Design and implement leadership development and succession planning programs.

• Oversee learning and development frameworks across all levels of the organization, including collaboration on technical L&D activities with the Programs and Applied Learning teams.
• Develop global leadership programs, manager training, coaching, and mentorship systems.
• Align performance management systems with organizational goals and values.

• Champion organizational values through culture interventions.
• Provide guidance and resources for managers on supporting employee well-being, crisis response, and post-incident care.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and mission–driven organizational culture.

• Oversee HR teams across countries, ensuring consistency in policy implementation, HRIS integration, and data integrity.
• Lead global harmonization of compensation, benefits, and legal compliance across jurisdictions.
• Ensure timely people analytics and reporting to inform decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and employment standards in Canada and other jurisdictions overseas.

• Implement HR technology solutions to streamline processes and improve data-driven decision-making.
• Monitor HR metrics and report on workforce trends to the executive team and board.

• Develop and enforce global duty-of-care policies covering workplace health & safety, mental well-being, and security protocols for staff in all regions.
• Partner with operations and local HR teams to risk-assess travel, remote deployments, and field activities—ensuring appropriate insurance, emergency response plans, and local support systems.

• Master’s degree in HR, Organizational Development, or related field preferred.
• HR certification (e.g., CHRL, SHRM-SCP, CIPD, HRCI) strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership of distributed HR teams and complex change initiatives.
• Strong expertise in people operations, organizational development, DEI, and leadership development.
• Track record working with mission-driven, nonprofit, or international development organizations.
• A satisfactory criminal record check is required.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Global experience is required.

• Strong collaborative leadership skills.
• Orientation to building relationships by fostering a climate of inclusion, openness and trust.
• Exceptional cross-cultural communication, strategic thinking, and leadership presence.
• Ability to foster a culture of cooperation and encourage positive team dynamics.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills.

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.