Project Yananai
Deputy Chief People and Governance Officer
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Deputy Chief People and Governance Officer
Volunteer Role
Remote/Homebased
10hrs a week
About Project Yananai
Project Yananai is a global nonprofit organisation with Christian values, dedicated to empowering underserved communities through adult education, sustainable skills development, and humanitarian aid. With a rapidly growing international footprint and a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and high-impact governance, Project Yananai is poised for continued transformation and growth.
Role Purpose
The Deputy Chief People and Governance Officer (DCPGO) will lead the People and Governance Division, encompassing the departments of Human Resources, Administration & Office Management, SHERQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Risk & Quality), Governance & Board Relations, and Sustainability & ESG. As a key member of the Chief Officers’ group, the CPGO will play a central role in advancing Project Yananai’s people strategy and governance excellence across all global operations.
This pivotal executive role demands strategic vision, operational expertise, and a passion for leadership development and organisational transformation. The DCPGO will be responsible for ensuring that Project Yananai’s people, systems, and governance frameworks are robust, future-ready, and fully aligned with the organisation’s mission, vision, and core values.
Key Responsibilities
Division Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and oversee the People and Governance Division, including Human Resources, Administration & Office Management, SHERQ, Governance & Board Relations, and Sustainability & ESG departments.
- Develop and implement innovative people and governance strategies in alignment with Project Yananai’s mission and growth trajectory.
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent worldwide.
Board Relations & Governance
- Serve as a key liaison to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective communication, timely reporting, and board support in fulfilling fiduciary and governance obligations.
- Provide governance training and capacity building to the Boards of Project Yananai’s registered entities in India, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, promoting best-in-class governance standards and practices.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of governance frameworks, policies, and procedures in all jurisdictions.
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People & Talent Management
- Lead all aspects of the people agenda, including talent acquisition, leadership development, succession planning, performance management, employee engagement, and organisational culture.
- Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all teams and geographies.
- Support the growth and development of Project Yananai’s National Management Teams, ensuring they are equipped for success and empowered for impact.
Administration & SHERQ Oversight
- Lead Administration & Office Management, building a resilient Administration Team, ensuring efficient, seamless support for executive and board activities.
- Direct SHERQ initiatives, embedding a culture of safety, risk management, and quality across all operations.
Sustainability & ESG
- Drive the integration of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles into Project Yananai’s strategy, operations, and reporting.
- Ensure organisational alignment with global best practices and relevant sustainability standards.
Collaboration & Contract Management
- Collaborate closely with the Chief Officers’ group, including the Global General Counsel, who leads the Legal and Compliance Division, to ensure coordinated leadership across all critical support functions.
- Oversee and manage all relevant contracts for the division, ensuring protection of Project Yananai’s interests and compliance with obligations.
Leadership and Team Development
- Lead and manage several Heads of Departments, including the Head of Talent Acquisition, Head of Sustainability, Director of Safety, and Director of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) and Staff Development, providing strategic direction, support, and performance management.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance leadership culture across the People and Governance Division, promoting continuous learning, innovation, and shared accountability.
- Mentor, coach, and develop senior leaders and their teams, supporting talent development, succession planning, and professional growth opportunities.
- Encourage cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive operational excellence and ensure alignment with Project Yananai’s mission and strategic objectives.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within leadership and throughout the division, modelling organisational values and ethical standards.
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Organisational Transformation & Change Leadership
- Lead or support organisational change initiatives that strengthen systems, processes, and culture.
- Leverage digital tools and analytics to modernise operations and enable data-driven decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification in HR, governance, business, or related field highly desirable.
- Proven executive-level experience overseeing HR, governance, or organisational development in a complex, international, or nonprofit environment.
- Demonstrated success in leading diverse, high-performing teams and implementing people-centric innovations.
- Extensive knowledge of governance best practices, fiduciary responsibilities, compliance, and regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong financial acumen and experience with finance and risk management.
- Experience supporting and training boards, ideally in an international or multi-entity context.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
- High ethical standards, integrity, and a commitment to Project Yananai’s mission and values.
- Fluency in English required; additional languages an asset.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Board Governance & Relations
- People & Organisational Development
- Change Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Applicable Technology & Digital Tools
- Communication & Influence
- Cultural Sensitivity & Inclusion
- Integrity & Professionalism
Ready to lead a global People Division?
Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060 and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.
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