HR & Governance Officer

Who Are We?

Dialogue Earth is an independent non-profit dedicated to producing exceptional environmental journalism and informed conversations on urgent climate and sustainability topics. Our unique model brings local voices to global audiences and global stories of hope, action, and change to local communities.

Dialogue Earth researches, writes, commissions, edits, and publishes news reports and analyses of environmental and climate threats, to stimulate the exchange of information and ideas between readers in diverse geographies.

We are committed to accurately portraying China’s development impacts across the Global South through geopolitically even-handed reporting and constructive dialogue. A UK-registered charity headquartered in London, our approach is rooted in a network of specialist country editors located across South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and delivered through reporting in eight languages, workshops, and media partnerships. We seek to bring light, rather than heat, to crucial debates, and solutions to bear on complex problems.

Role Purpose

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and motivated individual to join us in this newly created HR and Governance role at Dialogue Earth. We are seeking an organised and proactive person to provide day-to-day support across both functions, with around 70% of the role focused on HR. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in a fast-paced, global environment while contributing to meaningful work.

The HR and governance officer will lead and manage the organisation’s human resources, governance, and compliance functions. They will ensure that HR function and practices are fair, legally compliant, and aligned with organisational values, and will support the Board of Trustees in fulfilling their governance responsibilities. This role combines operational HR management with oversight of governance processes, supporting a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant working environment.

Main Responsibilities

Human Resources:

● Coordinate recruitment processes, including drafting job descriptions and contracts, applicant screening, supporting interviews and collecting references;

● Manage staff onboarding processes and induction material;

● Maintain and update HR policies, the staff handbook, and training records in consultation with the COO;

● Manage the HR system (Natural HR or equivalent) and ensure records are accurate and up to date;

● Manage EAP scheme, training, and benefits (e.g. Climate Perks, glasses benefit, Cycle to Work scheme);

● Coordinate staff performance reviews and support line managers with induction, appraisal, and probation processes;

● Manage visa applications for qualifying staff;

● Ensure compliance with UK employment law and monitor HR legislation changes;

● Support the COO in embedding EDI principles in operational practice.

Governance:

● Provide administrative support to the Board and sub-committees, including scheduling meetings, supporting the COO in preparing papers, and minuting meetings;

● Manage trustee onboarding, training, and compliance requirements;

● Ensure timely and accurate submissions to the Charity Commission and Companies House

Finance:

● Process monthly credit card receipts;

● Budget management, including preparation and expenditure tracking.

General:

● Build collaborative relationships across the organisation.

● Support other operational projects as required.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

● Understanding of and a commitment to the mission of the charity

● Experience in HR administration and policy development;

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

● Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal, written and communication skills;

● Knowledge of UK employment law and charity governance;

● Excellent minute-taking and record-keeping skills;

● High level of IT literacy (Google Suite, Microsoft Office);

● Ability to work and communicate with staff at all levels within the organisation.

Desirable Skills:

● CIPD qualification level 5 (or working towards);

● Experience managing visa sponsorship processes;

● MHFA qualification;

● Experience working with Natural HR or equivalent HR system;

● Experience working in the media or non-profit sector

Further Information and Benefits

● Salary: £37,000 per annum.

● Working Hours: 50% FTE of a four day working week (16 hours per week)

● Contract Type: 12 months fixed term, with potential for extension/renewal

● Start time: ASAP

● Hybrid Working: Staff must attend the office at least two days per week. Attendance is mandatory on Tuesdays and staff can choose which other day(s) they attend.

● Pension: Defined contribution pension plan, with 5% employer contribution, 4% employee contribution, and 1% tax relief contribution into an ethically conscious pension plan.

● Holidays: 20 days per annum (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays.

● Location: Shoreditch, London (unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role).

● Culture: Our office is a bright open-plan working space, with a great staff culture, a friendly and dynamic team, and an office dog called Poppy.

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How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in English. Please send the following to [email protected]:

● Curriculum Vitae (CV);

● Cover letter – please note that cover letters will be assessed as part of the application. Applications without a cover letter, or with a cover letter entirely generated by AI tools, will be rejected;

● Contact details for 2-3 professional referees.

The application deadline is 9am on Friday, 12th September 2025. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis and early application is recommended.

Accurate, compelling journalism requires a deep understanding of the diverse regions and communities we cover. To fulfill this, we are committed to building teams that reflect a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and identities, particularly those historically underrepresented in the media industry. By aligning our newsroom with the diversity of our coverage areas, we strengthen the quality, depth, and impact of our reporting.

For detailed information, see job pack on our website.