Human Resources People & Culture Specialist

Role: Human Resources People & Culture Specialist

Contract Type: Volunteer, Pro Bono

Interview: October 2026

Duration 12 Months (With Possible Extension)

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 a dedicated and proactive Human Resources People and Culture Specialist to support and enhance the organization’s workplace environment, ensuring a positive, inclusive, and engaging culture for all members. This role is essential in maintaining Arcadia’s commitment to fostering happiness, equality, and open communication across the organization.

As a Culture Specialist, you will work closely with the HR People & Culture Manager to implement initiatives that promote member well-being, strengthen internal relations, and align with Arcadia’s core values. Your responsibilities will include assisting in gathering staff feedback, identifying key areas for improvement, and supporting efforts to resolve workplace concerns. You will also contribute to the planning and execution of events, activities, and programs designed to improve team morale and engagement. In this role, you will help conduct confidential surveys, facilitate staff check-ins, and provide insights on how to enhance workplace culture through targeted initiatives. Additionally, you will assist in onboarding new employees, ensuring they integrate smoothly into Arcadia’s values and working environment. Your contributions will be instrumental in shaping policies that support a transparent and supportive workplace.

This position operates across two specialised pathways, allowing for focused contribution while maintaining alignment with broader people and culture objectives. Candidates will be assessed for one of the following tracks based on experience, strengths, and organisational needs:

People & Culture Relations (Governance Track)

• Focused on staffrelations, internal communication, conflict resolution, and policy alignment. This track plays a key role in maintaining organisational integrity, supporting members through workplace challenges, and ensuring consistent application of HR standards.

People & Culture Experience (Engagement Track)

• Focused on staffengagement, culture-building initiatives, and overall member experience. This track is responsible for designing and executing programs that enhance morale, strengthen internal collaboration, and reinforce organisational values.

The People and Culture Specialist will report to the HR Culture Manager and participate in monthly department meetings to review progress, share observations, and propose new ideas for improving organizational culture. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the member experience at Arcadia, contributing to a thriving and motivated volunteers. We are looking for an empathetic and highly organized individual with strong interpersonal and communication skills, a passion for fostering positive work environments, and a commitment to upholding Arcadia’s values.

• Assist in the implementation of initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment. Support efforts to address staff concerns and workplace challenges by providing guidance and directing individuals to appropriate resources. Contribute to fostering a culture of well-being, transparency, and collaboration within Arcadia.

• Drive the execution of people and culture initiatives across governance and engagement dimensions by supporting staff relations, managing structured feedback systems, contributing to engagement and onboarding programs, and collaborating with HR leadership to translate insights into targeted actions that enhance organisational culture, staffexperience, and overall effectiveness.

• Strong foundation in human resources and organisational culture, combined with advanced communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving capabilities, with demonstrated strength in either staffrelations and conflict resolution or staffengagement and experience design, and the ability to operate effectively within a structured, high-accountability environment.

• Experience in gathering and analyzing feedback through surveys, discussions, or check-ins. Strong ability to identify areas for improvement and contribute to solutions that enhance workplace satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Psychology, or a related discipline is required
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, with a strong focus on organisational culture, staff engagement, and people-centric program development
• Demonstrated track record in designing and implementing culture-building initiatives, staff feedback systems, and engagement programs that drive measurable improvements in workplace experience and performance
• Proven experience in conflict resolution and staff support, with the ability to manage sensitive situations and deliver balanced, organisation-aligned outcomes
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership to align people and culture strategies with broader organisational objectives and long-term priorities
• Experience in collaborating with executive management to align cultural initiatives with organizational goals and long-term strategic vision.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and ensure their successful execution.
• A motivational and professional approach, fostering trust and credibility with candidates and within the recruitment team.
• 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.