Farmers for Forests (F4F) is Hiring an HR Associate. We are looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented HR Associate to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to grow in a mission-driven organization while contributing to impactful environmental and social initiatives. The HR Associate will play a key role in supporting day-to-day HR operations, fostering a positive organizational culture, and ensuring smooth people processes.

F4F is a Hybrid Social Enterprise working to protect and increase India’s biodiverse forest cover in close collaboration with rural communities. Founded in December 2019, F4F is one of the few organizations in India working in the forestry sector and using a payment-for-ecosystem services model for its environmental protection and restoration activities.

F4F was incubated at Mulago, Fast Forward, NSRCEL-IIMB, The Nudge Institute and Shakti - The Empathy Project. Our work has been supported by several organizations including Accenture, ACT Grants, Opus Software Solutions, Rainmatter Foundation and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

We have also featured on DW TV and Scroll's Eco India series as well as DW Hindi. We have also been selected as one of India's top innovators working in the ecosystem restoration and conservation sector by the World Economic Forum.

About the Role

• Hands-on HR role supporting People & Culture processes in a field-intensive, operations-driven environment.
  

• Boundary-less work profile with exposure beyond fixed job descriptions
  

• Opportunity to learn by doing and operate in evolving, real-world conditions
  

• Role suited for individuals with a growth mindset and strong execution orientation
  

Recruitment & On-Ground Hiring

• Support recruitment for field-based and program roles aligned with organizational mission and values.
  

• Coordinate job postings, interview scheduling, and candidate communication
  

• Work closely with operations and program teams with a collaborative “We before I” approach.
  

• Ensure timely documentation, offer coordination, and joining formalities
  

• Contribute to a positive and respectful candidate experience
  

Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle

• Coordinate end-to-end onboarding for field employees
  

• Manage pre-joining documentation, induction coordination, and on-ground readiness
  

• Track probation, confirmations, role changes, transfers, and exits
  

• Ensure accuracy, fairness, and empathy across lifecycle processes
  

• Maintain employee records with confidentiality and discipline
  

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee data across multiple locations
  

• Coordinate attendance, leave, and payroll inputs with field supervisors
  

• Support statutory compliance including PF, ESI, and related documentation
  

• Assist in audits, inspections, and compliance checks
  

• Identify and implement practical solutions to operational HR challenges
  

Employee Engagement & On-Ground Support

• Act as the first point of contact for employee HR-related queries
  

• Support engagement initiatives tailored to grassroots and field teams
  

• Build trust through presence, responsiveness, and follow-through
  

• Address day-to-day people issues with a problem-solving mindset
  

• Escalate concerns with appropriate context and documentation
  

Policy Implementation in Practice

• Translate HR policies into simple, workable guidance for field teams
  

• Support policy communication, acknowledgement, and compliance
  

• Assist with documentation related to conduct, discipline, and corrective actions
  

• Balance compliance requirements with empathy and practicality
  

Performance & Growth Support

• Coordinate probation reviews and performance feedback cycles
  

• Support managers with documentation and follow-ups
  

• Encourage continuous learning and development conversations
  

• Maintain performance-related records and trackers
  

• Support fair and transparent performance processes
  

HR MIS, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain HR trackers, dashboards, and databases
  

• Ensure data accuracy and timely reporting
  

• Continuously learn and improve HR systems and processes
  

• Draft and issue HR documents such as offer letters, confirmations, and transfers
  

• Support ad-hoc HR and operational requirements as needed
  

Who Will Thrive in This Role

• Comfortable working in a boundary-less role with evolving responsibilities
  

• Operates with a strong growth mindset and positive attitude
  

• Curious, eager to learn, and open to new ways of working
  

• Learns best through hands-on experience and iteration