Sr. HR Specialist

Call for Applications for Sr. HR Specialist (R-23) – ANNAM.AI Location: ANNAM.AI, Center of Excellence in AI for Agriculture, IIT Ropar(Onsite preferred; hybrid/remote may also be considered) Type: Full-Time | Contractual | Renewable based on performance Compensation: ₹ 8–10 Lakhs per annum (Based on

qualifications

and experience) Performance Incentives: Additional incentives based on performance and outcomes, subject to Governing Board approval Tenure: Initial appointment for 2 years, extendable up to 5 years Minimum

experience

of 5+ years (May be relaxed in the case of exceptional candidates.) Role Summary As the Sr. HR Specialist of ANNAM.AI, you will play a pivotal role in building and managing a high-performing organization by leading all aspects of human resource strategy, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. You will ensure that ANNAM.AI attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent while fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and accountability. This position is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments and has prior

experience

managing HR in innovation hubs, research institutions, or fast-growing organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Lead end-to-end recruitment processes to attract top talent in agriculture, AI, technology, and operations. Develop workforce planning strategies aligned with organizational goals and project requirements. Build employer branding initiatives to position ANNAM.AI as a leading destination for talent in agri-tech and AI. 2. HR Operations & Compliance Ensure HR policies, processes, and systems are in line with statutory, IIT Ropar, and Section 8 company requirements. Oversee payroll, performance management, and contract management. Ensure compliance with labor laws, diversity, equity, and inclusion standards. 3. Employee Engagement & Culture Building Design and implement initiatives that promote employee well-being, engagement, and professional growth. Drive a culture of collaboration, innovation, and farmer-first mission alignment. Facilitate grievance redressal mechanisms and promote transparent communication channels. 4. Learning & Development Identify training needs and implement skill development programs across technology, agriculture, and management domains. Partner with academic institutions, startups, and industry experts to deliver capability-building initiatives. Develop leadership development pathways for high-potential employees. 5. Strategic HR & Organizational Development Partner with Sr. leadership to align HR strategies with long-term organizational goals. Contribute to succession planning, change management, and organizational design. Support governance and reporting

requirements

related to HR for the Governing Board and Ministry of Education.

Candidate Profile

Educational

Qualifications

&

Skills

Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Human Resources, Management, Psychology, or related fields from a reputed institution. HR certifications (e.g., SHRM, CIPD, HRCI) will be an added advantage. Strong understanding of HR operations, labor laws, and organizational development practices. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Professional

Experience

Minimum 5–10 years of professional

experience

in HR, with at least 3 years in a Sr. role. Proven

experience

in talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement. Prior

experience

in academic institutions, research organizations, innovation hubs, or Section 8 companies is preferred.

Experience

in managing HR systems, digital HR tools, and performance frameworks will be an advantage. Performance-Based Incentives The Sr. HR Specialist will be eligible for performance-based incentives, subject to periodic reviews and Board approval. Incentives will be outcome-driven and aligned with ANNAM.AI’s long-term mission Separation Clause One month’s notice in year one, two months in subsequent years, or salary in lieu. Application Process Submit your application through the Zoho Recruit portal. Subject Line: Application for Sr. HR Specialist – ANNAM.AI Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

and experience) Performance Incentives: Additional incentives based on performance and outcomes, subject to Governing Board approval Tenure: Initial appointment for 2 years, extendable up to 5 years Minimum

experience

of 5+ years (May be relaxed in the case of exceptional candidates.) Role Summary As the Sr. HR Specialist of ANNAM.AI, you will play a pivotal role in building and managing a high-performing organization by leading all aspects of human resource strategy, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. You will ensure that ANNAM.AI attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent while fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and accountability. This position is ideal for an experienced HR professional who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments and has prior

experience

managing HR in innovation hubs, research institutions, or fast-growing organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Lead end-to-end recruitment processes to attract top talent in agriculture, AI, technology, and operations. Develop workforce planning strategies aligned with organizational goals and project requirements. Build employer branding initiatives to position ANNAM.AI as a leading destination for talent in agri-tech and AI. 2. HR Operations & Compliance Ensure HR policies, processes, and systems are in line with statutory, IIT Ropar, and Section 8 company requirements. Oversee payroll, performance management, and contract management. Ensure compliance with labor laws, diversity, equity, and inclusion standards. 3. Employee Engagement & Culture Building Design and implement initiatives that promote employee well-being, engagement, and professional growth. Drive a culture of collaboration, innovation, and farmer-first mission alignment. Facilitate grievance redressal mechanisms and promote transpar