Mounia El Barkaoui, CPHR

HR Professional | Talent Development & Acquisition | Leadership & Employee Engagement | Driving People Growth Across Global Markets

Canada

About

Human Resources professional with 8+ years of experience driving talent acquisition, learning, and employee engagement across North American, European, and Asian markets. I specialize in building scalable people programs that strengthen organizational capability and prepare leaders for the future of work. My expertise spans workforce planning, succession management, talent development, and employer branding, with a focus on aligning HR strategy to business objectives. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives that enhanced employee engagement, optimized HR processes, and developed leadership capability. I have worked on programs ranging from early talent and leadership development to psychometric assessments and calibration sessions to guide succession planning and development decisions. I have also supported DEI initiatives and helped optimize HR systems and processes to improve efficiency and employee experience. Currently based in Canada and open to relocate to the UAE or wider GCC region, I bring a global HR perspective, data-informed approach, and strategic mindset to help organizations develop people capability and cultivate strong, inclusive cultures. Core Expertise: Talent & Leadership Development | Workforce Planning | Succession Management | Talent Acquisition | Employee Engagement | Employer Branding | HR Analytics | DEI | Digital HR Transformation

Experience

  • People and Culture Manager at International Institute for Sustainable Development
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Partner with leaders to align HR strategies with organizational goals across multi-regional teams. Oversee HR operations, employee relations, and performance management processes to ensure compliance and engagement. Manage HRIS and data-driven insights to support decision-making and operational excellence. Lead initiatives in talent management, capability building, leadership development, diversity & inclusion, and organizational effectiveness.

  • Senior Talent Acquisition Partner - Bilingual at Mackenzie Investments
    Feb 2023 - Jul 2025 · 2 yrs 6 mos

  • IGM Financial Inc. (Canada)
    • Senior Learning & Development Partner
      Feb 2021 - Feb 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Designed and implemented leadership development, early talent, and succession planning programs. Led employee engagement surveys and translated results into strategic HR actions. Co-developed and managed New Graduate and Early Talent Programs, building a strong pipeline of emerging talent for the organization. Enhanced learning delivery through virtual platforms and data analytics.

    • Learning & Development Specialist
      Jun 2019 - Feb 2021 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Developed leadership and coaching programs aligned with business priorities. Introduced digital learning formats and managed vendor contracts for cost-effective delivery. Supported change management and employee enablement during organizational transitions.

  • HR & Talent Development Coordinator at IG Wealth Management
    Jul 2017 - Jun 2019 · 2 yrs

    Administered Learning Management System and enhanced user experience, boosting participation by 20%+. Supported onboarding and international recruitment, ensuring smooth candidate and employee integration. Strengthened compliance reporting and advanced DEI initiatives through bilingual engagement strategies.

  • Member Experience Associate at Université de Saint-Boniface
    Apr 2014 - Jul 2017 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    This position was at the Fitness Centre of the University of Saint-Boniface. Accountable for managing client memberships and answering clients concerns or questions over the phone or in person, enforcing the center’s rules and policies, assisting clients on the use of sports equipment, and writing detailed reports in English and French of incidents and members complaints.