Conciliation Resources (CR) is a dynamic international NGO that supports community-based and national organizations seeking to prevent or transform violent conflict into opportunities for just and sustainable human development. Established in 1994, CR has programmes in the Caucasus, East-Central Africa, and West Africa where we work in partnership with local and international civil society organizations and governments. CR also publishes Accord: an international review of peace initiatives and we are involved in projects in Colombia, Fiji, India, Pakistan and the Philippines. We are funded through grants from governments, independent trusts, and foundations. We are looking for a multi-skilled professional to join our senior management team.

Director of Operations
Full-time, London-based, £48,054 plus pension

As the Director of Operations, you will oversee the strategic management of our financial, material and human resources. Could you lead a dedicated and experienced team in providing operational support to challenging programme and policy work? Do you have a proven track record in motivating, leading and developing staff? Can you help us improve our systems, policies and procedures?

We are seeking someone who thrives on managing complexity and has a track record of creating enabling organizational environments. Solid experience of improving operational systems is essential, as is five years experience of financial management. Your ability to manage and increase the effectiveness of support services (finance, HR, ICT, administration) is crucial to this role and your application must demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to our goals and values.

Job Details
Work type: 
Paid
Salary: 
£48,054
Location: 
Islington, London
Deadline for Applications: 
25 Nov 09
Application Requirements: 

For a full job description and an application form, visit our website: http://www.c-r.org/about/jobs.php

Closing date: Wednesday 25 November 2009
Interviews will be held week beginning: 30 November 2009
Position start date: January 2010

Only candidates who are already eligible to work in the UK will be considered. No CVs and agencies please.

Skills Requirements: 

Knowledge
• Academic/professional qualifications: degree in social studies and a related/relevant field (preferably accounting or business administration, NGO management, IT, human resources);
• Knowledge and understanding of key human resource management issues, including a good understanding of UK charity and employment law;
• Solid knowledge in financial management issues;
• Understanding of IT operating systems, applications and solutions available;
• Proven understanding of information management systems;
• Understanding of the operational challenges faced by international NGOs.

Experience
• At least five years’ professional experience working in a senior leadership position;
• At least five years’ experience of financial planning including managing budgets and other financial processes;
• Five years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems;
• At least two years experience in developing personnel policies including recruitment procedures, contracts, induction and appraisal;
• Experience of organizational development, strategic planning and office management and administration;
• Experience of writing organizational policies and setting annual/work plans;
• Experience in working internationally or in a cross-cultural environment;
• Experience with designing or improving information management systems.

Skills
• Proven managerial record including motivating, leading and developing teams and problem solving;
• Understanding of differences within a range of cultural contexts and the implications for cross-cultural, gender, and disability sensitivities;
• Proven ability to design information management systems with an attention to detail and accuracy;
• Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office, database software (preferably Filemaker), accounting software package, email and internet. Knowledge of Macintosh computers an advantage;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards;
• Commitment to CR values;
• Openness to change and ability to manage complexities with a positive, constructive approach to work;
• Capacity to promote and organise organizational communication and learning;
• Ability to lead change processes, implementation of new systems, and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change;
• Strong meeting management and facilitation skills;
• Ability to prioritise (and re-prioritise) work and meet deadlines;
• Willingness and ability to work independently as well as part of a team;
• Working knowledge of a language other than English would be an advantage.

Contact Details
Organisation URL: 
Conciliation Resources
Contact Name: 
Adrian Platt
02073597728
recruitment@c-r.org