About us
ODI (odi.org) is an independent, global think tank. We work to inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. Through research, convening and influencing, we generate ideas that matter for people and planet.
The Operations Manager is an exciting new role in the ODI Europe team based in Brussels. The role has four main aspects:
1. Project management;
2. Financial management;
3. Business development support; and
4. Office operations.
The role will oversee the day-to-day development and management of projects of medium to high complexity. Generally, the projects might have a large number of contractors, a limited number of institutional partners and up to three donors working with either single or multiple currencies. Projects can either be single or multiyear and require the delivery of multiple outputs.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for the project management cycle, coordinating the delivery of outputs to time and to budget, contributing to and taking ownership of the workplan, liaising with both internal and external stakeholders and maintaining up to date information on project finances, delivery, timeline and risks. They will work both independently and with the wider ODI team to ensure the successful delivery of projects against milestones and budgets and in line with ODI’s policies and procedures.
They will use their understanding of ODI’s business model and of other budgeting models, as relevant, to ensure the financial viability of the project within the parameters agreed. They will be required to have a thorough understanding of the impact that different resourcing models have on the project and demonstrate their ability to balance the needs of the project with those of the organisation. They will represent the interests of ODI in contract negotiations with partners/donors and are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of ODI’s requirements and ‘red-lines’.
The Operations Manager will also play a significant role in the pursuit of ODI’s objectives by coordinating business development activities (such as concept notes, proposals for grants and competitive tenders), including contributing to drafting proposals and identifying opportunities for funding where appropriate/required, working with the wider ODI Europe team to build key partnerships and/or enhance existing ones with donors, research and operational partners.
The role is also responsible for the smooth running of ODI’s presence in Europe. This entails ensuring that the entity runs in an efficient manner and in compliance with all relevant organisational and legal requirements.
The Operations Manager will contribute to the development and continuous improvement of ODI’s project management methodology, processes and standards and will mentor junior PM function staff to develop their financial, project management and business awareness knowledge.
Essential
Knowledge and qualifications
5. Education to degree level or equivalent level of experience
6. Level of relevant Knowledge of project cycle management
7. Thorough understanding of different costing models
8. Solid understanding of financial management as part of the project cycle
9. Fluency in English and strong levels of either French or Flemish
Experience
10. Experience managing medium to large sized projects throughout the full project cycle
11. Experience of working within complex business models and of managing projects to maximise their contribution to the organisation’s financial and strategic objectives.
12. Experience in donor compliance and administrative procedures, donor relationship management, including both financial and narrative
13. Proven experience of conducting contract negotiations independently
14. Successful experience of budget monitoring in multiple currencies including experience of creating accurate and timely financial
15. Experience of costing and budgeting according to different models and templates.
16. Experience of participating in the development of proposals
17. Experience of establishing systems and procedures to support project implementation
18. Experience of coordinating project teams
Skills/abilities
19. Ability to lead and coordinate complex project teams,
20. Proven ability to understand the business environment and balance the requirements of the projects with the needs of the
21. Ability to understand the needs of donors and partners and to make business- savvy decisions
22. Ability to innovate in order to overcome problems
23. Advanced IT skills including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and databases
24. Ability to write well and to prepare reports with minimum supervision
25. Multitasking skills in a high-pressure environment
26. Exceptional planning, organisation and execution skills
27. Ability to work to own initiative with minimum supervision
28. Excellent ability to build cross cultural relationships with partners and colleagues at various levels of seniority.
29. Ability to learn new software quickly
30. Effective communication skills
Desirable
31. Project Management qualification
32. Knowledge and understanding of development and/or humanitarian issues
33. Experience working in a developing country or with developing country partner organisations
34. Experience in line management
35. Foreign language skills (in particular French, and Spanish, German, or Arabic)
36. Experience in organising complex workshops or events, including logistics.
37. Experience of Sharepoint document management system and Access FocalPoint
This role will be based in Belgium. To be considered, you will need to confirm your Right to Work in Belgium only.