Role Overview

Working closely with and line managed by the Deputy Director (Operations), the Operations Manager contributes to the planning, and organisation of all operational and logistical elements of Elders’ meetings, trips and events.  The Operations Manager is also responsible for supporting the secretariat’s information technology infrastructure, system security and technical capacity, and the facilitation of knowledge management. An additional Operations Officer post is likely to be added in the future and there may be an opportunity for the Operations Manager to line manage this post.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• You will manage logistics, planning and operations for international board meetings, workshops, visits and events, for example, conducting site visits, making recommendations, booking flights and hotels, and preparing and implementing health, security and travel briefings.
• You will adhere to project timelines and budgets and undertake travel to support as needed.
• You will liaise with various external stakeholders, including the Elders, Advisory Council, guests and their office, embassies, and government offices, and internally with programme leads and SMT for meetings, events and international visits.
• You will manage and implement insurance, health, security and safety policies and measures during Elders’ meetings, visits and events.
• You will handle post-event tasks such as recording contact details and sending formal correspondence.
• You will work with the Deputy Director (Operations) to oversee IT management, procurement, and support, including staff training and supplier relationships.

The Operations Manager will be experienced in providing logistical support for high profile events and/or individuals with an advanced level of organisational and administrative skills, strong attention to detail and an ability to problem solve and adapt quickly. You will be an excellent communicator, ideally with experience of diplomatic protocol, and experience of working with high level stakeholders, and be service orientated with a strong sense of duty of care to others. You will have experience of working in an international, multi-cultural, ideally hostile environments. You will be practical and solution-focused and able to provide IT and systems support for colleagues.

Person Specification

Experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, as well as experience managing IT and telecoms systems and procurement.
• Experience of working in an international, multi-cultural environment, and of harsh and dangerous environments; Experience of protocol/diplomatic skills preferable.
• Comprehensive experience in international travel, experience working with high level partners at both a private and government level, and of providing logistical support for high profile events and/or individuals.

Person Qualities

• Flexible, happy to work in a dynamic environment where priorities and plans may change unexpectedly, and able to remain calm under pressure.
• High level of organisational and administrative skills, attention to detail, ability to problem solve and adapt quickly.
• Initiative, confidence and willingness to accept responsibility.

Behavioural

• A strong personal commitment to the mission and values of The Elders.
• A flexible style and willingness to work in a small, collaborative team.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with sensitivity and respect. 
• This role may require frequent international travel, sometimes at short notice and, in exceptional circumstances, for up to two weeks. Additionally, you may be required to attend staff or Elders events in the UK from time to time.

Working at The Elders

We operate a hybrid working policy, with a high degree of flexibility for staff. We ask staff to attend the office based on need, not a quota of days. We believe there are certain activities that are best conducted in person and also hold monthly “in days” when the whole team comes together. Additionally, some roles involve international travel, the timing of which is usually decided by Elders’ commitments. Aside from these obligations, staff are free to choose the balance between working remotely and working in the office that suits them best. We are based close to Green Park station in London, in a newly refurbished office.

In addition to a competitive salary we offer the following benefits:

• Private pension scheme with 10% employer contributions
• Optional private medical and dental insurance
• Group life assurance equivalent to 5 x annual salary
• 28 days of paid annual leave (with 3 of these days on stipulated dates between the Christmas/New Year holidays) plus all UK bank holidays and public holidays
• Enhanced parental leave

The Application Process

The application process is CV. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to [email protected] or contact Jen for an informal confidential chat about the role.

The closing date is 9am on Tuesday 5 September. First interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 13 September. Second stage interviews will take place w/c 25 September.

The Elders is committed to creating an inclusive working environment that values diversity and equal opportunities.  We welcome and encourage applicants of any ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. Given the Elders’ global outlook, we particularly welcome applicants originally from countries in the Global South. As we are not able to sponsor visas, all applicants must have the right to work in the country where the role they are applying for is based. We will assess purely on your abilities and fit for a role.  We are happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a fair recruitment process and to enable you to be successful in your role if selected.