Deputy Director, Operations
Company Overview:
Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.
For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.
Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal emp loyment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.
Project Overview and Role:
Palladium is searching for an experienced leader in international operations to work with us on the Centre for Disaster Protection (the Centre) ,the UK’s flagship Disaster Risk Finance (DRF) technical assistance programme.
It supports developing countries to strengthen their pre-disaster planning and financial arrangements so they can respond more rapidly and effectively when a disaster strikes, thereby reducing the impact on people and helping to safeguard economic development. The Centre, which is based in London, is funded by UKAiD through the Prosperity Fund and the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
The Deputy Director – Operations will sit within the Centre leadership team and be responsi ble for all operational and administrative functions of the Centre including programme and financial management, compliance, human resources and procurement. They will work closely with the Director to ensure smooth day to day management of the Centre and facilitate the operationalisation of scale-up of the Centre. The role will lead the department heads for communication and outreach, roster management, grants management and overall coordinator of the programme.
Programme and Financial Management
* Drive and provide leadership in the development, implementation and ongoing review of the program’s operational strategy and contribute to other key programme deliverables in accordance with the DFID annual planning cycle such as:
(a) annual budgets
(b) client and internal forecasting
(c) quarterly financial reports using agreed template
(d) invoicing the client for agreed milestone payments
(e) development and implementation of a work plan
* Lead in the development, implementation and ongoing review of the program’s operational strategy and contribute to other key internal deliverables in accordance with the Company’s policy and procedures:
(a) Designing and maintaining the Programme Management/Operational Manual
(b) Lead on financial and programme audits
(c) Lead on safeguarding, environmental and diversity and inclusion initiatives in the project
(d) Responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the internal forecasting and financial management
(e) Maintain the internal risk reporting
* Maintain risk matrix and mitigation strategy, to be reported against in quarterly reports, and chair regular risk committee meetings.
Compliance
* Responsible for due diligence on staff and subcontractors (including grant recipients) and ensure project compliance, including DFID’s Supply Partner Code of Conduct, safeguarding, modern slavery, Principles for Digital Development, use of UK aid branding and other requirements against DFID policies.
* Create procedures and systems in place to minimise the risks of fraud, corruption and other downstream delivery risks.
Human Resources
* Support the Director and the team in the preparation of staffing plans
* Responsible for the timely recruitment, contracting and inducting of all new project staff in line with the staff plans.
* Responsible for ensuring the Centre follows the agreed HR policies and procedures, including but not limited to yearly performance review, staff development, performance improvement plans, managing grievances, and regular training.
* Ensure the Centre is a great place to work, and actively engage with staff member on how best to support staff to do their best work in a conducive environment to support the Centre’s ambition to go to the next level.
* Responsible for duty of care, security and travel advice, visa and logistics for all travel.
* Responsible for deployment process for all consultants or partner staff selected to deliver assignments
Procurement
* Ensure all procurement practices adhere fully to the Project Management Manual and provide guidance to staff responsible for procurement activities of the programme
* Responsible for the management and maintenance of a project asset register
Required Qualifications:
* Senior level experience successfully managing diverse and talented staff and a proven track record in motivating staff, delegating responsibilities, facilitating teamwork and collaborative efforts to achieve the program outcomes
* High level analytical and financial skills to guide programme activities in dynamic and complex settings, with an ability to operate flexibly, adaptively and in a politically smart manner is essential.
* Substantial practical experience of designing and delivering international programs in a leadership role.
* Significant operations experience at programme and/or field levels, including working on multi-year, complex programmes
* Proven experience in an outreach-focused role, including a proven ability to work proactively to forge new relationships and networks
* Strong operational skills, including ideally experience in contracting and due diligence processes, finance, risk management reporting and logistics
* Proven ability to work with clients, external partners and consultants, building strong and positive working relationships within a consortium
* Experience working with the UK Government, and in particular the Department for International Development and/or Foreign and Commonwealth Office is highly desirable
This vacancy is archived.