Open Society Foundations is looking for a Operations Unit Manager, Europe And Central Asia Program

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your results and people oriented managerial experience in Operations?  We are seeking a Operations Unit Manager based in Brussels in charge of finance, human resources, facilities, IT and security of OSF Office in Brussels.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The Open Society–Europe and Central Asia is a merger of five previously separate units: Open Society European Policy Institute in Brussels (OSEPI), Open Society Initiative for Europe (OSIFE), and the Eurasia Program, as well as our Western Balkans and Berlin Office teams. Our programming is focused on supporting inclusive and democratic participation as well as governmental, and justice system reforms.

Job Profile

• The Operations Unit Manager is a people management role and will lead, support, and develop an internal team (managing at least three staff members), reporting to Director of Brussels OSF Office and to the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Director of Operations.

• The successful candidate will be in charge of the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources, facilities, administration, and IT ensuring full compliance with local regulations and with OSF Global policies.

• The Operations Unit Manager is part of the senior management and leadership team of the Brussels entity.

As an Operations Unit Manager at Open Society, you will:

Human Resources, and Administration

• Develop a culture of trust in the office, in full coordination with Brussels Office Director, ECA Director of Operations, Brussels Union representatives as well as broader Brussels team.

• Develop a well-functioning and cohesive Office operations team, in order to respond to the needs of a growing office by establishing state-of-the-art processes for local People Operations. Adapting global initiatives on professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training, and recruiting to the local market in alignment with global stakeholders; work closely with the Advisory Partners on all people related matters ensuring consistency across the office and the respective units: collaborate with the Labour Relations team to establish and maintain a trustful working relationship with the staff representatives.

• Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales. Work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and consultants, ensuring they provide  a service of quality.

• Maintain close communication with the Legal department on applying legal procedures and advises staff of procedures and their implementation.

• Prepare contracts, and assisting in program implementation in collaboration with OSF's administrative department

Financial Management

• Analyze and present OSEPI entity financial reports in an accurate and timely manner and oversee financial workflow from accounting to auditing, in conjunction with OSF Finance Dept.

• Oversee and lead entity annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ECA Director of Operations; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior management leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status.

• In coordination with OSF Audit Dept. lead on OSEPI entity annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the board of directors; assess any changes necessary.

• Manage preparation and filing of all regulatory reports

• Manage OSEPI entity organizational cash flow and forecasting.

• Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the OS-ECA management, the Brussels Director and to OSF Finance Department.

• Approve invoices and payments; exercise monthly control of accounts; prepare quarterly VAT statements.

Facilities & IT

• Manage the OSEPI entity in coordination with OSF Global Facilities department, including facilities providers, purchase of equipment and furniture, and evaluating the quality of the different services to replace them when needed.

• Manage the IT equipment and solutions of the Brussels Office in coordination with OSF Global IT department.

• Manage Office relocation project when needed, in coordination with various Global OSF departments (Facilities, IT and Legal mainly).

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of a BA in Business Administration or similar.

• At least 10 to 15 years of overall professional experience; ideally six-plus years of broad financial and operations management experience

• The ideal candidate is particularly strong on people’s management, with the aim to solve and heal existing conflicts within the Office team, and capable to build trust.

• The candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area, and has preferably overseen a human resources function previously

• A multitasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment. A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making, still very hands-on executing daily operational tasks

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of OSF

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization and strong understanding of cultural differences.

• Demonstrated success in implementing improvements to the subject area and applying best practices.

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are essential. French is highly recommended.

What we offer:

Open Society is dedicated to providing equitable and competitive compensation & benefits packages.

• The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.

• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.

• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

Work Authorization

• Please note, this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV; we look forward to learning more about you.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.   

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.