The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, energetic and dedicated individual, with a commitment to human rights and strong management and organisational skills, to become its Director of Operations.

This is a full-time position, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

ABOUT THE OMCT

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 90 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. Our international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunis.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The position is the second in the organisation, placed under the direct supervision of the Secretary General and co-leading the organisation’s management team with direct responsibility to ensure organisational planning and processes, compliance and internal control systems, and to oversee finance systems and donor reporting, human resources and policy implementation. S/he will furthermore act as liaison, providing mentorship and guidance to the operations staff in OMCT’s offices in Tunisia and Brussels, as well as to their local management teams. The Director of Operations will work in close coordination with members of the Management Team and will be part of the strategic thinking, decision-making, and governance meetings at the OMCT.

Specific responsibilities will include:

Overall Management:

• Co-lead the management team, participate in the strategic development of the organisation, and represent OMCT in meetings and events.
• Lead on organisational planning and coordination, including the annual budget and programme planning and reporting.
• Guide organisational monitoring & evaluation systems and learning cultures and support the development team in strategies for donor retention, timely reporting, and contractual compliance.

Finance & Compliance:

• Oversee the finance and compliance team, ensuring financial system development, and provide oversight over accounting systems and structures, in cooperation with the relevant finance and accounting teams across the different OMCT offices;
• Oversee the process of developing and monitoring institutional and programme budgets, in close cooperation with the Finance Director and the Director of Institutional Development;
• Oversee compliance management with major donor contracts, including in the provision of financing for country projects, multi-partner projects, consultancies, and other sub-grants.

Policy Development:

• Oversee, upgrade and keep under review internal procedures, including finance, administration, risk management and human resources, throughout all OMCT offices, in coordination with relevant staff in OMCT offices in Tunisia and Brussels;
• Contribute to a high standard of all organisational rules, procedures, policies and their implementation, including staff well-being, security, anti-fraud & anti-corruption and other office policies.

Human Resources and Office Management:

• Co-lead the OMCT’s human resources operations, including recruitment and contracting, the conduct of review processes, maintenance of staff manuals and well-being policies;
• Oversee the development of the organisation’s IT security and governance structure, with the support of an external IT agency, to ensure best practices, smooth processes, and a high level of digital security throughout the organisation.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• University and preferably a master’s degree or other studies in the fields of business administration, finance, management, international affairs, human rights or other related fields;
• 8+ years of professional experience in an (I)NGO, IGO or foundation, with 3+ years of experience in a senior or management role, ideally in the human rights sector;
• Excellent language skills, including superior writing, speaking and presentation skills in French as well as in English. Other relevant language skills such as Spanish, Russian, German or Arabic are a plus.

COMPETENCIES EXPECTED

• High ethical standards and proven commitment to core human rights principles and the protection from torture, including of those most vulnerable to abuse;
• Strong management skills and proven capacity in organisational governance and planning, human resources coordination, financial management and internal processes and ability to motivate and inspire teams;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, friendly, positive attitude, valuing rigour and attention to detail, working autonomously, with initiative, curiosity and a spirit of innovation;
• Excellent leadership and organisational abilities in a multicultural and multilingual environment;
• Strong communication and soft skills to engage diverse stakeholders and to notably act as a facilitator and coordinator between staff, teams and offices;
• Strong understanding of funding environments and NGO governance, including how to operate complex budgets and ensure sound financial management;
• Sound understanding of IT governance and systems, including digital security aspects impacting human rights work, is a plus;
• Willingness to travel regularly.

APPLICATIONS

The OMCT is an equal opportunities employer.

Applications (in French or English) including a motivation letter and CV with names of at least two references should be addressed to the OMCT International Secretariat with the subject line “Director of Operations”, and sent by email to applications@omct.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Deadline for application: May 6, 2022