Director of Finance and Operations

Background
We are an independent international organization working in partnership to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work in solidarity with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security and we conduct wider research and analysis to contribute to local, national, and international policies and practices that help foster lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives free from fear and insecurity. We operate on a not-for-profit basis with partners in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and policy centers in Beijing, Brussels, London, and Washington DC. Saferworld is registered separately in Belgium, the USA, and China as strategically aligned affiliate organizations.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to fill the role of Director of Finance and Operations. This is a pivotal position within our organization, offering the unique opportunity to shape and drive the financial and operational strategies that will propel our peacebuilding and partnership efforts forward over the next several years to deliver on its 2021-2031 strategy.

As the Director of Finance and Operations, you will guide the development and implementation of our financial plans and operational initiatives. The post holder will model and ensure the embedding of a business partnering approach, to support a working environment and internal operating systems that deliver for our program and our partners. You will join a dynamic senior leadership team that fosters collaboration, innovation, and excellence in all aspects of our work.

We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven track record of strategic financial management, business partnering experience, and a passion for making a positive impact in the world. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to building effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels and across a range of contexts, a keen eye for detail, a strategic mindset, and a desire to drive meaningful change

Saferworld is committed to providing a safe trusted environment that safeguards our staff, partners, and communities. Our organizational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work.

The Role

Job Purpose

As a key member of Saferworld’s senior leadership team, the Director of Finance and Operations will be instrumental in helping to shape the organization’s strategic direction. The role will strive to ensure financial sustainability, and the embedding of a business partnering approach to achieve Saferworld’s mission. This post-holder will provide strategic guidance and hands-on oversight of all critical financial and contractual aspects of our operations, and lead other key organizational functions, such as security and IT systems, enhancing resource management efficiency and organizational effectiveness.

The Director will assess and optimize business processes and controls ensuring they are rooted in our strategy, identify and mitigate risks, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic planning and cross-organizational cohesion and learning

• Collaborate with Saferworld’s Senior Management Team to shape long-term organizational strategy and support the CEO in guiding the organization, especially in finance management.
• Lead or contribute to cross-cutting organizational development projects as delegated by the CEO.
• Spearheaded organizational strategies and plans encompassing finance, operations, security, IT, and risk management.
• Assist in formulating and implementing Saferworld’s strategic and annual business plans related to financial management and financial sustainability.
• Oversee the development and implementation of annual business plans related to operations, governance, security, and IT.
• Offer expert financial advice and analysis to aid management teams in strategic decision-making, ensuring performance and key trends are effectively communicated to stakeholders, including the CEO and Senior Managers; the Board of Trustees, and the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Assist the Fundraising Team in developing financial aspects of competitive fundraising activities and work with funding and program teams to develop the skills necessary to deliver quality submissions including those of a commercial nature.
• Support the CEO in risk management and embed a culture of risk management within the organization: oversee the implementation of relevant policies and procedures, manage and monitor the organizational risk register, and produce appropriate analysis for numerous stakeholders.

Organisational leadership

• Working with relevant committee chairs to ensure the smooth running of the Finance and Audit and Risk and Security Board Committees with active contribution to the Board meetings.
• Actively participate in Saferworld’s Senior Management Teams leading and contributing to organisational discussions and decision-making.
• Help to identify and address leadership and management challenges and opportunities, especially as they relate to finance and operations, and work with management teams across Saferworld to address them.
• Foster organizational coherence around finance and operations and develop systems and policies aligned with Saferworld’s values and our organizational strategy.
• Lead by example, embodying leadership behaviors and processes consistent with Saferworld’s values.
• Embody a business partnering approach in the work and ensure this is centered on the approach of their team.

Represent the Senior Management Team on relevant internal staff bodies.

• Uphold high standards of governance, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards; monitor and evaluate governance performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide guidance and support on governance matters, facilitating transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making; stay abreast of regulatory developments and changes in governance frameworks, ensuring compliance and adherence to relevant standards.

Financial management performance

• Provide overall leadership to Saferworld’s finance division: ensure finance systems and analyses are understood and aligned with all areas of Saferworld’s work and are fit for purpose.
• Follow acknowledged accountancy standards in developing/strengthening financial management policies and procedures; embody best practices and ensure control systems are robust, legally compliant, and regularly updated.
• Ensure all financial information, including monthly management accounts, cash flows, and annual reports are produced on time, accurately, and in a format that is understood by the organization, especially non-finance colleagues.
• Lead the relationship with Saferworld’s auditors and ensure accounts are filed accordingly.
• Ensure all statutory requirements are complied with across the portfolio of registrations and that all accounting is by the organizational finance policies.
• Lead the process of budget (re)forecasting and the setting and reviewing of Saferworld’s annual budget and rolling multi-year budgets aligned with Saferworld’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Provide appropriate support, data, and guidance for organization-wide fundraising efforts, including reviewing funding proposal budgets.
• Lead on the achievement of ‘value for money’ and ‘cost recovery’ goals, working closely with the funding and programs and policy departments on the financial aspects of fundraising and grant management.
• Develop user-friendly policies and procedures to assist Saferworld’s partners with the fulfillment of financial reporting requirements and ensure international payments are arranged according to agreed practices.

Global Operational Activities

• Oversee organizational security systems and processes in collaboration with the Global Security Advisor.
• Oversee global governance including registrations, compliance, and legal representation in collaboration with the Global Operations Manager.
• Ensure the development of IT procedures to ensure secure data storage and compliance with data protection policies.
• Identify and implement improvements in resource management systems for enhanced efficiency.
• Support the implementation of robust systems for operational activities, including insurance, facilities management, legal provisions, procurement, and contracts.

Team leadership and people management

• Drive the recruitment and cultivation of high-performing teams within the Global Finance and Operations division, ensuring the delivery of top-tier financial systems and processes.
• Oversee the line management responsibilities for key roles including the Finance Business Partner, Global Operations Manager, Security, and Audit functions, fostering a culture of excellence, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Model and ensure that a business partnering approach is centered on how the Global Finance and Operations division works.
• Implement performance management systems and conduct reviews for direct line reports.
• Provide support, advice, and mentoring to team members as needed.
• Ensure adherence to organizational code of conduct and safeguarding policies, security protocols duty of care standards, and IDEAS commitments.
• Develop mechanisms to attract, retain, and advance talent through innovative learning and development processes.