Director of Finance and Operations

Saferworld is an independent international organisation 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 centres in Beijing, Brussels, London and Washington DC. Saferworld is registered separately in Belgium, the USA and China as strategically aligned affiliate organisations.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to fill the role of Director of Finance and Operations. This is a pivotal position within our organisation, 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 a business partnering approach, to support a working environment and internal operating systems that deliver for our programme 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.

As a key member of Saferworld’s senior leadership team, the Director of Finance and Operations will be instrumental in helping to shape the organisation’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 organisational functions, such as security and IT systems, enhancing resource management efficiency and organisational effectiveness. The Director will assess and optimise business processes and controls ensuring they are rooted in our strategy, identify and mitigate risks, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership on financial strategy and management.
• Advise and support the CEO and Board on all financial matters, including risk management
• Oversee the organisation’s finance systems (including SUN), policies, and processes.
• Oversee global operational activities, such as insurance, procurement, ICT systems and relevant policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and maintaining global impact.
• Oversee global security efforts, encompassing physical and cyber aspects, to safeguard organisational assets and data.
• Provide inspirational leadership to foster the development of high-performing teams guided by strategic objectives and a shared sense of purpose.
• Manage a team of approximately 7 staff, providing managerial support and guidance to the team.
• Contribute to the organisation’s overall development and operational management as an integral member of the Senior Management Team.

Person specification

Knowledge, qualifications and experience

• Accountancy qualifications, preferably CIMA, ACA and ACCA, and a clear understanding of Charity Fund accounting (SORP 2008 and the Charities Act 2003)
• Extensive experience in financial management and interdepartmental budgeting in a senior leadership position in an international organisation (preferable and international charity/non-for-profit).
• In-depth understanding of the complexity of overseeing and managing finances in an international context, particularly in contexts of conflict and/or war, including complexities of banking, tax, cash-flow management, exchange rate fluctuations and impact on budgets and forecasts, financial reporting, legal compliance, and transferring of funds to civil society and community-based organisation within different contexts, including conflict-affected areas.
• Senior leadership experience within the charity/not-for-profit sector and an understanding of costing funding bids and ensuring financial reporting systems meet funder requirements
• Experience of engaging and working with diverse funding streams including institutional donors, commercial contracts and Trust and Foundations and multiple currencies and geographic jurisdictions,
• Experience of working with a business partnering approach to achieve with others joint goals.
• An understanding and experience of project management delivery across an organisation, including an ability and willingness to undertake ‘hands-on’ tasks, such as preparing budgets, cash flows and other financial planning, management and control processes if required
• Operational experience in overseeing and supporting IT systems, especially in financial systems development – experience with the SUN system is especially desirable
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees and other governance levels of an organisation
• A track record in proven line and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others to deliver shared results
• Experience in communicating effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing

Skills and abilities

• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to support the smooth running of finance within a complex organisation
• An entrepreneurial mindset focused on influencing organisational development and change and raising team performance in pursuit of Saferworld’s organisational strategic objectives
• Proven ability to lead, manage, inspire and motivate staff at all levels, including motivating technical staff within a matrix structure
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience in communicating effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Ability to cope with a rapidly changing environment and handle high levels of pressure and multi-tasking

Personal qualities

• Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Saferworld
• Commitment to and compliance with Saferworld’s safeguarding principles
• Commitment to respect and value equality and diversity and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
• Active listening and effective communication with colleagues working in diverse contexts
• Commitment to own continuing personal and professional development

Other requirements

• Some international travel will be required – not more than 4 times a year – to conflict-affected contexts