Projects and Operations Manager

Title: Projects and Operations Manager

Location: OCN Office, Las Camelias 431, Huanchaco, La Libertad, Peru

Reports to: Country Manager (based in Peru) and Directors (based in U.K.)

Expected hours: 40hrs/week; some evenings and weekends; on call for emergencies 24/7

Salary: Based on local Peruvian salary, plus free accommodation

Annual leave: 20 working days per year

Time commitment: 2 year fixed-term

Apply by: 11.59pm GMT on Friday 31st January 2025

Target start date: March 2025

About Otra Cosa Network

Otra Cosa Network (OCN) is a Peruvian non-profit NGO and UK Registered Charity (No.1133680) based in Northern Peru. Our mission is to promote social development and education in our local communities. We aim to offer support, education and greater opportunities for the children and adults in the local communities we serve, as well as life-changing experiences for our volunteers.

About the Role

OCN needs a new Projects and Community Manager to help run the organisation’s operations in Peru, under direction from the Country Manager and the UK-based Directors.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate who is both a natural leader and has some management experience (on paid or voluntary basis) to run and deliver our objectives to grow and develop. This is a rare opportunity to influence, shape and support the development of a small but well-established NGO. Some knowledge of NGO management is desirable, as is strong leadership experience or potential. The position is for a two year period after which the position shall be reviewed. We are in search of an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about project management, fundraising, community development and/or international volunteering. The new Project and Operations Manager needs to take on a wide range of responsibilities and work with the small local team in line with the organisation’s values, strategic goals and approach to community development. The responsibilities are divided in three main areas: Project and Operations Management, Fundraising, Volunteer and Community Management.

As Projects and Operation Manager, you would be responsible for the overall management of some of our projects and people as well as other duties including some of securing new grants, leading our community fundraising efforts, and helping to recruit and support the volunteers who make our work possible. You will develop, implement, and deliver appropriate actions to achieve positive and measurable outcomes and opportunities for the Peruvian children & adults with whom we work and with the volunteers and interns who work with us. You will work under the guidance of the Country Manager and the UK Directors ensuring our volunteers are happy, supported and are working effectively to achieve positive results at OCN and our partner projects.

Benefits and Opportunities:

• An excellent opportunity to not only work in project management but develop new skills
• To make a real difference to some of the most disadvantaged children & adults in Northern Peru.
• To help volunteers make a real contribution while being supported, challenged, inspired and also remaining safe & secure
• An excellent personal development and career opportunity to develop skills & experience helping to run the Peru office of our small NGO and to implement and develop the projects on the ground.
• Receive a local Peruvian salary in addition to free comfortable accommodation in our Volunteer House.

Qualifications, Experience & Personal Attributes

Essential Requirements:

• minimum bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, preferably but not necessarily in development studies, international studies, Latin American studies, environmental studies, social work or other relevant subject;
• advanced or fluent Spanish and English
• experience of managing people in some way
• leadership – ability to lead a small team effectively
• ability to work & lead self-confidently with limited supervision, whilst liaising closely with Country Managers and UK directors for guidance and following their direction
• experience in managing volunteers and/or volunteering
• good level of numeracy including confidence to manage a range of spreadsheets
• cultural awareness with some international experience (through study, travel, volunteering, etc), preferably in Latin America
• strong interpersonal skills; ability to work well with a diverse volunteer population, small OCN Peru team, UK directors & local project managers
• sound judgment, even under pressure; loyalty to OCN, our partners and volunteers and respect for confidentiality
• computer skills in Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• committed, reliable worker with ability to show attention to detail and to multitask & time manage effectively
• self-motivated and able to progress own work without need for constant supervision
• the ability to work with Peruvian and a wide range of international cultures, different managerial styles and to work remotely as part of a global team
• good organisational and administrative skills and willing to learn new skills e.g. book-keeping
• flexibility and willingness to work evenings and at weekends as necessary and be on call for emergencies 24/7 when required
• passion for the work and to make a difference, as well as enthusiasm and patience to work with volunteers (who are mostly 18-30)
• fast and independent learner, positive, adaptable, and flexible
• a good team player who can listen and value other opinions

Desirable

• experience in any of the following areas:
  • monitoring and evaluation
  • Project planning and management
  • Budget/financial management
• experience of working abroad and/or as part of a dispersed team
• experience in managing volunteers and staff members
• experience living in a developing country and some of the issues faced, such as severe poverty, inequality, lack of resources, corruption
• an understanding of Peruvian culture and/or Latin American culture
• knowledge, experience and demonstrated success in obtaining funds from trusts or other donors
• research, apply for and gain funding for the work of the charity from a number of sources;
• experience in event management, community fundraising and/or inspiring others to fundraise

Roles and Responsibilities

OCN Project and Operation Management

• managing and/or supervising OCN’s programmes, ensuring that they continue to develop and that they are monitored effectively.
• managing and supervising the staff and/or volunteers at the projects
• ensuring that project finances are properly maintained, recorded and monitored

Other tasks – Some share of tasks below dependent on skills/experience & operational needs –

Fundraising

• identifying and approaching trusts, foundations and other potential funders that have not previously supported the work of Otra Cosa Network, creating an annual calendar of key prospects
• establishing and maintaining a fundraising strategy for Otra Cosa Network, in liaison with UK directors as well as an action plan for the implementation of the strategy
• developing core generic trust proposals for each project that requires funding and Social Responsibility.
• writing tailored applications, addressing grant-making priorities or requirements as specified by individual trusts and foundations
• approaching local funders to seek support for OCN’s projects and core funds

Volunteer Management

• recruitment & selection of volunteers
• introducing volunteers to their projects
• offering general/emergency assistance

OCN Office Administration and Additional Tasks

• OCN Management & Administration, helping oversee the running of the Peru Office
• development of OCN Peru, under the supervision of the directors
• general office administration, including maintaining spreadsheets, and management information reports
• help manage Peruvian legal & accounting matters – APCI, SUNAT, SUNARP, visas, etc.
• overseeing HR policies and procedures
• developing and monitoring annual Peru budget, under supervision of the directors
• managing organisational email and cloud storage system (using G Suite for Nonprofits)
• general office administration, including maintaining spreadsheets, simple book-keeping and management information reports
• support OCN health and safety and child protection policies
• other ad hoc tasks

Housing Management

• co-managing the volunteer house, including dealing with volunteer house maintenance issues and paying house-related bills