Operation Officer

Role Purpose

This role plays a vital role in enabling the development, implementation, and monitoring of day-to-day operations, processes, and practices to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives across the organization. This role also will co-lead Global Operations’ work in supporting cultural transformation initiatives across the geographies where OSF does its work.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Director, LAC, the Operations Officer’s key responsibilities are as follows:

• Support the coordination of local requirements with local Operations Directors for all Operational activity e.g., events management, travel, HR queries, logistical onboarding of new starters etc.

• Responsible (with the Associate Director of Operations) for understanding local requirements and support with location specific operational questions, issues, and requirements

• Co-lead on the implementation and compliance of Global Operations policies and procedures in their location.

• Lead on the management of contracts and vendors for local outsourcing where needed to ensure alignment with global policies.

• Provide SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) Officer with location-specific support on health and safety activities.

• Work closely with the Associate Director, responsible for overseeing the coordination of facilities management (where relevant) and lead in reviewing and processing facility management vendor invoices/reports, tracking budgets for outsourced facility management services, and maintaining accurate records of vendor contracts and service agreements.

• Support the implementation of culture transformation initiatives across geographies

• Co-lead with the assurance and review of local procurement and contracts prior to signing

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Operations (and Front of House Supervisors, where relevant) in all aspects of budgeting, expense monitoring, and evaluation. This will require coordinating with Finance and answering budget related inquiries.

• Serve as local signatory in various operational processes where required, including approving bank payments, processing vendor contracts or submitting documents related to local requirements.

The ideal candidate

Functional Competencies:

• Have a basic understanding of real estate management principles

• Previous experience working in a change management / transformational change focused environment

• Ability to communicate clearly, efficiently and between audiences of varying seniorities

• Experience managing contracts and vendor management

• Basic understanding of local compliance and regulations

• Ability to analyze complex data sets and draw insights to inform the local operations

Personal Competencies:

• Organizational proficiency, being able to work across competing priorities while proactively responding to incoming requests/comms

• Able to communicate appropriately across diverse audiences/stakeholders

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills; good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences

• Willingness to adjust working hours to include calls and discussions with colleagues and vendors located in various geographic regions

• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and social justice

• Drives a customer service focused culture throughout the team to deepen relationships leveraging systems and knowledge

• Ability to drive operational efficiency through building effective interpersonal relationships

Languages:

Fluent in the local language where the role is based and an excellent working knowledge of English. Additional fluency in Brazilian Portuguese is a plus.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.

• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:

• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.

• Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).

• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.

• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.

• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Description of the organization

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.