Senior Advisor, Operations

Open Society Foundations; Johannesburg; On-site; USD 185 000 - 218 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Advisor for Operations to provide strategic expertise to the Vice President. This role involves managing complex projects, overseeing budgets, and ensuring operational effectiveness across departments. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in leadership within operations, with a proven track record in budget management and change management. This position offers opportunities for growth and impact within a diverse and inclusive workplace, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a difference.

Benefits

Generous time off

Flexible work

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Parental leave

Professional development and training opportunities

Diverse and inclusive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Experience in operations leadership with a strong focus on strategic advice.
• Ability to manage complex projects and budgets effectively.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison for the Vice President with senior leaders on operational projects.
• Oversee budgets and manage contracts, ensuring operational viability.

Skills

Leadership experience in OSF Operations departments

Managing large-scale, complex projects

Change management

Budget management over $1M annually

Cross-departmental project management

Decision-making and strategic input

Job description

Senior Advisor, Operations. Nairobi. Posting Date: 04/24/2025. Deadline: 05/08/2025

Role Title : Senior Advisor, Operations

Contract Type : Regular

Reporting To : Vice President, Programs

Program/Department/Unit Name : Office of the Vice President, Programs

Location : London, New York, Amman, Dakar, Nairobi or Johannesburg

Team Name : Office of the Vice President, Programs

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Senior Advisor – Operations role within the Office of the Vice President, Programs of the Open Society Foundations is to provide strategic advice and expertise to the Vice President, Programs of OSF on operational matters. The incumbent will liaise within the Office of the Vice President, Programs for operational functions related to organization-wide projects and priorities, ensuring the views of the Vice President are well represented.

Key Responsibilities

1. Serve as liaison for the Vice President, Programs with senior leaders regarding operational projects and planning.
2. Develop relationships with operations leadership and contribute to operational strategies.
3. Handle inquiries, develop action plans, and assist with communications.
4. Ensure operational viability of new opportunities through due diligence activities.
5. Represent the Office in forums on organizational culture and collaborate with related directors.
6. Advance operational priorities, impact investments, and initiatives.
7. Coordinate responses on operational issues.
8. Draft and edit briefing materials for leadership use.
9. Oversee budgets and review expenditures.
10. Work with budget offices to monitor organizational spend and escalate issues.
11. Manage Office budgets, contracts, and invoices.
12. Supervise two colleagues in the office.
13. Compile quarterly data on key metrics like headcount and spend.

People Responsibilities

Manage a team of 2.

Key Internal Relationships

Engage with President and COO’s Office, Senior Director Operations, and other operational staff.

The Ideal Candidate

• Leadership experience in OSF Operations departments.
• Experience managing large-scale, complex projects.
• Proven representation and engagement at senior levels globally.
• Change management experience.
• Budget management over $1M annually.
• Ability to manage cross-departmental projects and develop knowledge management systems.
• Decision-making and strategic input skills.

What We Offer

• Opportunities for growth and impact, including professional development and training.
• Benefits promoting well-being, including generous time off, flexible work, health insurance, retirement plans, and parental leave.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace environment.

The salary range in the US is $185,235 - $217,923 (USD), with final offers influenced by experience and skills.

Who We Are

Open Society Foundations aim to build inclusive democracies where governments are accountable. We support human dignity, equality, and rights through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and litigation.

Additional Information

We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive workforce, providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities.