RFUK recruits 01 Operations Manager – London

The Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting indigenous peoples and traditional populations of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfil their rights to land, life and livelihood.

We are looking for an Operations Manager to work with our London-based team. You will be conscientious, with an attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills, and above all have a strong commitment to social and environmental justice. This is a great opportunity to join an organisation working at the nexus of human rights and tropical forest protection.

Reporting to the ED, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organisation and ensuring these are carried out in accordance with agreed policies and processes including internal systems, compliance, safeguarding.

Responsibilities:

Human resources

• Ensuring the organisation is appropriately staffed and skilled to fulfil its strategic direction.
• Working with other Senior Management Team members and line managers to ensure the charity recruits, trains and retains outstanding members of staff.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of RFUK’s HR strategies and policies.
• Building a highly inclusive and supportive culture ensuring team members thrive and organisational outcomes are met.
• Leading on effective processes for recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, appraisals and training of staff.
• Providing strategic HR advice, acting as a point of contact for staff and managers in relation to employment law.
• HR administration, including management of our online HR system, HR documentation and monitoring of key dates in the employee lifecycle.

Organisational policies and compliance

• Overseeing the development and upkeep of RFUK’s internal governance documents and procedures in line with UK legislation and aid sector standards.
• In conjunction with the Programmes team, ensuring compliance with international donor requirements and integrating these into our organisational policies where appropriate.
• Serving as RFUK’s data protection officer.
• Ensuring adherence to our code of conduct with employees, beneficiaries, partners, funders and all those who come into contact with RFUK.
• With Programmes staff, ensuring that all staff are fully aware of and comply with the prescribed policies and procedures, including travel safety and security arrangements, anti-bribery, safeguarding, procurement etc.

Finance

With the Finance Manager:

• Preparation and monitoring of organisational budgets and cash flow forecasts.
• Assisting with the annual organisational audit and project-specific audits and coordinating/incorporating any required changes.
• Ensuring value for money and maximising financial efficiency in the internal functioning of the organisation.
• Assisting with banking facilities and payment runs, including international transfers.
• Management of cash held in the office; assisting with regular cash reconciliations.
• Liaising with the Programmes team to ensure that required financial information is made publicly available (e.g. in compliance with the International Aid Transparency Initiative, Charity Commission etc.).

General operations

• Ensuring there are adequate internal communications systems to enable staff to carry out their jobs effectively.
• Assisting with coordination of office meetings, organisational away days and no travel weeks.
• Participating in regular SMT meetings.
• Liaising with the Board and the ED in ensuring that regular Board meetings are held, agendas set and outcomes implemented.
• Ensuring that the highest possible standards are established and maintained for the RFUK staff’s working environment, and that infrastructure such as IT and other systems are adequate for staff to carry out their work.
• Carrying out other tasks as may be requested by the Executive Director.

Experience / Training

Profile and person specification

Details	Essential	Desirable
Knowledge and experience	·       A minimum of 5-years’ experience as an operations manager in a small to medium size organisation ·       Demonstrable experience developing and improving organisational policies in accordance with regulatory changes and industry best practice ·       HR management experience and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in the field ·       Excellence in compliance and risk management with advanced knowledge of UK and international regulatory environment ·       Ability to set and manage organisational budgets ·       Degree in relevant field ·       Excellent command of Microsoft programmes, including Excel	Experience of working in charity sector, particularly international development French or Spanish speaking Knowledge of safeguarding requirements
Personal attributes	·       Strong personal commitment to RFUK’s mission and to social and environmental justice in general·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – written and oral·       Careful and conscientious with demonstrable attention to detail·       Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and to multiple deadlines·       Proactive, collaborative and approachable·       Personal integrity	Interest in human rights & environmental issues

Salairy

Hours, remuneration and place of work

The post is offered on a 2-year fixed term contract with possibility of extension. The role will be subject to a 6-month probationary period.

The post is a full-time position, based on a 35-hour working week in our North London office.

The starting salary is £41,869 gross per annum.

Monthly salary is paid by Bank Automated Credit transfer, on the 25th of every month.

Holidays, sick pay and other benefits are provided in accordance with statutory requirements. 30 days paid leave per year are offered.

Workplace pension (4% employer contribution).

RFUK is an equal opportunities employer, and makes no discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, age, physical abilities, religious or sexual persuasion.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send your CV and with a cover letter of two pages maximum, explaining your motivation and providing concrete evidence of why you are suitable for the position to jobs@rainforestuk.org. Please also specify where you saw this job advertisement.

The deadline for submission is 31 January 2021.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.