Islamic Relief
Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) is actively recruiting for the position of Operations Director to be based from its office in Birmingham, UK. Serving the Humanitarian and International Development Sector and its parent Islamic Relief Worldwide – it collects, coordinates and delivers compelling HAD in action content and messaging around the globe to promote the training, research and talent development services HAD offers to retain existing customers and attract new customers. The Division leverages digital platforms, public relations, events and the media, all in line with HAD’s vision, mission and strategy. It is envisioned to be a hub where humanitarian and development theories and practice are studied, examined and developed.
Reporting to the Managing Director (MD), the Deputy MD / Operations Director (OD) will have overall operational responsibility for the Academy programs and will manage a group of departmental managers, project managers and admin staff.
As a Deputy MD / OD of the Academy, s/he will provide leadership to the Academy’s operational planning process and will implement new programmatic strategic initiatives. In addition, the OD will provide coordination for the Academy’s senior management team; Support MD in relation to liaising with IR Family partners; and to working with IRW’s Board of Directors to keep them abreast of programmatic strategies and challenges.
The successful candidate must have or be:
- Qualified to at least a Bachelors level (Masters, desirable) in Business Administration or related discipline. Other qualifications will be considered.
- Working knowledge of Arabic will be a significant advantage. Knowledge of a European language particularly French or German will also be positively considered.
- Excellent knowledge and sound understanding of the voluntary INGO sector and the business support needs that flow from this. Knowledge/experience in managing an education or training environment is an advantage.
- Any professional or other qualification relevant to Deputy MD / OD role, as outlined above
- Knowledge and experience of working in a multinational and multi-cultural organisation.
- High level of experience of staff management and coordination at all levels.
- Ability to guide staff development towards achieving key performance indicators and organisational strategy.
- Experience of developing and establishing strategies and work plans which help to deliver the wider organisational objectives.
- Demonstrates skills in networking which lead to positive relationships with external bodies.
- Demonstrates the flexibility and energy that is required for a high level of self-management and awareness
- Experience and knowledge of organisational development and its contribution to the organisational effectiveness.
- Fluent written and spoken English; a working knowledge of a second language is desirable.
- A willingness to work flexibly outside normal office hours in response to work demands.
- Willingness to travel around the world.
For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description
Islamic Relief promotes equality and meritocracy, and seeks individuals who are sympathetic to the IR values of; Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice and Custodianship together with our policy standards on Anti-Bribery, Child Protection and Code of Conduct. If you would like to be a part of an organisation striving to make a difference in the world and are looking for a meaningful career, we will be glad to hear from you.
For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit:
https://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us/what-we-offer/
Please Note: Interviews are expected to take place in late June 2023.
Pre-employment Checks:
Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:
- screening clearance
- proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
- receipt of satisfactory references
For UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
HAD is an equal opportunities employer