Director of Operations

The climate crisis is here. Risks are rising. 

The Climate Centre’s mission is to help the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its partners reduce the impacts of climate change and extreme-weather events on vulnerable people. Through its network of 192 National Societies, 165,000 local branches and 14 million volunteers, the IFRC has committed to ambitious climate goals, to reduce current and future humanitarian impacts of climate and environmental crises and to supporting people to adapt in the face of them. The Climate Centre, working at the intersection of science, policy and practice, and as the principal technical resource for the Movement on climate-related issues, will be instrumental in the realisation of these ambitions. 

The Climate Centre is now seeking an outstanding, passionate and effective individual to join as its new Director of Operation. A member of the Climate Centre’s Leadership Team and reporting to the Director, the Director of Operations will ensure the organisation has the best possible working environment and process for it to have maximum impact. Overseeing all core organisational functions across finance, HR, contacts and compliance, security, travel and business support, the Director of Operations will lead the design, planning and implementation of a renewed organisational structure to maintain the Climate Centre’s efficiency and effectiveness. 

The ideal Director of Operations will bring a track record of leadership experience, preferably gained in a remote/virtual setting. You will ideally bring experience of designing and implementing organisational change processes, and a deep understanding of a project-driven structure. Bringing a broad set of skills to the Climate Centre, and overseeing a range of functions and teams, the Director of Operations will bring a set of strong management and communication skills. As a change management role, the Director of Operations has an initial assignment for 3-5 years. 

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 6829. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 11th October. 

The Climate Centre is a global virtual organisation. All team members work from home with flexible work hours due to the spread across time zones. To be successful in this role, the Director is expected to be based within the CET/+ 2 time zone. Business travel is an integral part of the Director role with up to 25% travel to be expected. 

The Climate Centre is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver at the beginning of November and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post at the end of November following which, interviews with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Center will take place in early January. 

For any questions regarding your application or for a conversation in confidence, please contact Harriet Weaver Harriet.weaver@perrettlaver.com 

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Lucy Cooke lucy.cooke@perrettlaver.com 

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