Service Design Lead

This is a critical senior role in the organisation, reporting to the CEO. The role is responsible for managing the organisation’s programmes across 3 locations in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia, managing 10 personnel. The position provides leadership on community-led investigations and evidence gathering and works closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) on critical areas including fundraising and strategic development.   

The priority for this role is the safe and high quality performance of projects. The balance between ‘doing’ and ‘managing’ in this role varies depending on available resources for each project, and the ability to create competent teams to delegate to.
 

Location: UK, France or Thailand preferred. Remote applicants considered.

Package: Pay is dependent on location.  The UK salary of £62,000 plus pension contribution will be converted using ICSC scales. All locations receive 28 days annual leave, counselling support and annual wellbeing days.
 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• The development and implementation of strategy and annual plans for the organisation’s direct programming, and its alignment with organisational strategy.
• Responsible for the relevant team’s human resources, staff welfare, safety and security, and risk management. 
• The safety and quality of operational practices including data collection on the ground, secure data storage and transfer and proper financial management of the project including procurement practices.
• Responsible for the relevant team’s financial and spending strategy and financial management.
• Ensuring all aspects of the role’s work advances diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Actively contributing networking, ideas and concept note drafting to the Fundraising Team, with a particular focus on building the project funding and teams that will enable this role to grow and evolve.
• Be a member of the Strategic Planning Team and other strategic conversations with SMT and the Management Team, bringing ideas and challenge to move the organisation forward.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Director – Innovation where areas of work and organisational improvement projects overlap.

Programmes

• Design and oversee the relevant operations and project workplans, ensuring projects are delivered safely and to a high degree of quality.
• Oversight of project’s design, objectives and goals and their budget.
• Cultivate a management culture that is performance-based, supportive and collegial.
• Provide ongoing support and mentoring to direct reports, including through the annual performance review process. 
• Work with project teams to jointly identify and make available learning and development opportunities for them and their teams. 
• Administrative oversight for projects and their staff, including the review of expenses, annual leave, salary/benefits etc.
• Represent the organisation in relevant areas in relation to programmatic partners such as media, lawyers, diplomats, NGOs and civil society as well as to donors and governments.
• Assist in developing our methodology for investigation and monitoring within projects, including working closely with the Senior Director – Strategy to ensure alignment with the Impact Strategy.

Security and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, safety and security policies and processes.
• Ensure effective risk management for staff and researchers, following organisational policies.

​
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS

Essential

• Professional writing and speaking in either English or French, with at least effective operational efficiency in the other language (B2 or above).
• Experience managing teams or individuals across multiple international locations.
• An understanding of risk management methodologies and experience applying them.
• An understanding of human rights and a strong belief in their indivisibility and interdependence.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and building relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the ability to respond to changing priorities and requirements.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Preferred

• Experience with human rights research, investigations or legal cases.
• Experience with filming or documentary making.
• Strong technology / IT skills and/or aptitude.
• Experience with fundraising or confidence in public speaking and presenting.
   

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE

• Please apply via our Website: submit your CV (maximum two pages) and a Cover Letter (maximum 400 words) describing your suitability for this position.
• Applications will close on 10 July.
• Initial interviews will be conducted remotely.
• Second round interviews may be conducted in-person depending on applicants’ location. Requesting an online interview will not be detrimental to your application.
• We intend to complete the recruitment process by mid-August.