Full-Time Position Available:
Regional Finance and Operations Officer
Operations Department
(London Office)
Apply Immediately
Human Rights Watch ("HRW") is seeking highly-qualified applicants for the position of Finance & Operations Officer with the Operations Department.
Description: Human Rights Watch is a fast-growing, global organization headquartered in New York City with over 300 full-time staff working in more than 40 countries. The Finance and Operations Officer will be responsible for implementing and coordinating a wide range of financial and operational processes in our busy London and European offices. The position will offer significant exposure to the workings of an influential global organization and valuable international nonprofit management experience. The Finance and Operations Officer will be expected to build close and collaborative relationships with the International staff across HRW, take initiative to identify problems while offering practical solutions, and identify and implement operations innovations. S/he will report to the London based Deputy Director of European Operations and work closely with HRW's global operational and programmatic staff.
This dynamic new position will be responsible for providing a high level of professional support to our London and European colleagues, providing them with timely advice on HRW's policies and procedures, sharing good practice and being able to identify practical operational solutions to support and streamline the effectiveness and service delivery for our programmatic work.
The main responsibilities for this position will include but are not be limited to: overseeing the finance and administration for the London office; being the regional focal person for finance and administrative related queries and support, providing financial support, training and guidance to our office administrators in Europe; handling issues relating to legal, tax and HRW's charitable entity status; conducting internal audit procedures and liaising with external auditors; maintaining excellent communication among HRW's European administrators and offices along with streamlining logistical and administrative needs (such as insurance, assets, financial and operational issues) between our satellite offices and headquarters in New York; responsibility for London office maintenance and facilities issues, including office security and protocols, liaising with the premises landlord, and responding to public queries; keeping apprised of UK tax and employment laws; facilitating the recruitment and orientation of UK-based staff; advising on UK staff benefits and insurance issues; working closely with Operations colleagues in coordinating critical administrative support assistance including formatting and distributing documents such as policies, procedures, and briefing papers, preparing for and taking minutes at board meetings for HRW's Charitable entities and assisting with the coordination and consolidation of paperwork/legal documents.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of accounting reflected in either studying for a recognized accountancy qualification or demonstrable qualification by experience along with a strong academic record. A minimum of two years experience in a multinational and/or nonprofit operational environment is essential, as is experience of working with complex issues and processes involved in finances for an international organization. Candidates must have practical skills in developing procedures, practices, systems and new ways of working within the context of changing new technologies, and demonstrate strong organizational and analytical skills, as well as a proven track record of taking initiative and problem solving. The ability to deliver workshops through effective presentation skills is also desirable. Experience in nonprofit management, human resources or IT experience is desirable, coupled with traits such as energy, speed, resourcefulness, flexibility, diplomacy, interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Candidates should be able to function under pressure, prioritize competing demands with minimal supervision and handle numerous tasks simultaneously. S/he must be collegial and professional and able to work well both independently as well as part of a team. Solid office and administration experience, and advanced computer skills (Windows, MS Office applications, spreadsheet skills) are essential, as are excellent communication, writing and editing skills in English. Good judgment, discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential. This position would be an excellent steppingstone for candidates interested in developing their skills and experience in non-profit or charitable management and leadership. Applicants for this position must possess current EU work authorization valid for a minimum of two years from start date.
Salary and Benefits: Salary range starts at £31,000 per annum. Human Rights Watch offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, a pension plan and 22 days vacation per year.
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing in a single submission: a letter of interest, your resume, names or letters of reference, and a brief, unedited writing sample to opsjobs@hrw.org . Please use "Regional Finance & Operations Officer Ref: OPS-10-1046-A as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:
Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Regional Finance & Operations Officer Ref: OPS-10-1046-A)
2-12 Pentonville Road
London
N1 9HF
+44 (0)20 7713 1800
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.