Operations Lead

Operations Lead

Remote, UK / EU time zones strongly preferred Competitive salary + benefits Full-time or part-time

About Pathways

To deliver the high ambition policy we need to tackle climate change, we must broaden and preserve consensus on action. Pathways' guiding vision is of a world where it is unavoidable for national leaders to rapidly implement climate solutions at the pace science requires. We operate in different countries as an intermediary, working with local experts to develop a common knowledge base and co-design strategy that leads to the launch of new initiatives that help create conditions that favour action on climate change.

Working with us

As a new organisation, we want to build a strong organisational culture from the outset. Driven by the urgency of the climate crisis, we offer a dynamic, entrepreneurial and collaborative workplace.

At the heart of our organisation is a belief in the power of innovation, diversity and inclusion. We foster a trust-based environment where diverse thoughts and perspectives are not only encouraged but essential to our success.

Our small, but growing global team is united by a shared commitment to our mission, and we support each member to find the balance they need to excel both personally and professionally. While we work remotely, we recognise the importance of connection and community.

With Pathways, you will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission, in your own unique way, together with a team of highly experienced strategists who are dedicated to making a real difference in the world.

About this role

As we move from two dedicated co-founders into an organisation receiving scaling funding, this position will be one of our first hires. It is a broad role focused on enabling the delivery of a unique global initiative and involves working closely with our Executive Director, Strategy Director and growing team as a key member of our Leadership Team.

About you

You will be able to demonstrate a track record in successful organisational design and implementation, including the development of effective but adaptable systems and processes and their roll-out across a complex organisation with multiple partners and stakeholders. You will manage and lead on finance, governance and risk, ensuring that Pathways is run according to the highest standards for a UK not-for-profit organisation.

Proven scale-up operational experience in a sustainability-focused organisation and/or a UK not-for-profit is essential. Strong project management skills, enabling effective prioritisation and decision-making, as well as excellence in delivery by and with international teams or partners, would be of huge benefit in the role.

Job summary

In this role, you will be pivotal in driving two key areas of impact:

Strategic planning and operationalisation

• Support the leadership team to develop Pathways' annual strategic plan and lead on the accompanying operational plan.
• Set and oversee the strategic direction and approach to operationalising Pathways' work in target markets.
• Evolve Pathways' operating model, develop and manage systems and processes to ensure successful delivery of ongoing workstreams and new projects or initiatives.

2. Organisational operations and financial planning

• Setting and managing Pathways' risk strategy, financial strategy and budget while overseeing financial operations to support strategic decision-making.
• Managing donor processes for effective and transparent contributions.
• Leading the strategic direction across Human Resources, Legal, Finance & Accounting, and Technology processes.
• Supporting the roll-out of Pathways' global strategy through hands-on support to local teams and operations.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the leadership team to co-coordinate the development and alignment of Pathways' strategic priorities.
• Work with other members of the leadership team to build our team and grow our organisational culture.
• Shape Pathways' direction by leading the development and implementation of our global operational and financial strategies, budget and business plans against timelines.
• Work with Country Leads to design and oversee the strategic approach for operational frameworks and infrastructure required for efficient in-country operationalisation of our activities.
• Build and optimise shared systems and processes for the efficient movement of funds, ensuring smooth financial transactions and appropriate resource allocation across projects and regions.
• Support the Executive and Strategy Directors in delivering appropriate and effective governance across UK and international entities.

Operational Management

• Evolve Pathways' operating model, developing, managing and adapting systems and processes to ensure successful delivery of ongoing work streams and new initiatives.
• Oversee the execution of operational structures in target countries (e.g. financial, legal and corporate), in collaboration with Country Leads.
• Recruit and manage outsourced finance, bookkeeper accountants and auditors for budgeting, statutory accounting, audit, payroll, and tax - and evolve the Finance function as the organisation scales.
• Oversee the fundraising lifecycle processes and donor management activities, including proposals, contracting, and grants due diligence.
• Co-foster strong relationships with donors, in collaboration with our Executive Director.
• Lead the provision of management for support services across the organisation, in collaboration with external partners as relevant.
• Set and manage Pathways' overall risk and compliance framework, in collaboration with our Executive Director.
• Set and manage the recruitment strategy, in collaboration with our Executive Director.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

Skills/Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational role, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organisation.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead cross-country teams.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in financial strategy, planning, and management.
• Experience in donor management and overseeing support services
• Strong understanding of risk and compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of recruitment, hiring and compensation strategies and processes.
• High agility and excellent project management and communication skills.
• Natural ability to get things done, with a positive and empathetic approach to leadership.
• Attention to detail and ability to frame decisions effectively in rapidly changing environments.
• Fluent in English. Fluency in Portuguese or Spanish is desired but not required.

Please send your CV by email via the button below before the 25th of November, 2024.

Please be aware that screening calls and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.