United States of America: Director, International Operations

Reporting to the Vice President for International Development and Operations, the Director of International Operations provides strategic oversight for IIE’s network of 10 international offices and 2 affiliates, representing most regions of the world. Working closely with a diverse range of internal stakeholders, the Director guides the development, communication and implementation of policies, systems and processes to improve efficiencies for IIE’s international offices and to assist those offices in meeting and exceeding their programmatic and growth objectives. Work is carried out independently under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Provide direction to the IOs on the development and implementation of strategic and business development plans to meet revenue generation goals and to expand IIE’s impact.
• Consult with the VP and senior management on office openings/closings in conjunction with strategic business development opportunities.
• Liaise with the IDO Senior Finance Manager, VP, and IO Directors on annual budgeting and mid-year forecasting processes.
• Liaise regularly with IIE’s programmatic units in the US to continually evaluate IO-led program implementation efforts and address any emerging challenges.
• Through management of a DC-based operations team, provide a full range of operational support services to the IOs.
• Consult regularly with key internal units (e.g. Human Resources, General Counsel, Controller’s, Internal Audit, Grants and Contracts, etc.) on a range of managerial matters related to IIE’s international personnel and office operations.
• Work closely with IIE’s senior management and shared services teams on the development of guidelines and procedures to help improve the efficiency of the IOs and the organization overall.
• Serve on the Board of Directors of 2 IIE affiliates in Budapest, Hungary, and Jakarta, Indonesia, including in the case of the Jakarta-based affiliate, provide Board of Supervisors-level oversight of executive director, including leading the annual performance review process.
• Work closely with a broad range of internal stakeholders to design and implement an annual in-person workshop for the IO directors.
• Liaise with the IO directors to identify capacity building needs in their offices and leverage internal and external resources as needed to deliver targeted capacity building support.
• Represent IIE with sponsors as needed, particularly in the field, and communicate key issues to the VP for International Development and Operations and senior management as needed.
• Provide guidance and feedback on technical and cost proposals developed by the IOs to strengthen IIE’s competitiveness.
• Represent IOs on IIE-wide working groups, committees and task forces as assigned.
• Domestic and international travel, up to 25%, required.
• Responsible for complying with applicable contract and sponsor requirements and following all IIE policies and procedures.

People Management

• Manage and lead a DC-based operations support team and globally based International Office (IO) Directors.
• Prioritize, organize, distribute, and coordinate the flow of work. Assess workload based on priorities and level of complexity.
• Approves performance appraisals and compensation decisions for staff in the unit, and conducts performance appraisals and makes compensation decisions for subordinate staff.
• Make sure that prescribed policies, procedures, and schedules are followed.
• Guide individual performance via timely feedback and support. Make recommendations concerning employment, termination, performance evaluations, salary actions, and other personnel actions.
• Train team on all policy and program updates.

Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in international business administration, international education, international development, or related field highly preferred. BS/BA in related field required.
• At least 12-15 years of work experience directly related to international NGO management, international operations, or a related field required.
• 8-10 years of personnel management experience required, including a minimum of 5-7 years of experience supervising remote teams.
• Previous experience working abroad required. Preference will be given to candidates whose international work experience includes facilitating operations for an INGO.
• Demonstrated experience managing or providing operational support for US government (e.g., USAID or Department of State), World Bank, or other major donor-funded program(s)) required.
• Proficiency with systematization and documentation of processes and procedures and office administration.
• Demonstrated experience and comfort with a range of international operations-related areas, including human resources, budgeting and finance, and legal matters (e.g., registration).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated strong performer with a track record for achieving targeted results.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high volume work flow.
• Demonstrated track record for managing and prioritizing rapidly evolving and often conflicting priorities.
• Demonstrated relationship-building, consultative, and influencing skills.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and ability to engage and motivate international staff.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems and initiate enhancements through technology, research, and networking skills among organizational teams.
• In-depth knowledge of sponsor standards and guidelines.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with peers, subordinates, and superiors.
• Ability to perform detail-oriented work with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal skills required.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated expertise in a world region and/or foreign language abilities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IIE is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females/Minorities/Veterans/ Individuals with Disabilities

Please apply online at https://iie.hua.hrsmart.com/hrsmart/ats/Posting/view/1646