Operations Lead

Who we are 

The Merchants of Peace Foundation is on a mission to empower underserved communities worldwide to achieve economic security. We were created by ICC, the world’s largest business institution, with a social impact purpose to build on a legacy of innovation in cross-border commerce for peace and prosperity. Driven by a global vision, we accelerate inventive, business-led action to improve livelihoods with life-changing impact that enables people to prosper resiliently with hope for the future.  

The role 

We are currently recruiting an Operations Lead to manage strategic and day-to-day operations, working with the founding team to ensure efficiency and transparency for dynamic decision-making and execution. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for operational excellence, the energy and perseverance to handle projects big and small, and an ability to achieve outcomes through collaboration. The role offers a hands-on opportunity to power a social impact mission within an ambitious Foundation poised for significant growth. 

Responsibilities 

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Operations Lead will: 

• Manage the Foundation’s operational activities and needs as the central point of contact for day-to-day operations, owning and leading coordination with in-house teams and external consultants. 
• Propel the Foundation to meet its goals by developing operational and strategic objectives, action plans, KPIs and ensuring the necessary resources and information are available. 
• Lead effective execution and tracking of agreed action items, facilitating top-notch internal governance and timely communications on the Foundation’s activity. 
• Maximise efficient use of resources in line with agreed budgets and prepare the annual accounts and operational status checks as part of quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees.  
• Support the development team in their activities by providing a clear framework to engage funders, including dashboards and metrics for evaluating prospects. 
• Partner with program and development colleagues to evaluate impact opportunities.
• Shape and develop the Operations function to build a dynamic, results-oriented team. 
• Collaborate regularly with a wide range of key contacts, including finance and legal colleagues, consultants and ICC’s global network of national committees and chambers of commerce. 

Requirements 

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in management, public administration, international affairs or a related field. 
• 6 to 9 years of experience in a corporate or nonprofit environment. 
• A self-starter mindset, with strong initiative and a passion for problem solving. 
• Persevering attitude to deliver outcomes and adapt as the Foundation’s needs evolve. 
• Preferably some experience managing or building a high-performing team and working with or managing external consultants. 
• First-rate communication skills and a demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, adapt and follow through. 
• Comfortable gathering and working with data and financial information.  
• Understanding of and interest in social impact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
• Fluent in English. A working knowledge of French would be a plus. 

Terms & conditions: 

• Start date: May 2024 or as soon as possible 
• Contract type: CDI  
• Location: Paris, France (hybrid) 

How to apply:  

Interested candidates should send the following to recrutementicc_mop@iccwbo.org and specify “Operations Lead – MoP” in the subject line of their email application: 

• Cover note (one page maximum) highlighting how your experience and skills relate to the role and requirements 
• Professional CV (two pages maximum) 

Candidates should have the right to work in France or the EU. 

Closing date for applications: 12 April 2024