Head of Finance & Operations

GOGLA is seeking to hire a Head of Finance & Operations to improve the organization’s operational management and resource planning structures. The candidate would lead on financial management and reporting, contract and compliance supervision, HR management, IT and office organization, and other operational issues.

The off-grid sector has already improved the lives of over 400 million people with clean, affordable energy and will play a vital role in achieving the sustainable development goals and clean energy transition. As the voice of the off-grid solar sector, GOGLA plays a leading role in ensuring the sector’s potential is understood by critical actors including policymakers, investors and market enablers.

GOGLA has grown and developed significantly since its founding 2012. A reorganization in 2020 led to a new management structure. GOGLA now seeks to strengthen its operational and financial management capacities to improve its operational efficiency and enable the organization to grow further.

This is foreseen to be a part-time role for a seasoned operations professional, with an initial contract for 6-12 months. The right candidate will have plenty of operational and financial managerial experience to offer, including in similar settings, and will be able to use this experience both by implementing actions themselves or through coaching others in the team. GOGLA is open to consider alternative arrangements that would deliver similar levels of support against comparable costs.

Job Type:

Part-time · Amsterdam

Location:

Netherlands

Reporting to:

Executive Director

Duration:

6-12 months contract with an intention to extend

Starting:

As soon as possible

Application Deadline:

19th of July 2021

Core Tasks:

Strategic Operations:

• Supports the GOGLA Management Team (MT) in improving work and resource planning, strategic financial management, budgetary analysis and reporting, and risk management.
• Leads on management of financial, operational (incl. IT security) and compliance risks.
• Audit, Compliance and Internal Controls: Ensure all reporting, audits and statutory compliance are carried out on time, in line with regulations and compliance requirements.
• Support the Finance Team with improving and effectively delivering management accounting systems and processes.
• Maintains overview of contractual obligations and deliverables.
• Ensures effective office and work infrastructure, including the proper functioning of IT infrastructure.

Financial Management:

• Provide strategic and managerial oversight to the Finance team
• Oversee the work of the Finance team to ensure compliance with regulatory and funders requirements; efficient and effective management of the finance function; accuracy and reliability of financial information; and timely and effective support to other divisions and project/task managers.

Human Resource Management:

• Working closely with Executive Team, oversee human resources activities including: recruitment, selection and hiring; payroll and benefits; staff support and engagement; and support for training and development.

About you:

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation of experience and expertise and that includes:

• Excellent skills, with proven success, in operational and financial management of small and medium-sized teams in international environments.
• Experience with grant funding and associated contract requirements will be a strong plus.
• University degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related. Master’s level qualification with at least 15 years of progressively evolving management and team leadership, International and/or non-profit experience preferred.
• Strong accounting, audit, financial management and financial analysis skills.
• Highly numerate with an ability to create, manage, interpret, and present financial analysis, forecasting and resource management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Understanding of legal language in all types of business contracts and risk assessment.

GOGLA Values:

All staff at GOGLA are required to work in line with our organization’s values. This means working boldly, enthusiastically, pro-actively and transparently whilst promoting a good team spirit and treating others in a fair and equal way. Please see our website for more details about our values.

Job-related Competencies:

In addition, the following work-related competencies are required for this role:

• Excellent and proven communication skills in English. Proficiency in French as well as other additional languages are considered a strong asset.
• Willingness to engage and work in the interest of the organization.
• Strong intrapersonal skills and outstanding ability to work with diverse set of stakeholders.
• Energetic personality with a passion and craft for building relationships.
• Excellent organization and coordination skills, with an ability to extract practical and actionable information and to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic international team.
• Great listener; communicate concisely and evocatively in written text; and can present to a boardroom, a small NGO, as well as local companies and associations.
• Willingness to travel when necessary.

What’s in it for you:

• An international work environment in a fast-growing, innovative industry.
• Competitive compensation: EUR 60-80k (full-time equivalent) commensurate with experience.
• A dynamic team and strong global network of members and partners in the off-grid energy and international development sector.
• A workplace that provides flexibility and freedom, and expects initiative, passion and drive from motivated self-starters.
• The knowledge that you help build an impactful sector and contribute towards a better world.

About Company:

GOGLA is the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry. Established in 2012, GOGLA now represents over 200 members as a neutral, independent, not-for-profit industry association. Its mission is to help its members build sustainable markets, delivering quality, affordable products and services to as many households, businesses and communities as possible across the developing world. The products and solutions that GOGLA members sell transform lives. They improve health and education, create jobs and income opportunities and help consumers save money. To find out more, go to www.gogla.org.