Director Operations

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Job Description

The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) is a regional peak body on disability, provides leadership as well as supports national organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), donor and development partners as well as civil society and the private sector in the pursuit to ensure that persons with disabilities live in an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society in Pacific Island countries and territories.

The Director Operations provides overall management and coordination of all programmes and projects. This includes building and maintaining strong relationships with members, donors, and development partners, effectively managing staff, and supporting the CEO. The role also works closely with the Manager Finance & Corporate Services to ensure financial accountability and feasibility of all programmes and projects. The position reports to the CEO.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Strategic goals supported through effective leadership and oversight
Contribute to strategic planning and implementation. Provide strategic risk management support and advice. Ensure risks are effectively managed to achieve PDF’s strategic goals. Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies and procedures. Establish and maintain best practice systems and procedures. Ensure efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement of systems and services. Lead and manage the enablement team effectively. Motivate and support staff to strengthen their skills, competencies, and experience. Ensure operational goals and objectives are achieved. Develop and monitor annual work plans for all staff. Discuss staff development needs with individuals and the Senior Management Team. Convene timely and productive staff meetings. Plan and schedule resources to meet operational requirements. Provide capacity-building support to strengthen PDF as a customer-focused organisation that empowers staff and members. Resolve stakeholder concerns, employee issues, operational challenges, and requirements. Promote innovation, professionalism, efficiency, and productivity across projects and programmes.
2. Effective management and coordination of all programmes and projects
Effective management of senior staff and relevant project/programme teams delivers desired outcomes and objectives Oversight provided on the development and implementation of project/programme frameworks and plans Various project/programme elements are properly coordinated including scoping activities, project plan development & execution, acquiring legal & regulatory sign offs & project reporting Donor and PDF policy management is compliant Project planning of implementation, budget, equipment procurement, human resources, etc. accounted for Clear understanding of the project lifecycle process and the requirements ensured for successful project and actively chasing of application                                                         Implementation schedules, budgetary controls and quality assurance are developed and implemented Project/programme briefs and papers submitted by Managers for project funding are reviewed for improvement and approval Project/programme funding is monitored and utilised accordingly                            Relevant budgets are constantly reviewed with Manager Finance and Corporate Services Project/programme planning, policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and with leadership to ensure development in line with best practice Effective relationships with donors, partners and relevant agencies are initiated and maintained Leadership of all projects/programmes ensuring continuous improvement with regular discussion of issues relating to programme planning and delivery,                Decisions/recommendations communicated to CEO and Board
3. Facilitation and oversight of programme and project administration
Ensure CEO sign-off for agreements with donors. Review and approve donor monitoring reports prepared by programme and project staff. Provide oversight of programme monitoring and evaluation. Contribute to the development, approval, and implementation of programme and project policies and procedures. Represent PDF effectively in public forums. Lead or attend internal and external meetings as required by the CEO. Provide leadership and input into the development of disability policy and practice. Contribute to the preparation of CEO Board reports.
4. Management of donor and stakeholder relationships ensured
Build and maintain strong relationships to ensure projects are delivered to sponsor expectations. Develop and negotiate contracts and budgets where required. Provide timely and accurate reporting on project progress and completion. Maintain partnerships to optimise resources, share information, and align with regional and international stakeholders. Manage ongoing relationships with key partners such as DFAT and MFAT in line with contractual obligations. Provide advisory updates and documents to donors on project and programme status. Maintain open communication lines for knowledge sharing, resources, and information support. Convene regular meetings to reinforce stakeholder relationships. Establish new partnerships and joint initiatives through collaboration and advocacy. Invite stakeholders to attend symposia, events, and meetings hosted or supported by PDF.
5. Organisation's image and value standards demonstrated and promoted
Collaborate with other teams across the organisation to achieve shared goals. Monitor and encourage staff to uphold the organisation’s image and values. Consistently demonstrate and promote the organisation’s standards in all activities.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Strategic Development	Establish the strategic direction and steer the organisation towards its goals
Business Performance	Manage the performance of the organisation.
Change Management	Implement and manage changing situations resulting from a change in strategic/business.
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Systems and Procedures	Develop and/or apply procedures to assist the organisation achieve its goals.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Customer Commitment	Demonstrate a commitment to customer service - both internal and external customers.
Commercial Focus	Optimize the commercial viability of the organisation.
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
Social and Cultural Awareness	Respond respectfully and effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds.
People
Leadership	Utilise a leadership position to influence people and events and to increase performance.
Facilitation	Assist the progress of work ensuring its timely and effective completion.
Problem Solving	Develop practical solutions to a situation.
Negotiation	Reach agreement through discussion and compromise.
Learning	Develop the competencies of self and others to enhance performance.
Operational
Health and Safety	Establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Higher Degree incl. Post Grad Cert or Dip	Business Studies/ Disability Studies/Community Development , Public Administration, Disability Policy, Advocacy/Communications or equivalent
Desirable
Masters Degree	Business Studies/ Disability Studies/Community Development , Human Rights / Gender / Social Work / Related field

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Proficiency in the use of computers, software applications - MS Word, Excel, database packages etc.
2. Strong knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools and frameworks, including development and implementation stages.
3. Extensive professional experience in project and programme management within the public or private sectors.
4. Professional experience in the disability sector
5. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior role within the disability sector or a related field. Regional experience is desirable.
6. Demonstrated experience in people and process management.
7. Experience in management of multiple donor funding arrangements and familiar with donor and development partner procedures
8. Proven ability to secure programme funding and lead negotiations.
9. Good working knowledge of PDF development partners and regional stakeholders' including OPDs

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Strong written and spoken English language proficiency
Knowledge and Understanding of Regional languages
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Police Clearance
Medical Clearance

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Chief Executive Officer
All staff
Senior Management Team
Enablement Team
External
Board Members
NGO’s / CSO’s
Stakeholders
Contractors
Donors
Government Officials
Industry Associations
Media
Members and advocacy groups
Peak bodies
Regulators
Member OPDs

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Achiever	Puts in effort to achieve a desired result or goal and is motivated by this end and the overall accomplishment.
Innovative	Devises new and creative ways to do things comes up with original ideas.
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Interpersonal Styles
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Realistic	Shows concern for facts and reality, rejecting the impractical.
Self Sufficient and Assured	Readily copes with situations without recourse/need of others, showing confidence and belief in oneself and one's own abilities
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Thinking Styles
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.
Initiative	Takes action and makes decisions without the help or advice of other people.
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Numerate	Shows abilities in quantitative thought and expression.

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