Regional Operations Manager, Asia-Pacific

JOB TITLE: Regional Operations Manager, Asia-Pacific
TEAM: Asia-Pacific
REPORTS TO: Head of Programs, Asia-Pacific
LOCATION: Sydney, with flexibility for remote work anywhere within Australia

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a senior role for an experienced international development professional who can bring together knowledge of robust corporate governance and compliance practices across a range of business service functions, with the experience of implementing development programs in fragile, conflict-affected or low-resource environments.

Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. Headquartered in London, our Asia Pacific regional office now works alongside a corporate hub in Thailand and five country offices throughout the Pacific to drive business growth and lead program delivery for multiple development partners including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

You will play a critical role in ensuring that operations run smoothly and provide a robust, scalable platform for program delivery. This role ensures the development and implementation of operational processes and compliance frameworks that align with global ASI policies and priorities, at the same time as meeting the business requirements of APAC and its key clients. Your role will be key to increasing the efficiency of operations through coordinating the delivery of identified improvements collaboratively with programs teams, program managers and business service functions that provide the operational systems within ASI.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS

• Develop, document and provide training on new operational processes, including standardisation, where appropriate, of program operations manuals and other program delivery frameworks.

• Coordinate the provision of relevant training to Program Managers and/or program teams for the smooth execution of operational tasks.

• Monitor and improve compliance of teams to operational processes and procedures.

• Maintain operational task trackers and coordinate regional operations meetings with key internal stakeholders

• Collaborate closely with Finance and People & Talent teams to ensure new processes, policy revisions or system changes, in particular the ASI Operating System, support compliant and efficient program delivery.

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Maintain a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to the challenges faced in the region, including quarterly reporting to regional senior management for escalation to the global ASI Risk Register.

• Monitor, mitigate and address key operational risks, escalating issues as necessary.

• Lead the implementation of duty-of-care measures, including coordination of required training to corporate and program team members.

COMPLIANCE AND SAFEGUARDING

• Ensure branch office and subsidiary compliance with local legal and regulatory requirements in all countries of operation, including tax, labour laws, and corporate governance.

• Develop, manage and report against a regional compliance checklist/matrix.

• Coordinate the delivery of safeguarding training to required personnel, including subcontractors and downstream partners.

• Work closely with People & Talent to ensure mandatory safeguarding requirements, including background screening and training, are being complied with.

• Collaborate with the internal audit team to address compliance issues and mitigate risks.

• Identify and implement required changes to ensure ongoing compliance with Australian Commonwealth and DFAT requirements.

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Work closely with the Head of Programs and Finance to ensure strong portfolio financial management.

• Work closely with Program Managers, Finance and program finance personnel to ensure efficient cost recognition processes, meeting client spot check requirements and timely certification of client invoices to reduce payment processing time.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Support the delivery of major programs by ensuring that operational challenges are addressed in a timely manner.

• Provide operational and risk-related advice to Program Managers and teams.

ABOUT YOU

You will possess:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as operations management, risk management, business administration, change management or international development.

• A proven track record in managing operations across multiple countries, particularly in fragile/conflict-affected regions (preferably in the Indo-Pacific).

• Extensive experience in delivering DFAT-funded programs and demonstrated knowledge of DFAT and Australian commonwealth compliance requirements.

• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

• In-depth knowledge of operational best practices, including understanding of legal concepts, assurance practices and regulatory compliance (preferably within the region).

• Knowledge of duty-of-care standards and how to apply them in complex operational environments.

• Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams and lead coordination of work to shared outcomes.

The successful applicant must have the right to live and work in Australia.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

ASI is committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work and ASI encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do.

HEARD ENOUGH? READY TO APPLY?

We are keen to hear from you. Please submit a CV and a one-page cover letter setting out your motivations and suitability. Please note that the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ASI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ASI welcomes applications from people with disability. We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the hiring process. Let us know how we can make the process accessible for you.