Operations Manager
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Dili, Timor-Leste
We’re looking for a collaborative and strategic Operations Manager to join our team and help drive impact through strong financial, human resources, and administrative leadership. In this role, you’ll work closely with program leadership and global teams to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting and informed decision-making. You’ll play a key role in maintaining compliance with donor and grant requirements, developing budgets and forecasts, and supporting strategic planning and fundraising efforts.
Beyond financial stewardship, you’ll help shape the operational backbone of the program, ensuring systems and processes are efficient, effective, and aligned with our conservation mission. You’ll be invited to recommend improvements that enhance productivity, operational capacity, and internal service delivery.
As a trusted partner, you’ll also support people management and capacity-building efforts, working with HR and leadership to foster a high-performing, engaged team. You’ll help implement audit recommendations, ensure compliance with internal policies and local regulations, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Senior Director for Operations, Asia, this role is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and is eager to make a meaningful contribution to global conservation efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management and Reporting
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Oversee the program’s budget, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis.
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Collaborate with program leadership to identify and implement corrective actions when needed.
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Ensure accurate recording of accounting transactions in compliance with CI policies, procedures, and local reporting requirements.
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Manage the operations budget and address emerging financial issues, including risk management.
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Lead annual and ad-hoc budgeting processes and develop financial models to support strategic planning and fundraising proposals.
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Ensure effective stewardship of CI’s financial resources and assets, including managing program audits and implementing audit recommendations.
Grants and Donor Compliance
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Administer grants and donor agreements, ensuring full compliance with financial and reporting requirements.
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Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance for all grants and donor-funded activities.
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Manage subgrants and subcontracts, ensuring alignment with CI standards and donor expectations.
Operational Leadership
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Drive improvements in program efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals.
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Recommend and implement changes to business processes and structures as needed.
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Set and uphold standards for operational and financial management, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and workflows.
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Support the rollout of new programs and systems, ensuring proper use of CI platforms and tools.
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Liaise with IT to ensure staff have access to and can effectively use CI’s technology assets.
Human Resources and Capacity Building
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Partner with Regional and Global HR teams to address people management issues, including performance management, recruitment, staffing, and compliance with CI policies and local labor laws.
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Provide guidance to supervisors on personnel matters and support strategic staffing and planning efforts.
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Lead capacity-building initiatives, identify training needs, and collaborate with HQ to ensure staff engagement and performance.
Monitoring and Evaluation
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Report on program performance and achievement of key metrics.
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Assist in identifying and addressing high-risk issues that may impact program delivery or compliance.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor to support program and organizational goals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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This position is based in Dili with frequent travel to CI Timor-Leste project sites.
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Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
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This role will be a fixed-term assignment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Education and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline.
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4 to 6 years of relevant professional experience in Finance and Accounting; exposure to Administration, Human Resources, or Grants Management is an asset.
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Prior experience working with international nonprofit organizations is highly desirable.
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Familiarity with financial accrual processes within an international NGO setting is preferred.
Skills and Abilities
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Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial or technical information clearly and effectively.
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Collaborative team player with demonstrated cultural sensitivity, professional etiquette, and awareness of international protocols.
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Fluent in spoken and written English.
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Flexible and adaptable mindset, with a willingness to work extended hours when necessary to meet deadlines.
Preferred
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Demonstrated experience in accrual Finance and Accounting.
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Knowledge of SAP/Oracle and Business World
To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.
See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE
Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.
