Movement on the Ground is ready for a Head of operations who believes that a better world starts with building better communities.

About Movement on the Ground 

Founded in 2015 on Lesvos Island, Greece as a response to the unfolding European refugee crisis we have since then been able to have a positive impact on the lives of many. At present MOTG executes transformative missions in Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Lebanon and recently in North West Syria and Turkey.

At the core of our mission stands our Camp to CampUs approach. Following that approach, we transform deprived habitats together with forcible displaced people and their host communities into inclusive, self-sustainable and durable communities. 

It’s all about the people! Unlocking potential, co-creating perspective and an enabling environment for newcomers to kick start a future is what we envision as a global movement. A movement for and with the people and where organizations and governing bodies join forces with to turn this vision into the global standard.   

Role summary

This position is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual who wants to be part of an innovative global NGO, accelerate MOTG’s mission and expand its impact. As the Head of Operations of MOTG, you will lead and manage our ground operation teams, oversee all aspects of our projects and ensure that we continue to expand our reach with the Camp to CampUs philosophy and programs. To be successful in this role we are looking for candidates who have:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, such as operations management, supply chain management, economics or a related field. 
• At least 7 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a social enterprise, NGO or non-profit setting. 
• Experience managing operational teams, projects, budgets and implementing effective programs, processes and procedures. 
• Leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. 
• Strong problem-solving, project management, analytical skills and the ability to oversee the impact of choices and persuasiveness to make choices. 
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and ethical standard related to community building and integration. 
• Familiarity with issues and challenges faced by newcomers and refugees.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, levels and cultures. Staff, business partners, authorities, supervisory board and other stakeholders. 
• The willingness and ability to travel to different ground missions. When needed or when the situation calls for it. 
• Ability to work independently, together the team or as part of the management team, and adapt fast to changing situation, needs or priorities. 

More about your team

We work with lean and mean core teams that are enriched with community volunteers (residents from the camps) and visiting volunteers (international volunteers). Currently we are active in 6 countries. Every country has its own field operating officer you will work closely with. The management team in Amsterdam consists of the Head of Change, the Head of Office and the Head of Operations. As a team we strongly believe in the value of working independently, with lots of autonomy to take initiative, a can do mentality and an entrepreneurial culture.  

Your challenge

The Head of Operations leads and manages our ground operation teams, oversees all aspects of our ground movements and carries the following responsibilities:

• Provide vision, structure, direction and leadership for the ground operations, expand our reach with the Camp to CampUs philosophy or programs and building a strong team. 
• Challenge yourself to manage our NGO-missions like an entrepreneur with a start-up mindset and inspire the team to do the same in their function. 
• Manage day-to-day ground operations, including budgeting, planning, logistics, insurance, safety, security and reporting. 
• Develop and implement effective programs, processes and procedures for ground mission. 
• Identify, develop and implement concepts for community building, engagement and awareness, that have value and the potential to generate revenue, attract funding or connect partners sustainably. 
• Build and maintain relationships with various levels of stakeholders, including regulatory authorities in countries where we are active on the ground.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, as well as with our own approach, policies and procedures. 
• Maintain and build further on our strong organizational culture that values entrepreneurship, creativity, diversity, inclusion, risk-taking, teamwork and people first. 
• Monitor, evaluate and provide reports about the impact of our ground missions and make recommendations for continuous improvement. 
• Coaching and challenging the ground operations team. As a team, mission and individually. 
• Identify and respond to trends and challenges in the field of work, support and adapt strategies accordingly. 

What we offer you  

• A great place to work with the opportunity to grow and develop yourself, and the team. 
• The chance to bring Movement on the Ground to the next level. 
• An indefinite contract for 40 hours a week.
• An office in the heart of Amsterdam including lunch
• The ability to travel to our ground missions when needed or when the situation calls for it. 
• Start date: as soon as possible

Ready to join?

Are you ready to join? Do you have that sparkle in your eyes when you read this vacancy? We love to meet you personally. Please send us your resume and motivation letter as soon as possible but at least before June the 23rd. 

Contact details

people@movementontheground.com  at the attention of Jolien den Hartog