The Director of Operations - Belgium/Europe (EU Residents Only)

The Director of Operations, Belgium/Europe

LOCATION: Brussels, Belgium

CANDIDATES ACCEPTED: EU Residents. Experience in Belgian/ European NGO sector.

START DATE: Immediately

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Operations will provide strategic leadership for the management of HIAS Europe Finance, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, and administrative functions. This position oversees and manages HIAS Europe's’ day-to-day financial and administrative operations while maintaining accounting records and internal controls in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This position will be responsible for all financial and administrative support and oversight functions in Brussels and provides guidance to Finance staff in HIAS Europe affiliated Country Offices. In the current set up, the incumbent will manage a Budget and Finance Compliance Manager, a Human Resources Manager, and an Operations Specialist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the HIAS Europe Director HIAS global management to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead the development and implementation of systems, policies and procedures to ensure all financial transactions of HIAS Europe and affiliated entities are monitored for conformity with internal controls.
• Maintain accounting, financial reporting, financial controls, and information systems to ensure adequate records, appropriate authorizations of transactions, and safeguard assets.
• Provide financial oversight and fiscal management including budgeting, strategic financial planning, projections, preparation of ad hoc and periodic reports.
• Provides leadership to Financial and Administrative staff of affiliated country offices through effective communication, review and support.
• Analyzes financial results with respect to revenue trends, costs and compliance with budget.
• Supports affiliated country offices with regulatory reporting.

COMPLIANCE

• Complies with Belgian reporting requirements and tax filings, and ensures all returns are filed timely and accurately.
• Oversees the annual financial audit with external auditors and ensures audit is completed on a timely basis.
• Coordinates country project audits and supports country offices in responding to audit requirements and inquiries.
• In collaboration with BFC Manager, formulates, recommends and implements sound fiscal policies, procedures and internal controls.

OTHER

• Provides leadership to other financial and administrative personnel through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication. Conducts meetings to ensure that personnel are well informed of changes in programs, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees all HR operations, including payroll related activities.
• Ensures all asset management and procurement of HIAS Europe and affiliated offices are in line with global HIAS policies and procedures.
• Assists the Director with analysis and board communication as needed.
• Communicates fiscal policies and procedures to all HIAS Europe employees and affiliated entities.
• Provides guidance and support to countries on risk management and internal controls.
• Builds capacity of Administrative and Financial Personnel in affiliated country offices
• Maintains the highest level of confidentiality regarding discussions and decisions made the Director and Board and takes all required actions to ensure that staff adhere to these requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required, master’s degree a plus.
• CPA is required.
• Work experience with Belgian or International NGO strongly preferred.
• Affinity with HIAS’ mission and values.
• Experience with cross-border operations.
• Experience with EU-funded programs preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive financial accounting experience required.
• 6+ years of supervisory experience required.
• Experience with accounting systems required.
• Knowledge and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to problem solve.
• Facilitates change by encouraging others to seek opportunities for new approaches to addressing problems and opportunities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead, develop and mentor staff during organizational development and transitions.
• Leader who ensures a productive working environment and confidently coaches and motivates employees to meet organizational goals.
• Proven experience using technology to improve financial management systems.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Full proficiency in English, French preferred.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts, and history of the Jewish people – a history of oppression, displacement, and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history, and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission, and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation, or other legally protected.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.