Background

Would you like to join the core team of an established international NGO and help build its foundations? Tactical Tech is developing the skills needed by society to handle the social and political impact of AI and digital acceleration. We focus on the impact of technology on children and young people, equipping journalists and the media with the skills needed to navigate a changing landscape, combat misinformation and develop critical AI literacy.

We are an international non-profit that builds the critical literacy of civil society and decision makers on the social, political, and environmental impacts of technology globally. Founded in 2003, Tactical Tech has pioneered work on digital security and privacy, digital investigation and advocacy, and now on critical literacy and AI. It has designed award-winning public engagement projects that have now been replicated in over 90 countries.

Working closely with partners worldwide, we turn complex debates about technology into resources that practitioners working in the public interest can use, adapt, and apply.

As an organisation that has been exploring the impact of technology on society for over 20 years, we have a lot to share: an established network of amazing partners from across the world, a track record of pioneering, forward-looking and award-winning projects, and a constant enthusiasm for meeting new audiences.

Purpose of role

Tactical Teach has an immediate opening for an Operations Director who will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors and will be responsible for the smooth running of Tactical Tech’s core operational functions, oversee, review, and evaluate its working practices and policies, and develop proposals for improvement. It provides cross-organisational support across finance, administration, HR, legal and compliance, and supports the Co-Executive Directors on governance, fundraising, and business development.

The role is ideally full time, but other flexible, 40-hour work week arrangement will be considered. This is preferably a fixed-term role of up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension, and the contract type will be tailored to the successful candidate’s location.

Primary responsibilities

The job holder will have the following key responsibilities:

Organisational finance and project support

Oversee annual audits and grant related reports and budgets, maintain financial management to the highest standard, including for multi-partner EU grants.
Financial and resource planning on an annual, quarterly and ad hoc basis, providing reports and advising Co-Executive Directors in preparation for executive board meetings.
Put in place structures and provide support to fundraising and project teams on developing, tracking and resolving budgetary planning and questions for live projects and for future funding proposals.
Coordinate internal and external financial support to staff and contractors (e.g. finance assistant, accountant and auditors), payroll, payments, invoicing and banking.
Execute and maintain four-eye principle on all financial transactions, including banking and invoices.

Resource Planning and Oversight

Work with the Co-Executive Directors and team members to plan resources and capacity and ensure timely, high-quality delivery of projects on both a day-to-day and big picture level.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, contribute suggestions for strategic development of the organisational operations, including efficiency and improving processes.
Ownership of all HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, contracting and benefits; appraisal and performance management; employee well-being and professional development; and compliance with employment law and health and safety requirements, in coordination with relevant line managers
Manage Tactical Tech’s office service needs at Publix and related internal IT facilities.

Legal, compliance, governance, and administration

Oversee and update internal policies and procedures to ensure that core internal operational functions achieve their objectives.
Ensure systems and compliance with grants, contracts and procurement processes
Support the Co-Executive Directors in monitoring organisational administrative and financial risks and opportunities.
Serve as the main point of contact for external contractors, including law firms, auditors, accountants and other operational services companies.
Under the direction of the Co-Executive Directors, coordinate improvements in governance structures and progress registration of new legal entities, ensuring up to date compliance with German non-profit law.

Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of our ideal candidate profile; however, we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Experience

Proven track record in a senior operations role, such as Director of Operations or Head of Operations, ideally within a non-profit, NGO, or civil society organisation.
Hands on experience managing complex, multi-partner budgets, from proposal stage through to audit and close out.
Direct ownership of annual statutory audits and board-level financial reporting
Full HR life cycle management, including recruitment, onboarding, appraisal performance management, professional development, and onboarding.
Working knowledge of German employment law (Arbeitsrecht) is an advantage; familiarity with Dutch non-profit law (Stichting) is an advantage.
Experience managing relationships with external contractors and service providers (auditors, accountants, legal counsel, payroll, and IT).
Experience working directly with the leadership team, such as an Executive Director, in a strategic capacity.

Skills and qualifications

Multi-donor grant budget management and financial controls.
Proficiency in accounting or financial management software and HRIS systems.
GDPR Compliance and data protection administration.
Professional-level German strongly preferred.

Personal traits desired

Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable working at the operational and detail-level.
Strong communicator with a collaborative working style.
Adaptable and proactive in identifying and escalating organisational risks.

What Tactical Tech Offers

Tactical Tech offers a truly collaborative, lively, and international work environment for people who are intellectually curious and committed to tackling some of the most pressing issues in technology and how it shapes our society. We have a flexible way of working and a team that values participation, ensuring that everyone has a voice and a role in shaping the work that we do.

Our team values diversity and inclusion and we offer flexible, hybrid working arrangements, although our expectation is that everyone works in our Berlin Office at Publix three days a week and that most of the work be done within 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the workweek.

To apply for the post

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement- Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full_name_CV_org_name_role and full_name_role_CL.

If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Tricia Placido at tricia@upsallinternational.com. Please note: to ensure the security of your application and to ensure that your data complies with GDPR regulations, applications via email will not be accepted.

· The deadline for applications is Monday 6^th of July, 9:00 am CET ·

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Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.