Assistant Operations Manager
Description
Department: Mobile for Development
Team: Inclusive Digital Finance ( InDiFin )
Location: London (hybrid working)
Position type: Fixed Term Contrac t until 31/10/27
What the hiring manager says
“ As an Assistant Operations Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting the effective delivery of the “ Advancing Financial Health in Mobile Money Ecosystems” initiative . Y ou will help coordinate programme operations, financial management , reporting and governance processes, ensuring activities are delivered efficiently and contribute to meaningful impact. ”
Kate Zechner, Senior Operations Manager
About the Team
The Mobile for Development (M4D) team drives innovation in digital technology to reduce inequalities in our world. Singularly positioned at the intersection of the mobile ecosystem and the development sector, we stimulate digital innovation to deliver both sustainable business and large-scale socio-economic impact for the underserved.
The Inclusive Digital Finance ( InDiFin ) programme drives an inclusive digital finance ecosystem by mobilising providers, policymakers and partners to deliver market innovation and reform – closing the gap between financial access and genuine financial health for underserved populations. The vision of the programme is a world where everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, can confidently manage daily needs, plan for the future and withstand financial shocks – contributing to more stable, equitable and prosperous societies.
Under the “Advancing Financial Health in Mobile Money Ecosystems” initiative, the InDiFin programme will generate evidence on the drivers of financial health, equip mobile money providers (MMPs) with practical, evidence-based tools and implementation support, and embed financial health measurement into MMP product design, strategy, and decision-making.
About the R ole
The Assistant Operations Manager role will be an exciting opportunity for an individual with a passion for international development and the role of digital innovation in driving socio-economic impact for the underserved .
You will support the “ Advancing Financial Health in Mobile Money Ecosystems ” initiative by helping to plan, coordinate and deliver programme activities in collaboration with the wider team.
The role reports to the Senior Operations Manager, who leads on operational management of the InDiFin team across delivery, reporting (including donor reporting ) and business planning. You will work closely with programme tea ms , as well as colleagues across the wider M4D including, compliance/finance, legal, HR, marketing and subject matter experts.
As an Assistant Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the following:
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Assist the Senior Operations Managers in track ing and report ing on deliverables and KPIs .
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Support the prep aration of monthly programme internal report s , and quarterly and annual programme donor reporting .
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Maintain programme risk, issue and lessons learned logs , ensuring timely escalation where required .
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Assist with programme activity planning and m aintain programme’s ’ workplans tracking .
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Support end-to-end procurement processes including supplie r onboarding , contract ing, purchase orders and invoice management , in collaboration with the f inance team .
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Coordinate event planning and logistics , including sourcing and booking venues and liaising with programme teams and marketing .
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Manage travel track ing and maintain organised shared filing systems i.e. SharePoint .
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Any other duties commensurate with level as requested by the Senior Operations Managers .
About You
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and experience :
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Demonstrable operations and project management experience , ideally with in donor-funded projects .
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Strong organisational and planning skill s , with ability to manage multiple priorities across different workstreams.
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Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial processes .
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Proven track record in tracking and reporting on project activities .
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Strong stakeholder management skills , including the ability to work effectively across teams and manage upwards .
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Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing requirement s and prioriti es .
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills .
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Ability to work as part of a team, supporting other team members in a busy global environment, across several different geographical locations .
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Excellent attention to detail .
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Proficiency using MS O ffice ( i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and experience with project or grant management systems .
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An interest in international development and/or social enterprises in emerging markets .
This is a hands-on role requiring a pro-active, self-motivated individual who can work independently and collaborate effectively to support programme success.
About y our S kills
Across the diversity of roles at GSMA, there are core capabilities that all GSMA staff need . For this role , there five key capabilities required for this role are Project Management , Communication, Agility , Teamwork and Stakeholder Managemen t .
Project Management: Fundamental to ensuring activities are well coordinated and delivered effectively. Requires the ability to manage competing priorities, track deliverables and reporting requirements, and maintain accurate documentation and oversight across multiple workstreams.
Communication: Critical to effective coordination and collaboration. Requires clear and professional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information concisely, prepare reports, and engage confidently with different audiences.
Agility: Important in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Requires the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, manage multiple demands simultaneously, and respond proactively while maintaining attention to detail.
Teamwork: Central to successful programme delivery. Requires the ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams, build positive working relationships, and contribute proactively to shared objectives .
Stakeholder Management: Fundamental to the success of the programmes. Requires the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring requirements, timelines and actions are understood and communicated effectively through to completion. Able to manage expectations professionally, follow up on actions and escalate issues appropriately to support successful programme delivery.
We strive to offer a meaningful and inclusive application experience for all candidates. Should you require any accommodations or adjustments due to a disability or for any other reason during the hiring process, please contact [email protected] with your request .
Contract type
Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term)
Worker type
Employee
What We Offer
Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry. We offer a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile, whatever your role. By joining the GSMA, you will be exposed to a fast-paced rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions, genuinely fascinating and industry-changing projects and a stimulating and dynamic environment designed to enable you to flourish.
In addition to architect-designed offices and competitive compensation, our benefits include fantastic learning & development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, four additional days off for professional development and many others.
To learn more about the GSMA, visit our career site , our LinkedIn page and our Twitter page.
Being You at the GSMA
We care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusivity and aspire to be the best at it. Your well-being and work/life balance is important, so flexi-time and remote working is available to all staff. We're keen to ensure everyone is equal, represented and connected