Deputy Team Leader - Operations

Job Posting Organization:
Strongim Bisnis is an innovative pro-business program funded by the Australian Government. The program aims to support Solomon Islands businesses in increasing productivity, accessing greater income earning opportunities, and entering higher value markets. The overarching goal is to enable greater resilience and create jobs, ultimately leading to poverty reduction. Strongim Bisnis collaborates with the private sector and the Solomon Islands Government to enhance trade and investment opportunities and accelerate business growth. Currently in its third phase of implementation, the program engages with over 40 private sector businesses, civil society organizations, and government departments across the Solomon Islands. The program is managed by a team of 30 personnel, led by a diverse senior management team, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and effectiveness in achieving its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Team Leader - Operations (DTL - Operations) is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and administration of the Strongim Bisnis program. This includes ensuring that all activities are supported by effective administrative, procurement, logistics, financial, and information technology systems. The DTL - Operations will work closely with the Team Leader to provide strategic leadership, ensuring that operations align with donor requirements, governance standards, and internal policies. This role involves leading the Operations Team, which includes Finance, Logistics, and Procurement staff, setting objectives, managing performance, and building team capacity. The DTL - Operations will also strengthen and implement operational policies and processes, oversee partnership procurement, and coordinate recruitment, mobilization, and IT support for personnel. Additionally, the position carries the responsibility of supporting program-wide planning and budgeting, focusing on value for money, fraud reduction, and compliance with DFAT regulations. The DTL - Operations will maintain security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and workplace health and safety protocols, monitor operational risks, and ensure accurate financial oversight and reporting. This is a full-time leadership role based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with occasional regional travel, and the successful candidate will be expected to lead both directly and through influence, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DTL - Operations will manage various aspects of program operations, including providing operational advice and analysis to the Team Leader, ASI Program Manager, and DFAT to support informed decision-making. The role involves updating and implementing the program's Security Plans and Standard Operating Procedures, identifying improvements, and overseeing the review and development of operational policies, procedures, and systems. The DTL - Operations will work with the Team Leader to ensure operational risks are identified and monitored, acting as the secondary security point of contact for the program. The position also includes supporting contractual arrangements with program partners, coordinating with the Partnership Management Team, and ensuring compliance with internal policies. Financial management responsibilities include overseeing the in-country finance function, developing financial policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with client regulations. The DTL - Operations will also oversee procurement processes, asset management, and information technology support, ensuring compliance with the Operations Manual and internal policies. Additionally, the role involves logistical support for program activities, team leadership, and capacity building, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess qualifications in a relevant discipline such as commerce, business administration, or international development, with a post-graduate degree preferred. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in leading the implementation of complex development programs in the Asia-Pacific region is required, along with at least 15 years' experience in Finance and Operations and/or Program Management in international development programs. Demonstrated experience delivering DFAT programs with a comprehensive understanding of DFAT policies and procedures regarding procurement, financial management, safeguarding, risk management, and performance reporting is essential. Candidates should exhibit high-level organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent liaison and coordination skills, with the capacity to operate effectively in a complex environment. Experience supervising a culturally diverse team is preferred, and candidates must demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in a relevant field such as commerce, business administration, or international development. A post-graduate degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in international development and program management.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically at least 10 years in leading complex development programs within the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 15 years' experience in Finance and Operations and/or Program Management within international development programs, showcasing a deep understanding of the operational and financial aspects of such initiatives.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the role. Additional language skills relevant to the Solomon Islands or the Pacific region may be considered advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with an initial contract until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension to 2029. The role involves provincial travel as required, and the successful candidate will be expected to lead a team of 4-6 locally engaged staff in Logistics, Operations, and Finance. Applications should be submitted by 11:59pm (Sydney time) on 20 October 2025, and will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Adam Smith International (ASI) is committed to improving workforce diversity and encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, Indigenous and ethnic minority groups, and nationals of Pacific countries.