At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the planning and delivery of impactful digital innovation programmes.
- Company: Join a leading tech organisation focused on humanitarian and climate solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global development while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Project management skills and a passion for international development are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Department: Mobile for Development
Team: Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation and ClimateTech/Digital Utilities
Location: London (hybrid working)
Position type: Fixed Term Contract until March 2027
What the hiring manager says: “This role sits in the operations of Mobile for Development programmes – ensuring activities are well coordinated and run smoothly to deliver meaningful impact. It’s a great opportunity to build experience across two high impact programmes, working with diverse teams and gaining exposure to all aspects of programme delivery.” - Sheila Moa, 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 GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation (M4H) programme works to accelerate the delivery and impact of digital humanitarian assistance. This is achieved by building a learning and research agenda to inform the future of digital humanitarian response, catalysing partnerships and innovation for new digital humanitarian services, advocating for enabling policy environments, monitoring and evaluating performance, disseminating insights and profiling achievements.
The GSMA ClimateTech/Digital Utilities programme works on innovative financing structures that combine commercial and impact-oriented capital to scale climate technologies as well as supporting urban resilience by enabling access to essential utility services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is achieved through thought leadership, strong policy and advocacy work.
About the Role: 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 work across two programmes (M4H and ClimateTech/Digital Utilities) as part of the Operations team, supporting the effective planning, coordination, and delivery of programme activities. The role reports to the Senior Operations Manager (M4H), who leads on operational management of the Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation team across delivery, reporting (including donor reporting) and business planning. You will work closely with programme teams, 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:
- Assist the Senior Operations Managers to track and report on deliverables and KPIs
- Support the preparation of monthly programme internal reports, and quarterly and annual programme donor reporting
- Maintain programme risk, issue and lessons learned logs, ensuring timely escalation where necessary
- Assist with programme activity planning and maintain programme’s workplans tracking
- Support end-to-end procurement processes including supplier onboarding, contracting, purchase orders and invoice management, in collaboration with the Finance team
- Coordinate event planning and logistics, including sourcing and booking venues and liaising with programme teams and marketing
- Manage travel tracking and maintain organised shared filing systems i.e. SharePoint
- 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:
- Demonstrable operations and project management experience, ideally within donor-funded projects
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities across different programmes
- Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial processes
- Proven track record in tracking and reporting on project activities
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to work effectively across teams and manage upwards
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to respond to changing requirements and priorities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of a team, supporting other team members in a busy global environment, across several different geographical locations
- Excellent attention to detail
- Proficiency using MS Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and experience with project or grant management systems
- 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 your Skills: Across the diversity of roles at GSMA, there are core capabilities that all GSMA staff need. For this role, the five key capabilities are:
- 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 talent@gsma.com 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.
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 so we particularly encourage applications from all demographics. The success of the GSMA year on year will continue to be contributed by people from all walks of life.
GSMA Values: Our values not only drive our culture – they shape how we work and interact inside and outside our global organisation.
- Passionately driven: We approach everything we do with unparalleled capability, tenacity and commitment, knowing that the challenging scale, pace and complexity of our work is what leads to its world-changing impact.
- Insightful leaders: We continually develop and engage our expertise, insight and creativity so that we’re always ready to respond to the changing landscape with authority, agility and nuance.
- Stronger together: We lean on each other so the industry can lean on us, embracing our diversity by actively seeking out perspectives and skill sets beyond our own, fuelling each other’s successes and constantly asking how we can help.
Underpinning our values is our collective mindset to show up purposefully as good human beings every day, in every situation. When we’re at our best – we are collaborative, considerate and compassionate to others, and we create a safe space for one another to thrive, assuming positive intent in our colleagues. And if we aren’t at our best and the pressure is on – we feel free to be ourselves but still remain curious, lean into the tough stuff and we are always respectful to others and accountable for the part we play.
Assistant Operations Manager in London employer: GSM Conference Services
At GSMA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive learning opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field of international development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by GSM Conference Services.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like GSM Conference Services.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at GSM Conference Services.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at GSM Conference Services. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of GSM Conference Services. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Assistant Operations Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at GSM Conference Services
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of GSM Conference Services. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
