At a Glance
- Tasks: Support digital inclusion programmes and manage operations for impactful projects.
- Company: Join a global team dedicated to driving socio-economic change through mobile technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse teams across the globe.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of underserved communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, project management, and a passion for international development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: London
Position Type: Fixed Term Contract until end of December 2027, Full-Time, Hybrid working, 2-3 days in the office
What the hiring manager says: We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, proactive and excited by the opportunity to support programmes that drive digital inclusion at scale. This role offers broad exposure across operations, programme delivery and stakeholder coordination, making it a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, collaboration and meaningful impact in their work. - Orla Ryan, Operations Manager
About the Team: GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D) Foundation is a dedicated global team within the GSMA, bringing together our mobile operator members, tech innovators, the development community and governments, to realise the impact of mobile in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This role sits within the M4D Digital Inclusion & Gender Team, which includes the Connected Women and Connected Society programmes. GSMA’s Connected Women programme works with mobile operators and their partners to address the barriers to women accessing and using mobile internet and mobile money services. GSMA’s Connected Society Programme works with the mobile industry and key stakeholders to increase access to and adoption of the mobile internet, focusing on underserved population groups in developing markets. The programmes are funded by the FCDO (UK), Sida (Sweden), and are supported by the GSMA and its members. Additional research and work is also funded by the Gates Foundation.
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 be working across the Connected Women programme as part of the Digital Inclusion & Gender Operations team including supporting a project focused on improving affordability and adoption of internet-enabled handsets for women to support their livelihoods. This role is critical to the overall success of the Connected Women programme and reports directly to the Connected Women Operations Manager who leads operations across delivery, reporting (including donor reporting) and business planning, as part of the wider Digital Inclusion & Gender Operations team. In this role you will also work with various Project Leads and Directors, subject matter experts, compliance/finance, legal, HR and marketing teams, as well as the wider M4D team.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Operations Managers to track and report on deliverables and KPIs
- Support the preparation of monthly internal programme reports, as well as quarterly and annual external donor reporting
- Maintain programme risk, issue and lessons learned logs, ensuring timely escalation where required
- Assist with programme activity planning and track programme workplans
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes including supplier onboarding, contracting, purchase order 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 budget forecasts
- Support all aspects of team travel
- Maintain organised, shared filing systems i.e. SharePoint
- Any other duties commensurate with level as requested by the Operations Manager
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 tracking and reporting on project activities
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to work effectively across teams and manage upwards
- Flexibility 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.
Core Capabilities: Project Management, Communication, Agility, Teamwork and Stakeholder Management.
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term)
Employment Type: Employee
EEO Statement: We encourage applications from all demographics.
Assistant Operations Manager, Handset Affordability employer: GSMA LLC
At GSMA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions digital inclusion and socio-economic impact in underserved communities. Our London-based team fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth within the international development sector. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager, Handset Affordability
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their projects, especially those related to digital inclusion and gender, so you can show how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your project management experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager, Handset Affordability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for international development and digital innovation shine through. We want to see how excited you are about making a meaningful impact, especially in underserved communities.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant operations and project management experience. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities, so share specific examples that demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to manage various tasks.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the GSMA Mobile for Development team.
How to prepare for a job interview at GSMA LLC
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the Connected Women and Connected Society programmes. Understand their goals, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple priorities or projects. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you used to stay organised and efficient.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
Think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with various teams or stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you navigated different perspectives to achieve a common goal. This is crucial for the Assistant Operations Manager role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations related to programme delivery or budget management. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will showcase your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
