At a Glance
- Tasks: Support digital inclusion programmes and manage operations for impactful projects.
- Company: Join a global team dedicated to mobile development and social impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to diverse teams and international development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of underserved communities through digital innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, project management, and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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: GSMAMobile 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.
As an Assistant Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the following:
- 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.
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 required are Project Management, Communication, Agility, Teamwork and Stakeholder Management.
- 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.
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term)
Worker type: Employee
Assistant Operations Manager, Handset Affordability employer: GSMA
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 innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager, Handset Affordability
✨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 GSMA.
✨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 GSMA.
✨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 GSMA.
✨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 GSMA. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager, Handset Affordability
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 GSMA. 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, Handset Affordability, 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 GSMA
✨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 GSMA. 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!
