Chief Operating Officer
Security Council Report (SCR), a well-established non-profit think tank providing high-quality information and analysis on the UN Security Council free of charge, is recruiting a talented Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as its second-in-command. The position, which is based in New York City, reports directly to SCR’s Executive Director (ED) and is a member of the senior management team.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working in or around the United Nations system and managing the day-to-day operations of a non-profit or similar. They will also have experience managing and/or conducting in-depth research in an academic, think-tank, media, UN or NGO environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as SCR’s second-in-command, providing overall operational oversight.
- Work closely with the ED and Managing Editor (ME) to ensure the successful implementation of SCR’s programmes in accordance with its mission, vision, and strategy.
- Oversee and direct all non-editorial functions, including but not limited to budgeting and planning; programme development; grants management and reporting; publication processes; content promotion; finance and administration; human resources; and office management.
- Manage annual programmatic planning and development, including budgeting. Ensure that all SCR activities are in compliance with the organisation’s principles and policies, and donor requirements.
- Support the ED in the identification of new opportunities, development of funding proposals, and subsequent reporting on programme performance.
- Participate and manage design, operational planning, and implementation, of SCR’s outreach, trainings, and in-capital capacity-building programs.
- Oversee non-editorial components of SCR’s publications, forecasts, and reports.
- Develop and ensure that all operational policies and procedures are reflective of and consistent with SCR’s mission, vision, and strategy.
- Supervise staff responsible for the above functions. Serve as the head of human resources, overseeing performance reviews, finalising job descriptions, leading candidate interviews, and advising on final hiring decisions.
- Develop and implement onboarding procedures, staff development, and training. Model behaviour that is consistent with organisational culture, including coaching other staff when required.
- Present and participate in high-profile meetings on the work of the Security Council.
- Contribute to research reports and articles as necessary
When the ED is not available, providing editorial guidance, coordination, and final sign-off on all editorial products. The COO will need to manage multiple simultaneous responsibilities, demonstrating the capacity to prioritise tasks and delegate when necessary. They also will need to respond quickly and flexibly to rapidly changing developments in a fast-paced, detail- and deadline-oriented environment.
Skills and Qualifications
- An advanced degree in journalism, international affairs, or business administration.
- At least 15 years of experience in the UN or a UN mission, NGOs, media organisations, and/or think tanks.
- At least 10 years of experience working in or around the United Nations and/or other international organisations.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with steadfast resolve and personal integrity.
- Demonstrated management skills, including a dedication to working with and within teams.
- Experience serving in senior leadership positions in the UN, NGOs, media organisations, and/or think tanks.
- Experience developing and implementing programme management and evaluation systems.
- Experience managing complex, multifaceted projects.
- The ability to diagnose problems quickly and develop solutions.
- A demonstrated history of managing change.
- Patience.
- A sense of humour.
SALARY RANGE: $175,000 – $200,000, commensurate with experience
BENEFITS: SCR offers excellent benefits, including health, dental, life, and disability insurance; a 403b retirement plan; and generous paid annual, family, and sick leave.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter with a C.V. and references to opportunities@securitycouncilreport.org by 15 September 2024.
