Principal Consultant (Team Leader) - Disaster Risk

We are looking to recruit a dynamic and talented individual for an exciting role leading OPM’s growing portfolio of work on Disaster Risk. As a Principal Consultant (Team Leader) - Disaster Risk, you will build on OPM’s existing international and multi-disciplinary work in this space - across disaster risk management, disaster risk financing, public health emergency management and shock-responsive social services.

The role requires the ability to set a clear and inspiring vision for the team, and to lead, motivate and expand a team to execute that vision with drive and purpose. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of outstanding technical expertise in the disaster risk sector, as well as developing new areas of business and effectively managing a multi-disciplinary, global team with both junior and senior staff. 

In this permanent role, you can be based in Nairobi, New Delhi, Oxford or Berlin where you must already hold the applicable right to work, as we are unable to sponsor visas for this position.

The Disaster Risk Team Lead is a member of the leadership team for the Climate, Resilience and Sustainability Practice, helping shape the strategy and delivery of this rapidly growing area of OPM’s consulting business.

The core objectives of the role are to:

•Deliver OPM’s projects in disaster risk to the highest standards of quality and impact

•Build OPM’s footprint in key strategic geographies and our portfolio of work across our key markets of disaster risk management, disaster risk financing, public health emergency management and shock-responsive social services 

•Manage the disaster risk team and ensure strong personnel development

Key Primary Responsibilities

Reporting to the Climate, Resilience and Sustainability Practice Leader, the key responsibilities of the role day will be the following (not exhaustive):

Team management and strategy:

•Lead the Disaster Risk team to deliver its portfolio of projects to the highest standards of quality and impact – providing timely and innovative solutions to governments and other clients 

•Ensure efficient allocation of the Disaster Risk team’s time resources, to effectively balance the competing needs of project delivery, acquisition, external influencing, team management and personal development

•Shape and drive the development of the Disaster Risk team’s strategy and vision, ensuring it is effectively aligned with the Climate, Resilience and Sustainability practice vision and OPM’s mission and objectives

•Manage the Disaster Risk team to meet their professional and personal development objectives, creating a supportive developmental environment and strong team culture

•Represent OPM externally in line with corporate-level strategy and business development and/or external influencing priorities to enhance our impact

Business development:

•Lead the development and execution of a strategic business development strategy for the sectors covered by Disaster Risk, identifying and targeting key new markets and geographies

•Lead the team to ensure effective and efficient project selection and bidding success, to meet agreed acquisition and diversification targets; and through insight into the relationships between different areas/portfolios facilitate effective collaboration with other relevant OPM teams as required to achieve this 

Technical work and leadership:

•As a subject matter expert make individual contributions to Disaster Risk projects, providing creative and robust solutions to OPM’s clients

•Contribute to Disaster Risk’s external thought leadership and to internal discussions about OPM’s mission and impact

In order to be considered, shortlisted candidates must meet the following essential criteria:

Inter-personal skills

•Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams of consultants.

•Exemplary people and line management through dedicated teamwork, leading-by-example and a genuine interest in developing the team’s skills and competencies.  

•A commitment to OPM’s mission, values and a passion for work with impact.

•An entrepreneurial mindset, and strong interest and proven capability in business development and client engagement.

Ability to work to short lead-in times and strict project deadlines.

Professional/Technical Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

•Degree and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline 

•A strong track record of technical excellence and knowledge in the disaster risk sector – across disaster risk management, disaster risk financing, public health emergency management and/or shock-responsive social services.

•Experience working in low and/or middle income countries and a good understanding of the contexts in which OPM works

•Experience in delivering consulting and/or research projects 

•Demonstrable team management experience, and an ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients, both verbally and in writing.

•Project management expertise, including the management of large project teams.

We would also be interested in hearing from you if you meet the following (in addition to the above. These are desirable skills, and not essential):

•Experience of engaging on policy reform work in multiple countries across Africa, Asia and beyond.

•Understanding of our client and stakeholder priorities (such as UK, German, US and Australian aid programmes, World Bank and EU).

•Successfully leading large donor funded programmes to achieve impact on the ground and ensure strong programme management.

•Experience of negotiation with senior government officials and staff of international aid agencies.

•Demonstrated success in acquisition of high-value, competitively procured donor-funded development projects.

•The ability to work in at least one relevant language other than English 

If you meet the essential criteria above, we would really like to hear from you. Please submit your updated CV in the portal before the closing date. We look forward to receiving your application.