Director of Operations

ABOUT IJM

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world.

International Justice Mission (IJM) has implemented a collaborative approach to combating violence against those vulnerable for the last 25 years in 44 offices and 28 countries around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, collecting international best practices in tackling human trafficking. The capacity building model of criminal justice system transformation implemented by IJM includes individual support for survivors, support for government initiatives and jointly proposing policy changes to strengthen Criminal Justice Systems (CJS) to respond effectively to human trafficking.

ABOUT THE ROLE

For 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty.

As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence by 2030, we are seeking a Director of Operations.

The Director of Operations will work closely with and report to the Director of the European Anti-Trafficking Program to ensure the field office in Bulgaria achieves their goals to collaborate with government, civil society and other partners to implement IJM’s justice system strengthening model. This will include

• building capacity in the criminal justice system to sustainably and effectively enforce the law through supporting victims of human trafficking,
• building survivor services capacity and a network of care to ensure their empowerment,
• securing perpetrator accountability under the law, thereby protecting those vulnerable against human trafficking.

The Director of Operations will ensure employee engagement, safety, security, as well as professional development of all staff. This position also monitors and controls the budget, expenditure, and program activities to ensure program goals are achieved. The Director of Operations engages directly with regional operations, advancement and activation activities, and drives staff performance.

KEY RESULT AREAS

The success of this role is measured by key results which are listed below:

Leadership

• Hold overall responsibility for the development and implementation of all aspects of the EATP program for Bulgaria office.
• Provide strategic guidance, strong leadership and ensure technically sound decision-making processes.

Strategy & Project Management

• Work collaboratively with EATP Director to engage in strategic planning for developing detailed interventions plans, budgets, targets etc.
• Oversee the execution of the EATP program in Bulgaria, ensuring that project managers manage scope, timeline, and budget and that projects achieve their intended objectives.

Partnerships

• Develop strong partnerships with government partners, Bulgarian civil society communities, local NGO and churches to create sustained will for the transformation of the criminal justice system so that it better protects victims of trafficking.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management:

• Ensure that IJM Bulgaria program’s objectives are met resulting in successful justice system strengthening and protection of those vulnerable across Europe.
• Mentor the Bulgaria team staff as required in all aspects of their work, including leadership, strategy development, project/program development and management, budget management, and staff care, and training.
• Ensure all Bulgarian staff, interns, fellows and volunteers have a clear understanding of IJM’s mission, operational values, global vision, and Bulgaria program, objectives and strategic goals.
• Lead, manage and motivate Bulgaria team, ensuring they have clear objectives and receive meaningful feedback on their performance regularly, in collaboration with the human resources department.
• Monitor program and staff performance, ensure that feedback is regularly provided, and ensure fair staff care.
• Foster a team mindset and culture in the office and inspire the team to be effective and efficient and to pursue excellence.
• Cultivating IJM’s brand and culture by celebrating and promoting organizational rhythms and core values.

Strategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation:

• Ensure the design, development and implementation of Bulgaria Justice System Strengthening Projects in alignment with IJM’s 2030 vision, theory of change, and IJM’s global strategy.
• Ensure the formulation of innovative program design that addresses major obstacles to justice for those vulnerable.
• Ensure proper monitoring of Bulgarian projects such that program activities lead to the accomplishment of all project goals.
• Work closely with the EATP’s program leaders to ensure accomplishment of the Bulgaria’s project goals and other strategic objectives as agreed upon with the EATP Director.

Networking & Partnership:

• Develop strong partnerships with government partners, European civil society communities, local NGO and churches to advance the EATP’s objectives.
• Actively participate in regional program expansion, activation, and advancement activities.
• Represent IJM’s programs before government organizations, non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and other stakeholders and audiences.
• Support efforts to ensure adequate funding for Bulgaria program from both private and institutional donors as required (through supporting donor visits and the development of project proposals for different private and government donors, in collaboration with the Program Director and EATP Director.

Communication:

• Promote IJM’s theory of change to internal and external stakeholders and monitor the communication strategy of the staff to the internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent and clear flow of communication to all Bulgarian staff.
• Work closely with advocacy and communications team to ensure that the organization’s work is well messaged ensuring quality and global guidelines are followed.

Project Management:

• Ensure projects are successfully designed, implemented and executed with high levels of accountability standards.
• Oversee Grants and overall budgetary allocation to ensure judicious expenditures and alignment to projected expenses.

Training and Development:

• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of training programs for the external stakeholders and field office staff.

Research, Program Management and M&E:

• Work closely with the Project Managers and MERL staff to ensure the design, development and implementation of justice strengthening projects are supportive of IJM’s mission and in line with IJM’s core strategies, justice policy, and justice program framework.
• Work with the MERL team to ensure proper monitoring of Bulgarian projects such that program activities lead to the accomplishment of all project goals.
• Ensure development of Bulgarian project documentation, including concept notes, proposals, baseline terms of reference and budgets.

Documentation, Reporting & Data Management:

• Ensure monthly, quarterly reports are sent to the EATP Director and the Program Director through JDS reporting.
• Ensure that Global/Regional programmatic requirements are met (e.g. phase gate, program building blocks, protection model, intervention development).

Events and Logistics:

• Oversee and approve the conceptualization of Bulgarian events for external stakeholders (e.g. cross-border conferences).
• Ensure excellence in execution of events aligned to the program needs and 2030 vision by the Bulgarian staff.

General Accounting & Statutory Compliance:

• Support the cash flow of the office, spending trends and monitor the budget allocation.
• Support Bulgaria office compliance with all statutory requirement for policies and procedures
• Support the government registration of all the interns and fellows in the office.

Other General tasks:

• In collaboration with the EATP Director and regional security staff, ensure the security of all operations and IJM Bulgaria personnel, maintaining compliance with IJM’s security policies and reporting to IJM leadership on security matters as they develop.
• Ensure all staff on field follow security protocols and ensure crisis management.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in business and administration, international development, human rights, public policy, or related field preferred (or additional experience).
• At least 10 years’ experience in international development programs.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in successfully leading and managing teams of professionals; experience managing international teams and/or cross-cultural teams; and, a proven ability to supervise the work of lawyers, social workers, and other professionals and managers strongly preferred.
• Previous experience working with international organizations.
• Knowledge of standards relating to program design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated success in working on projects and budgets.
• Experience managing government partnerships.
• Demonstrated 5 years+ experience designing, managing and implementing successful institutional donor grants with preference for EU and USG funding, strong preference for both.
• Familiarity with Bulgarian anti-trafficking legislation, and NGO operational frameworks is preferred.

Technical Competencies:

• Strategic, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Planning, organizing and multi-tasking skills.
• Proven ability to quickly learn and understand complex subject matter.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills in English and, with a keen eye for detail. Fluency in Bulgarian is an advantage.
• Ability to use tools for monitoring and evaluation and data analysis.
• Organized and able to work in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.

Non-Technical Competencies:
Passionate commitment to IJM’s mission and values including bridge building and professional.

• Servant leader, kind and humble.
• Courageous, ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Attention to detail, organized and disciplined with priorities.
• Professional in demeanor, appearance, writing and oral communication.
• Works well under stress with a sustained positive attitude.
• Exceptionally high level of honesty and integrity.
• Intelligent, creative and proactive problem solver.
• Diplomatic and flexible with strong service ethics.
• Ability to contribute outside of the designated areas of responsibility, team player.

APPOINTMENT DETAILS

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria and is available to be hybrid within Sofia (onsite Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and remote Monday and Wednesday) The position requires the right to work in Bulgaria. Ability to travel within Europe as required, up to 1/3 of the time.

Driver’s license for Bulgaria and/or international (preferred).

Salary and Benefits: National salary benefits package including:

• Comprehensive Medical Service Plan
• Life Insurance
• 24 days paid leave
• Quarterly Retreats
• Robust staff care resources

**Contract length:**Initial two (02) year contract. Full time (40 hours/week).

How to apply

Closing date: 28th September 2025

Please click on the link here to be redirected to the Red Sea site. As part of the application process kindly submit your CV and a cover letter, preferably in MS Word. All application documents (cover letter and CV) should be submitted in English.

In addition, IJM kindly requests that you provide a statement of faith as part of their standard application process. Kindly include this as part of your cover letter.

This statement should outline your core Christian faith and how it informs your personal and professional life. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration in sharing this important aspect of your background with us and IJM.

Candidates are kindly asked to submit a CV of no more than four (04) pages and a cover letter, preferably in MS Word. All application documents (cover letter and CV) should be submitted in English.

Should you require access to information in a different format to facilitate your application please contact us via applications@redseasearch.com

Please name your files as follows:

FirstName_Surname_CV_DOPS_BUL

FirstName_Surname_CL_DOPS_BUL

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Conduct. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection, and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes

Red Sea takes our responsibility towards protecting your personal data very seriously. The data you provide is processed in line with relevant data protection legislation. For the purposes of this recruitment, and as defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Red Sea is defined as the Data Controller.

Red Sea is committed to meeting the standards set out in our Equality and Diversity statement, acting in line with the UK Equalities Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity.