Officer - Operations

Emirates Nature is a UAE environmental non-governmental charity, established in 2001 under the Honorary Founder and President H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Ruler’s representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Board of Directors.

We operate with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah and are governed by a local board of directors.

Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. Emirates Nature-WWF has been active in the UAE for two decades and is renowned for its commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, sustainable development, and community engagement. Some of our flagship projects include marine conservation initiatives to protect coral reefs and marine species, wildlife conservation programs focusing on endangered species such as Arabian oryx and sea turtles, habitat restoration projects in critical ecosystems, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change impacts and promoting eco-friendly practices across various sectors. 

It is our organizational objective to ensure a high performing workforce within our offices with highly efficient, skilled members all of whom will be unilaterally focused on supporting and delivering conservation activities to our stakeholders within the UAE.

The Officer - Operations at Emirates Nature-WWF will ensure the seamless management of operational processes across the organization. This role encompasses overseeing governance, compliance, financial management, HR support, legal compliance, IT and data management, as well as administrative and operational support. The Officer - Operations will play a crucial role in developing and implementing governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with internal and external policies, and adapting WWF guidelines to the UAE context. This position requires close collaboration with the Head of Finance & Operations to maintain efficient daily operations, align various departments with the organizational strategy, and support the overall mission of Emirates Nature-WWF. By proactively managing projects, handling financial activities, and enhancing operational systems, the Officer - Operations will uphold the highest standards of organizational performance and integrity.

Governance and Compliance

• Support the development and implementation of governance frameworks and policies.
• Ensure all EN policies and SOPs are aligned with WWF.
• Review Governance guidelines of WWF and adapt them to the UAE context.
• Review Compliance guidelines of WWF and adapt them to the UAE context.
• Fraud and Corruption Policy Execution and Process Management.
• Be the main contact for MOCD.
• Ensure that EN follows all guidelines stipulated by MOCD.
• Manage MOCD inspections/visits in its entirety.
• Ensure adherence to governance standards and best practices from top-tier organizations.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and security policies and procedures.

Programme and Project Management

• Assist in developing and monitoring programme and project management systems.
• Track project progress to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Support the management of project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

Financial Management

• Assist in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes.
• Manage office G&A budget, ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Ensure timely processing of accounts payable and receivable.
• Support the finance team in maintaining financial records and compliance with local regulations.
• Help improve financial control systems and processes.
• Draft and implement SOPs for the Operations Department.
• Issue Operations related reports.
• Prepare invoices and follow up on overdue receivables.
• Reconcile bank accounts, accounts payables and receivables.
• Manage the payments cycle and ensure timely bank payments.
• Handle monthly closings and assist Finance Manager with monthly reporting packs.
• Assist in preparation of monthly reporting packs and computations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with external auditors and prepare necessary schedules, workings and computations for annual audit.

Human Resources (HR) Support

• Assist with recruitment, training, and performance management activities.
• Help implement HR policies and procedures.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the organization.
• Assist in the onboarding process for new hire(s).
• Co-plan and execute in-house or off-site activities, like parties, celebrations and conferences.

Legal and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local and international laws and regulations.
• Manage legal documents and ensure adherence to legal requirements.
• Assist in the preparation and management of legal documents and compliance programs.

Information Technology (IT) and Data Management

• Support IT operations to ensure secure and efficient systems.
• Assist in implementing new technologies to improve operational efficiency.
• Help manage IT support and maintenance activities.
• Liaise with WWF International on best ICT practices.
• Review Data Protection Policy.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Assist in the implementation and improvement of operational processes and systems.
• Support the creation and management of budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and financial sustainability.
• Coordinate day-to-day administrative activities, including scheduling, procurement, and logistics.
• Maintain and oversee inventory management practices.
• Manage contract and price negotiations with office vendors, service providers, and office lease.
• Manage the operations of the entity’s physical office and serve as the point person for office management duties including:
  • Maintenance
  • Mailing
  • Supplies
  • Equipment
  • Bills
  • Errands
  • Shopping
• Answer and screen incoming phone calls, emails, and faxes, providing excellent customer service.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, IT, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in operations management, preferably in non-profit or environmental organizations.
• Proven experience in managing multiple departments and cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of financial management, HR practices, IT systems, data management, and legal compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Emirates Nature-WWF Focus: Acts as a member of Emirates Nature-WWF, placing higher priority on Emirates Nature-WWF goals than own goals and anticipating the effects of own area’s actions on others to ensure holistic Emirates Nature-WWF outcomes.

External Orientation: Looks outwards ensuring WWF stays relevant, continues to anticipate and adapt to external environmental and global trends.

Delivering Quality Outcomes: Establishes stretch goals, plans, using best judgment and takes responsibility for planning to and delivering on outcomes.

Building Working Relationships: Builds collaborative relationships through the understanding and development of other’s and own ideas.

Communicating Effectively: Uses appropriate means of communication to convey messages, seeks input from others and ensures understanding.

Leading Teams: Develops direction and shared purpose, builds a team through coaching to ensure the accomplishment of goals and high level team performance.

Leading Change: Encourages and seeks out innovative solutions and brings people on a journey constructively and empathetically.

Managing Resources: Makes the right judgments based on financial and resource availability.

Establishing Strategic Direction: Generates options to achieve long-range goals, selects the best strategies for success and delivers on strategic goals.

Building Organizational Capability: Diagnoses individual and team capability and development needs and champions talent management.

• Interpersonal skills: building relationships and working collaboratively with colleagues, staff members, and external partners. Should be approachable, empathetic, and have a customer service-oriented mindset.
• Excellent knowledge of administrative policies, procedures and best practices as applicable to the support services. In addition to a deep understanding of non-for-profit policies and procedures, as well as relevant regulations and guidelines, to be able to ensure compliance with these requirements.
• Ability to prioritize the workload in an effective manner; work under pressure within a busy environment and meet tough deadlines.
• Ability to plan and execute complex projects and initiatives, manage timelines and deadlines, and ensure that goals are met.
• Good knowledge of office management practices within a dynamic and highly automated work environment.
• Ability to foster cooperative work relationships within a diverse community that involves multiple internal and external parties.
• Proficiency level of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner and be skilled at diplomacy and conflict resolution.
• Good knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal resources management.
• Ability to gather data, conduct research, compile information, and write reports.
• Ability to analyze data and information, identify trends and patterns, and make recommendations based on their findings.
• Strong attention to detail and be able to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to think strategically, understand EN’s mission and goals, and align the work of the with these objectives.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all times.

Internal -   Collaborates with all departments within Emirates Nature-WWF.

External -   Engages with external partners, vendors, stakeholders, and WWF International.

Emirates Nature-WWF is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and offer a flexible and diverse place of employment.

Emirates Nature-WWF staff participate wholeheartedly in general activities and events that require the full support and participation of all staff members, whether the focus of any particular event or activity has any bearing on the job description and assigned project objectives and activities.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application for Officer – Operations ’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on [email protected] before 16th August 2024.

Emirates Nature-WWF reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior to this date.