Head of Operations, Asia

Focus of the Role

We now operate in over 25 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia. In 2023, we will be expanding into at least five further geographies.

As part of our growth, we are evolving our operating model in the regions that we operate in to be able to support the delivery of our work.  We will be creating new roles which will be part of of a global community of roles across Institute Resources working closely with our leaders in the regions in which we operate and our Institute Resources function. The Institute Resources division supports and helps pave the way for the Institute to deliver its mission.  It is compromised of the Legal, Finance, Security, IT and People Teams, which work to support the Institute to deliver its mission, ensuring that its organisational capabilities equip the Institute to meet its current and future challenges.

Job Introduction

A key role in the development of our operating model is the Head of Operations, Asia.

The Head of Operations, Asia will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Asian region in accordance with global standards set by the Institute in order to facilitate the global deliver of the work of Institute Resources.

The role will work closely with HR, Legal, Finance, Recruitment and Security roles in the region ensuring efficient, effective and quality delivery of the services of Institute Resources. The role will report to the Managing Director, Asia and will work closely with key leaders in the region, together with the Executive Director, People and Operations in London and other Executive Directors and Directors in Institute Resources.

The Head of Operations, Asia will be part of a global team, which collectively, will build and maintain standards of operations across the Institute.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the delivery of timely, effective and quality support to local and regional stakeholders across the administrative, Legal, HR, IT, Travel, Security, and Recruitment functions
• Ensure that the structure and delivery of programmes within the Asia region meet operational best practice requirements, including in relation to security
• Identify, assess, and inform regional leadership of any internal and external issues that may affect operations at an organizational level recommending interim or permanent solutions wherever possible and applicable.
• Lead or collaborate with others in special projects and troubleshooting assignments directed from regional leadership
• Report on the operational performance as part of monthly global meetings of Head of Operations and representatives from Institute Resources

Systems, Policies and Processes

• Support in the drafting global policies and required regional amendments
• Ensure that all required global policies and procedures across IT, HR, Finance, Legal and Security are implemented within the region
• Be an advocate and champion of the implementation of new global policies and ways of working within the region
• Working closely with a Regional Finance Manager and Business Partners, support leadership to plan, administer and manage budgets and where necessary, financial reporting
• Working closely with a Regional Security Advisor, Regional and Country Directors and the Global Security Team, ensure that essential security packages are maintained (including risk registers, relevant risk reduction measures (security SOPs and contingency plans as required) and welcome packs) together with all security and safety protocols
• Support and collaborate on relevant Enterprise Risk Management fora

Regional growth

• In support of the growth of the Asia region, work closely with the Managing Director, Asia, the Executive Director, People and Operations, Executive Director, New Business and Impact and other leaders to establish the Institute’s presence in new territories
• Work closely with regional and central Legal, HR, Security and Recruitment roles to operationalise new territories, in accordance with all global policies and procedures
• Ensure that global standards and policies are implemented in the operationalisation of the establishment of new country programmes

Office Presence and Fixed Assets

• Managing the administration, compliance and suitability of the region’s office locations and fixed equipment in accordance with asset management processes
• Collaborating closely with relevant Institute Resources, based in London, to manage the expansion the office footprint in the region per business requirements

Team and People Management

• Oversee the successful delivery of regional roles in the Asia region, either through matrixed or direct line management

Person Specification

The Head of Operations will possess the following qualifications, skills and experiences:

• Broad and extensive professional experience in the delivery of internal operations of an advisory firm, financial services firm, or industrial firm
• Outstanding leadership and management skills and the proven ability to build and inspire teams to achieve objectives
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage office administrative, operational finance, operational human resources, legal and recruiting functions
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with and providing advice to senior leaders and stakeholders
• Experience in navigating growth and ambiguous environments and managing up and beyond hierarchy  
• A detailed understanding of the general policies and regulations governing business operations in Asia
• An entrepreneurial attitude, be proactive and highly organised, and excited by the opportunity to build global systems and processes
• A proven ability to work with staff from diverse cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds in delivery-focused professional settings
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or in any other discipline with post graduate degree in a business discipline advantageous

Please note, it is essential you have an existing right to work in Singapore to apply for this role.

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.