Head of Operations

The Ombud Council is a regulatory body established under the Financial Sector Regulation (FSR) Act, 9 of 2017. It has a statutory mandate to exercise oversight over financial sector ombud schemes to ensure that financial customers have access to affordable, effective, independent, and fair alternative dispute resolution processes for complaints about financial institutions. The Ombud Council is a public entity, subject to compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, 1999. The recently established Ombud Council is seeking a Head of Operations.

Purpose of the Role:

The function of this position is to manage all corporate services functions and ensure that all operational requirements to support implementing the functions of the Ombud Council are developed. Some corporate services are currently provided under a shared services agreement with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, but this is intended to be wound down, with some services brought in-house and others outsourced directly. Where services are delivered under the shared services agreement or outsourced, the responsibility for overseeing and managing the agreements and contracts lies within this function. This job function ensures that the organisation has robust operational and financial controls, administrative, monitoring and reporting procedures, facilities, and people systems in place to support the Ombud Councils achievement of its strategic goals and performance plans.

As the Ombud Council is in the early stages of its establishment, the identification, sourcing, design and implementation of new corporate services functions and processes will be a key initial focus area.

The Head of Operations will report directly to the Chief Ombud (CEO) of the Ombud Council and will work closely with the Ombud Councils Finance Manager.

Requirements:

A minimum of 5 - 8 years experience at Senior Management level preferably in the public sector. Knowledge and experience in public sector policy development, reporting, and financial management. Experience in developing strategic planning documents and translating them into operational plans and reporting on progress implementation as and when required. A clear understanding of fundamental workings in the finance, HR, IT, legal, stakeholder relations, facilities management and other transversal operations will be a key success factor in this role. Understanding of the performance management framework and targets as well as outcome driven methodologies. Knowledge of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and other applicable prescripts.

Key Performance Areas:

Strategic Leadership; Corporate Governance; Administration and Co-ordination; M&E, Quality Assurance and Knowledge Management; Institutional Development; Stakeholder Liaison Management.
Other Key Competencies:
The candidate must demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
Ability to take initiative and work independently. Knowledge of organisation building and development; public administration; project management; supply chain management; internal controls. Required behavioural competencies include change management, knowledge management, service delivery innovation, problem solving and analysis, and client orientation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and computer literacy are also required.

Ombud Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Please note that correspondence and communication will only be conducted with short listed candidates and that the Ombud Council reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.