Head of Global Operations

IM is an independent, values-driven, member-based organization striving for an equal and compassionate world. We work globally in partnership with local actors to empower people to lift themselves out of poverty and exclusion. We're committed to innovation, accountability, and real results that affect the lives of rights-holders. IM has approximately 7000 members, 450 volunteers, 35 employees and several partners, with operations in Sweden, Guatemala, Palestine, Ukraine, Malawi, and Moldova.

Do you want to lead and develop IM's global operations and contribute to sustainable impact across several regions? We are looking for a Head of Global Operations who can strengthen the link between strategy and implementation throughout the global organization.

In this role, you will have overall responsibility for IM's global operations and program delivery. You will lead a global team, develop strategic partnerships, ensure strong governance and compliance, and drive continuous improvement to maximize organizational impact. As Head of Global Operations, you will be a key member of IM's Management Team.

While the office is based in the heart of Lund, the role is international, offering challenging and inspiring tasks along with great opportunities for personal growth.

Responsibilities

· Lead and develop IM's global operations and ensure effective program implementation across all regions.

· Translate organizational strategy into operational plans and priorities.

· Ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning across programs.

· Lead and develop a global, cross-functional team while fostering a culture of engagement, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

· Strengthen and develop partnerships with donors, partners, and key stakeholders globally.

· Represent IM in external forums and strategic dialogues strengthening M as a strong voice for justice.

· Ensure compliance with donor requirements, internal policies and applicable regulations.

· Oversee governance frameworks, risk management, and organizational reporting.

· Own and manage operational budgets, resource allocation and forecasting in close collaboration with Finance.

· Drive innovation, organizational learning, and continuous improvement of operational processes and tools.

Who You Are

· Strongly values-driven with a genuine passion for IM's mission and purpose.

· 7–10 years of relevant experience in global operations, international development, or program management.

· Proven experience leading complex multi-country operations and programs.

· Strong knowledge of donor requirements, compliance frameworks, and governance.

· Experienced leader with a track record of developing and managing distributed or global teams.

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate insights into action and results.

· Experienced in stakeholder management and partnership development.

· Experience with grant and funding applications to Sida and similar institutions

· Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and resource planning.

· Excellent communication and influencing skills.

· Fluent in English and Swedish.

What We Offer You

We offer a strategic international leadership role where human rights and IM's core values are at the heart of everything we do. You will have the opportunity to influence how IM delivers programs globally and contribute directly to sustainable development and long-term impact.

In this role, you will combine strategic leadership with operational responsibility in a dynamic international environment. You will work closely with colleagues, partners, and donors across multiple countries while helping shape the future development of IM's global operations.

Our culture

IM has a strong workplace culture that is characterized by our core values:

We trust – We listen to everyone’s voice and trust each other’s abilities and knowledge. We know that we are stronger together.

We dare – We are confident, bold, and we dare to create change through innovative, sustainable solutions. We have the courage to always stand up for our values.

We are relevant – We know why we do what we do. We base our decisions on facts and we are constantly learning. We take action – sooner rather than later.

We are passionate – We are all driven by a strong conviction that we can contribute to change and that what we do makes a difference. We always act with compassion and an open heart.

Practical information

Type of contract: Permanent position

Start date: Jan 2027

Location: Lund/ Hybrid

Last day to apply: We review applications on an ongoing basis, please submit your application as soon as possible, latest Sep 20.

Contact person: Gabriella.Fredriksson@imsweden.org

Candidates with diverse backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply, because we know that enhanced creativity and innovation is the result of multiple perspectives. Our goal is an organization made up of people of diverse experiences, abilities, life stories, perspectives and competencies, where everybody regardless of identity enjoys a safe space where they have opportunities to grow and feel belonging. To reach this goal we constantly check ourselves to make sure that we really walk the talk as a feminist and anti-racist organization.