Group Operations and Programmes Manager

Thomson Media is recruiting a Group Operations and Programmes Manager who will be reporting to the Mananging Director, Development. The role involves overseeing project operations, systems and processes, managing contractors and project teams, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and internal policies.

Key responsibilities

Operations and capacity management

• Ensure all projects operate in full compliance with donor requirements, contractual obligations, internal
  policies, and applicable regulations.
• Oversee project operations at a detailed level, monitoring timelines, anticipating bottlenecks and risks in
  close coordination with project managers.
• Monitor adherence to donor calendars, reporting deadlines, procurement rules, and contractual conditions
  across the project portfolio.

Systems, processes and continuous improvement

• Review existing operational, administrative, and project management systems and propose improved,
  streamlined, and compliant alternatives.
• Design, document, and embed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for project delivery, compliance,
  documentation, and internal controls.

Knowledge management and bid readiness

• Lead knowledge management processes, ensuring that project documentation, references, methodologies,
  lessons learned, and evidence of impact are systematically stored and easily retrievable.
• Maintain and continuously update organisational references, templates, compliance documentation, and
  administrative annexes required for bids and tenders.

Coordination and internal collaboration

•  Work closely with finance, administration, and programme teams to ensure alignment between
  operational practice, donor compliance, and strategic objectives.
• Provide guidance and backstopping to project managers and coordinators on compliance, operational
  procedures, and problem-solving.

Requirements 

• Significant experience in programme and operations management within donor-funded organisations,
  ideally in media development, international development, or a comparable regulated environment.
• Experience working with EU, UK, and other institutional and/or philantrophic donors.
• Strong, hands-on experience with donor compliance, particularly budget management, cost eligibility and
  allocation, audits, procurement, and reporting.
• Proven experience managing contractors and project teams, including recruitment, contracting, workload
  management, and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse systems and workflows, identify inefficiencies or risks, and design
  improved, compliant processes.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex information, multiple
  projects, and competing priorities.
• High level of attention to detail combined with the ability to maintain a strategic, organisation-wide
  perspective.
• Fluency in English and German, additional languages are an asset.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Proactive, structured, and solutions-oriented working style.

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter to jobs@thomsonfoundation.org by the 15 February 2026, quoting
the reference “Group Operations and Programmes Manager” and your name in the subject line.

For more information, please visit this page.