Transformation Lead

Location Innsbruck or Vienna (Austria). Other locations TBD, with regular travel to Austria

Duration 1-year limited contract (full time)

SOS Children’s Villages, founded in 1949, is the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it.

Child neglect, abuse and abandonment is everywhere. Families are at risk of separation. Locally led, we work in more than 130 countries and territories to strengthen families who are under pressure so they can stay together. When this is not in a child or young person’s best interests, we provide quality care according to their unique needs.

Together with partners, donors, communities, children, young people and families, we enable children to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. We speak up for each child’s rights and advocate for change so all children can grow up in a supportive environment.

Purpose of the position

As the GSC Transformation Lead for SOS Children’s Villages International (SOS CVI), you will play a pivotal role in driving the General Secretariat (GSC) Transformation process reporting to the COO and Executive Board (EB) and under the sponsorship of the EB. The role will be supported by external GSC transformation consultants.

This role will be crucial in creating an organization fit for purpose, while fostering collaboration, streamlining processes, and facilitating the implementation of strategic transformation initiatives across diverse geographical locations and functions.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic leader with a proven track record in change management, organizational development, and stakeholder engagement.

Tasks & Responsibilities

LEAD AND MANAGE the design, execution and monitoring of the GSC transformation process, with a focus on execution of the approved design.

FIRST POINT OF CONTACT – serve as the primary point of contact for the entire transformation process, liaising between different levels of stakeholders and work package teams. Responsible for addressing inquiries, managing expectations, and maintaining a clear line of communication to ensure transparency and clarity throughout the transformation journey.

CORE TEAM – be the conduit between the Executive Board and SOS CVI GSC staff teams. You will be part of core transformation team.

In more detail

Managing the overall transformation process and implementation

• Drive the overall transformation and change approach and manage stakeholders’ expectations to ensure an aligned approach on expected outcomes
• Develop and coordinate the GSC Transformation work plan as well as a comprehensive roadmap and monitor the different work packages
• Regularly assess and report on progress to senior leadership and stakeholders, adjusting as necessary, identify and secure resources where required
• Help the senior leaders to lead the transformation process and strategic priorities
• Support the EB to translate the concepts and business /operating model and the new ways of working into the structures and resource allocations
• Partner with the relevant functions (e.g. HR) to implement the transformation plan across the General Secretariat

Change management

• Create a change management framework that ensures smooth transitions and minimizes disruptions during transformational initiatives
• Support the Executive Board and with the relevant functions to create and enable the environment for change
• Work with the relevant functions (e.g. Communications) to develop and implement communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed

Requirements

• Graduate or professional degree in business management (Finance/Human Resources Management), social science, economics or other related subject area
• A minimum of 10 years progressive and relevant experience (including working in a leadership position) in the international context and/or business environment
• A minimum of 5 years leadership experience in overseeing work in multiple geographic locations or in the international development context
• Experience and demonstrated skills in leading large scale transformation projects and in managing change processes effectively
• Strong project management skills
• Good knowledge to enhance a high-performing, values-driven, and inclusive organization and a safe, equitable and inclusive working environment
• Professional English language skills. Any other languages (Spanish, French, Arabic) represent an advantage
• Demonstrates and models the values and value-based competencies of SOS CV
• A valid working permit or eligibility to work in the chosen location

We offer

• A salary that will be commensurate with experience and qualifications
• A diverse range of interesting tasks and opportunity to lead the transformation process on a global scale in a leading INGO multicultural working environment

What We Stand For

SOS Children’s Villages is committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective environment, which promotes its core values, and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation. We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, be it within or outside of our organization, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within our sphere of influence according to its nature. Efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. They range from human resource development actions such as training and counselling to measures such as suspension, dismissal, and legal action. 

SOS Children’s Villages is committed to creating and maintaining a safe working environment for our staff, the children and young people and the communities that we work for. The organization prohibits harassment, exploitation and abuses by or of any employee, supervisor, manager, child, young people, community, contractor, applicant, or other individual with whom SOS Children’s Villages employees come into contact by virtue of their work. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our prevention and protection against Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse policy. 

In addition, SOS Children’s Villages apply a zero-tolerance concerning any fraud situation. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. 

Successful candidates will have to submit a criminal record certificate, current within the last three years. In accordance with the organization’s child protection policy, these positions will be subject to criminal record checks. 

If you are interested in this position, please submit your detailed application in English by 18 August 2024 at https//careers-sos-kd.icims.com