Operations Officer: China Programme

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is working with its partners to deliver our mission in China. The overall objective of the China Programme is to build on existing awareness, and to mobilise a broader momentum and focus on the circular economy in both public and private sectors, and to present the circular economy as an enabler to better forms of economic growth.

The Foundation established a Representative Office (RO) in China which is affiliated under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. We’re seeking an experienced operations officer to oversee daily activities and manage finance, human resources, legal, partnership and administration of the RO. You will be pivotal in maintaining a strong link with our Head Office in the UK to increase our operational efficiency and maintain an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion within the team.

You will lead the Operations of the Representative Office by: Delivering an excellent relationship with key external stakeholders including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Public Security Bureau and the Foundation’s partners in China. ​ Closely managing our activities and operations in compliance with relevant laws and requirements, including but not limited to the Annual Activity Plan development and reporting, and implementation of project activities.

Working closely with the Chief Representative and our Head Office (HO) to develop and improve working modalities for the operations of the RO. Maintaining constant communication with relative HO teams, China team members, and vendors to ensure efficient operations of the RO in compliance with laws and regulations both internal and external.

Managing and regulating the financial and accounting activities of RO e.g. : responsibility and signatory authority, planning and budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, tax, bank & cash management, reimbursement, purchasing, travel & expenses, assets management, internal control, and risk management.

Supporting the Chief Representative and Human Resources in the UK to manage the human resources of the RO, including but not limited to: recruitment, employment, team benefits, health and safety, performance management, absences, learning and development.

Managing legal affairs of the RO with support from our legal team in the UK and our local attorney to make sure activities remain compliant and managing risks effectively, e.g.: contract management, labour disputes, intellectual property and data security.

Supporting the strategic delivery of our Project teams, including but not limited to event organisation and communications. Managing and conducting the administrative affairs of the RO under necessary support from vendors and the team, e.g. procurement of office supplies, file archiving, equipment, setup and maintaining IT functioning.

Maintaining connections and managing the relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including Partners of the Foundation, companies, associations, philanthropists, academics, embassies, and NGOs as a support to the Project teams. Providing necessary support to the Chief Representative on strategy delivery and the development of the China programme (e.g. speech writing and presentation preparation).

Your profile: Over five years of working experience as an Operations officer, Finance officer or similar in an NGO. Working experience with an international organization or international company is preferred but not essential. Proven working experience or training on finance is a must (for example, holding an Accounting Certificate) Excellent written and spoken English and Mandarin is a prerequisite. Excellent communication skills both face-to-face and online. Must have the right to work in China.