Vacancy: Operations Manager

Cultural Emergency Response (CER) supports the locally-led protection of cultural heritage under threat. We specialize in cultural first aid, providing fast and flexible funding and expertise in response to conflict and disaster. Working closely with our regional hubs and local partners, we help prevent the loss of cultural heritage, ensure continuity, and foster resilience within affected communities.

Beyond emergency response, we strive to shift the power by embracing an inclusive and accessible approach. We support decentralised heritage protection systems, offer training, facilitate knowledge exchange, and advocate for heritage as a vital element of humanitarian response. Our work is collaborative, cross-sectoral, and global — often reaching the world’s most vulnerable regions.

We believe in a future where cultural heritage is recognised as vital to the well-being of people and communities and its protection is seen as a humanitarian need.

To support our expanding efforts, we are looking for an:

OPERATIONS MANAGER

32-36 hours per week (0.89 -1 FTE)

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for maintaining and developing efficient and transparent internal systems across finance, HR, office management, and administration. You’ll work closely with the Director and play a key role in ensuring CER operates smoothly — enabling us to offer consistent and stable support to our international partners, often working under challenging conditions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing, streamlining, and improving systems and processes to maintain efficient operations of the organisation.
• Managing accurate and transparent financial administration, including bookkeeping, (international) payments, and donor financial reporting (via ExactOnline and other tools).
• Overseeing income and grant administration, ensuring compliance and transparency in our collaboration with donors.
• Supporting the Director in budget planning, cash flow management, and financial monitoring systems.
• Coordinating with CER’s external financial partner on financial reporting and audit preparation, as well as monitoring the quality and accuracy of the administration.
• Drafting agreements related to grants, partnerships, and other financial commitments.
• Collaborating with the Programme Team on project administration and grant monitoring, financial reporting, and project payments.
• Maintaining CER’s digital filing and archiving systems for accessible and transparent documentation.
• Managing day-to-day communications with key stakeholders on operational matters (e.g., IT support, banks, tax authorities, CBF).
• Overseeing HR administration and support, including contracts, leave, recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews.
• Managing office-management related items, such as organising team activities, insurances, and supporting a pleasant (and fun) working environment in our shared office space.
• Leading CER’s employee wellbeing programme and adapting it as the team evolves.

YOUR PROFILE

• We are looking for someone who is both strategic and hands-on, with a solid background in operations and finance, and a collaborative spirit. You bring:
• A Bachelor’s or Applied Science degree (or equivalent) in business management, finance, administration, or a related field. Backgrounds in culture, humanities, or the arts are also welcome when paired with relevant operational experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in operations and/or financial management, ideally within international or cross-sectoral organisations.
• Familiarity with Dutch regulations in employment, charity, and donor compliance (a plus).
• Strong understanding of workflows, systems implementation, and change management.
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills, with experience in budgeting and financial oversight.
• Flexibility and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset — especially in dynamic environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across cultures and disciplines.
• Professional fluency in English (written and spoken). Additional languages such as Dutch, French, Spanish, or Arabic are an asset.
• Residency in the Netherlands, preferably in or near Amsterdam.

We are looking to fill this position with an ideal start date of July 1st, 2025.

WHAT WE OFFER

CER offers a meaningful role in an inspiring international organisation with a passionate and mission-driven team. You’ll contribute to CER’s sustainability and growth while helping protect cultural heritage worldwide.

We offer:

• A gross monthly salary ranging between ca. €2.712 and €4.130 (based on 36 hours; 1 fte; depending on knowledge and experience).
• A one-year contract, with the possibility and intention of extension.
• A hybrid working model, with a new shared office in central Amsterdam – a Hub for international cultural collaboration.
• Strong secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance, an NS-Business Card, a pension scheme, and access to mental health and well-being support.
• Opportunities personal and professional development, including training and courses.

CER is committed to building an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability. We believe diversity enhances our mission and are committed to creating a team that reflects the world we live in.

TO APPLY

Are you interested? We’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and motivation letter in one PDF file

• FAO: Sanne Letschert, Director of Cultural Emergency Response
• To info@culturalemergency.org
• Subject: “[YOUR NAME] Vacancy – Operations Manager”

Please include your availability (e.g. start date and notice period).

The deadline for applications is 6 May 2025. The interviews are planned in the first half of May.

For more information on our work, please visit www.culturalemergency.org.