Operations and Risk Manager – Asia Pacific at Adam Smith International – Sydney, Australia

Join Adam Smith International in Sydney as the Operations and Risk Manager for the Asia Pacific region. In this role, you’ll oversee operational efficiency and risk management across multiple countries, ensuring compliance and ethical practices.

The Operations and Risk Manager Job Description

Job Title: Operations and Risk Manager – Asia Pacific
Team: Asia Pacific
Reports To: Head of Programs, Asia-Pacific
Location: Sydney or Bangkok

Adam Smith International (ASI) is a global advisory firm dedicated to transforming lives by strengthening economies, stabilizing societies, and enhancing government effectiveness. Headquartered in London, ASI established its Asia Pacific regional office in Sydney in 2012 to drive multi-donor business growth and project delivery across the region. As of 2024, we operate in 15 countries throughout Asia-Pacific.

The Operations and Risk Manager is essential for ensuring smooth operations and effective risk management across all ASI country operations in the region. Reporting directly to the Head of Programs for Asia Pacific, this leadership role entails developing and implementing robust operational systems, compliance frameworks, and risk management strategies. By maintaining operational efficiency and upholding duty-of-care standards, this position safeguards the safety and well-being of all staff while supporting high-impact project execution in collaboration with country teams.

Key Relationships to be manatined by the Operations and Risk Manager

Internal:

Head of Program, APAC: Collaborate to identify operational priorities, agree on work plans, and escalate critical issues.
Senior Management Team (APAC): Work together on strategic operational initiatives.
Program Managers/Program Directors (APAC): Ensure operational consistency and risk mitigation across projects through close interaction.
Finance, Risk, LEC, and Security Teams: Coordinate to implement new systems and processes, identifying improvements to operational efficiency and compliance.

External:

The Operations and Risk Manager candidate will also:

Clients (Donors and Governments): Collaborate to ensure compliance and address operational challenges.
Local Legal and Compliance Partners: Ensure adherence to local laws in each country of operation.
Security and Health & Safety Providers: Maintain robust duty-of-care frameworks.

Key Tasks of the Operations and Risk Manager

1. Operational Leadership

You are also expected to:

Develop, document, and train staff on new operational processes, including standardizing program operations manuals and delivery frameworks.
Support Program Managers in executing operational tasks smoothly.
Monitor compliance with operational processes and procedures.
Maintain operational task trackers and coordinate regional operations meetings with key internal stakeholders.

2. Risk Management

Maintain a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to regional challenges, including quarterly reporting to the Senior Management Team for escalation to the ASI Risk Register.
Monitor, mitigate, and address key operational and program risks, escalating issues as necessary.
Lead the implementation of duty-of-care measures, ensuring adherence to health, safety, and security protocols in all offices.

3. Safeguarding

Coordinate safeguarding training for program personnel, including subcontractors and downstream partners as required.

4. Compliance & Legal Oversight

Ensure compliance with local legal and regulatory requirements in all countries, including tax, labor laws, and corporate governance.
Collaborate with the internal audit team to address compliance issues and mitigate risks.
Develop and manage a regional compliance checklist/matrix.
Identify and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance with Australian Commonwealth and DFAT requirements.

5. Financial & Resource Management

Collaborate closely with the Head of Programs and Regional Finance Lead to ensure strong financial management, including meeting client billing deadlines.
Work with Program Managers and finance teams to ensure efficient fund transfers to country offices and timely certification of client invoices, reducing payment processing time.

6. Programme Support

Support major program delivery by addressing operational challenges promptly.
Provide operational and risk-related advice to project managers and teams.
Work with Finance and People & Talent teams to ensure that new processes, policy revisions, or system changes support compliant and efficient program delivery.

7. Crisis Management & Business Continuity

Assist in responding to operational crises, ensuring the company recovers quickly while maintaining project delivery momentum.

Job Requirements

Selection Criteria

Minimum Qualification:

A degree in a relevant field such as operations management, risk management, business administration, change management, or international development.

Experience:

Proven track record in managing complex operations across multiple countries, especially in fragile or conflict-affected regions.
Extensive experience in risk management, health and safety, and compliance.
Experience leading large teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets.

Attributes:

Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Resilience and adaptability in challenging environments.
Commitment to ethical behavior, inclusivity, and maintaining a high standard of care for staff.

Competencies:

Strong operational management skills, capable of leading and implementing efficient systems.
Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge Expected from the Operations and Risk Manager

Possess in-depth knowledge of operational best practices, particularly in health and safety regulations and compliance.
Be familiar with the legal and regulatory landscape within the region.
Understand duty-of-care standards and their application in complex operational settings.

Skills & Values

Demonstrate advanced project management and operational oversight skills.
Exhibit strong financial and budget management abilities.
Cultivate excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
Apply strong problem-solving capabilities.

As the Operations and Risk Manager for the region, you will embody ASI’s core values, which include ethical behavior, transparency, and a commitment to inclusion. This role requires a zero-tolerance approach to behaviors that do not align with these values and demands leadership by example.

What will be offered to the Operations and Risk Manager

We provide a dynamic and friendly team environment, along with the opportunity to work on a highly successful portfolio of programs. Our commitment to our people is strong, and we strive to uphold our values:

Partnership: By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, we adopt an inclusive approach to work, fostering effective communication, sharing information, and building relationships.
Impact: We aim to create lasting impacts in complex, challenging situations while using resources responsibly. We are accountable and make decisions aligned with our triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.
Creativity: We seek innovative ways to create value through new thinking, technology, and improved working methods. We challenge the status quo, personalize our approach, and learn from others.

Our culture reflects these values, filled with like-minded professionals who are passionate, smart, and excel in their roles.

ASI is dedicated to continually enhancing the diversity of our workforce by attracting, retaining, and developing a wide range of talented individuals. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work, recognizing that inclusion fosters further opportunities for innovation and creativity.