Director of Operations and Finance

Position Overview Position Title: Director of Operations and Finance Classification: Executive Leadership / Senior Management Location: Mexico City, Mexico (Hybrid: 3 days in-person / 2 days remote) Reporting Structure: Reports to the Executive Director Direct Reports: Administrative, Accounting, and Operations Team Salary Range: Competitive remuneration, commensurate with experience and in accordance with IDEA's salary structure About Institute for Development, Energy and Environment, AC (IDEA) The Institute for Development, Energy and Environment, AC (IDEA) is a non-profit civil organization dedicated to developing rigorous analyses and evidence-based solutions for the decarbonization of the energy sector in Mexico. IDEA works at the intersection of public policy, technical analysis, and climate change, collaborating with government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to promote a just energy transition. As an authorized donee (donataria autorizada), IDEA operates under a specific fiscal and legal compliance framework that demands high standards of transparency, accountability, and administrative control. Mission: To drive a just energy transition through comprehensive and viable solutions that address climate change and promote sustainable prosperity through rigorous technical analysis, dialogue, multi-sector collaboration, and the dissemination of clear and accessible information with a deep commitment to the well-being of people, communities, and ecosystems. Position Purpose The Director of Operations and Finance will lead the operational, financial, and administrative management of IDEA, ensuring full compliance with the legal and tax regulations mandated by its authorized donee status. To aid the Executive Director and advance strategic objectives, the post holder will develop robust administrative workflows for the efficient utilization of institutional resources. The role also involves overseeing human resources and managing relations with the third-party outsourced HR and legal support to facilitate the recruitment and retention of a highly competent and capable workforce for the IDEA team. This role is part of the Organization Builder Program, designed to help climate civil society organizations (CSOs) scale their impact by building essential operational capacity. The program directly solves operational bottlenecks faced by climate CSO leaders by recruiting experienced, strategic operations experts into CSOs to build the systems, processes, and governance necessary for sustainable growth. To support your transition into the climate sector, the program provides structured climate education, mentorship and coaching, and a strong peer network, serving as a launchpad for a long-term career in the climate sector. Key Accountabilities 1. Financial Strategy and Stewardship

• Direct and oversee the organization's accounting, treasury, cash flow, and annual budget execution in alignment with IDEA's mission.
• Prepare and monitor comprehensive financial reports for the Board of Directors, and donors.
• Coordinate external audits, lead relationships with accounting/tax firms, and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard institutional assets.
• Partner with leadership in the financial design and budget development of grant proposals for international and domestic donors.

2. Domestic and Regional Operations

• Manage daily administrative operations, including procurement, vendor management, consultant contracting, and institutional logistics.
• Drive the digital transformation of administrative and financial workflows, deploying modern digital tools to enhance organizational efficiency.
• Support the logistical planning and operational execution of institutional events, including leadership retreats, forums, and workshops.

3. People Management and Cross-Cultural Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and develop the administrative, accounting, and operations team to foster a collaborative, inclusive culture and support high staff retention.
• Oversee human resources processes, including recruitment, payroll administration, performance management, internal policies, and coordinate with the legal advisor on labor law compliance.
• Manage contracts for local and international consultants and regional partners.

4. Grant, Donor, and Programme Fund Administration

• Oversee financial administration and compliance for philanthropic and institutional grants from domestic and international funders.
• Ensure proper fund accounting and donor-restricted code management to track project income and expenditures accurately.
• Maintain complete audit-ready documentation and reporting files to satisfy strict donor standards and statutory requirements.

5. Regulatory Compliance, Risk, and Tax Oversight

• Ensure full, timely compliance with Mexican tax obligations under the authorized donee (donataria autorizada) regime before the SAT and relevant authorities.
• Direct and supervise compliance with the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Illicitly Sourced Resources (AML/CFT), including vulnerable activity reporting and due diligence on donors/suppliers.
• Oversee transparency reports, maintain authorized donee status renewals, and prepare financial and operational disclosures for Board of Directors governance.

Required Qualifications and Experience 1.Education & Certification : Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field required. 2.Non-Profit Leadership Experience : Minimum 10 years of experience in managerial, administrative, financial, or operational management roles across civil society, non-profits, multinational companies, or academia. Proven expertise in non-profit fund accounting and budget oversight. 3.Mexican Compliance & Tax Law : Solid working knowledge of the Mexican tax and legal framework applicable to Authorized Donees (Donatarias Autorizadas) before the SAT. 4.Grant & Donor Administration : Demonstrated track record of managing philanthropic grants, institutional donor reporting, and external audit coordination. 5.Regional & Cross-Border Capacity : Experience working with international counterparts and understanding cross-border operational or fund management requirements. 6.Digital & Systems Experience : Proven proficiency in deploying and using digital tools and administrative software for operational and financial automation. Personal Characteristics and Competencies

• "Doer" Profile (Hands-on): High willingness to directly execute operational tasks rather than solely delegating or supervising.
• Executive Decision-Making & Strategic Thinking: Strong capability to make executive decisions balancing high-level strategy with acute attention to operational detail.
• Integrity & Transparency: Deep personal adherence to high ethical standards, transparency, and accountability.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple simultaneous projects, and thrive in a growth-stage environment.
• Language Proficiency: Native/fluent oral and written Spanish, with essential advanced English skills for international counterpart collaboration.
• Sector Interest: Desirable knowledge of or interest in the energy, development, or environmental sectors in Mexico and Latin America.