Devex is assisting a leading nonsectarian, nongovernmental international relief and development organization with identifying qualified candidates for the position of Operations Director for an anticipated DFID-funded health program, Accès aux Soins de Santé Primaires .
Duration: 5 years
Estimated Start Date: September 1, 2012
Country Program: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Specific Security Situation/Housing:
The position is based in Kinshasa, it is accompanied. Safe and modest housing as appropriate and reasonable as the context allows will be provided.
Project:
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has released a tender for a consortium lead to strengthen basic health service provision in the DRC in at least 30 health zones in up to four provinces improving access to primary and secondary care for at least 3.5 million people over the period 2013 – 2018.
Position Summary:
Strong operational support oversight is critical to the delivery of quality project implementation. The organization defines operations as those systems and support functions necessary to implement programs effectively, inclusive of supply chain, finance, administration, human resource management, security and information technology. Reporting to the Project Director for this health service provision program, the Operations Director is a core member of the project management team responsible for ensuring the consistent application of relevant policies and systems to ensure effective program delivery and control and compliance. The Operations Director will supervise a Support Unit which will provide logistics, ICT, administration, human resource, and safety and security management support to the project. The Operations Director will liaison closely with the Directors for Implementation; Program Quality; Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RME) and Finance to ensure coordinated support provision that responds to the needs of the project and the project management team.
Responsibilities:
Leadership and policy
- Support the delivery of high quality program implementation by promoting operations and program linkages planning;
- Develop, and ensure application of, documented policies and procedures for all core operations functions (Human Resources, Administration, Supply Chain, Safety/Security Information Communications Technology) to ensure ongoing efficient, effective support and compliance across the project;
- Lead the response to and address audit findings related to operations functions;
- Be the focal point for the project to DRC and headquarters offices on operational issues and participate in senior-level operations meetings;
- Ensure that a system is in place for regular performance assessment of staff, including providing technical support and opportunities for development.
Operations Systems Quality Oversight
- Assess and monitor compliance with institutional and donor operational policies and procedures through field visits and management report reviews;
- Review performance of operations functions to identify areas of strength and weakness; support the project management team and implementing partners to replicate the former and address the latter;
- Ensure that regular and comprehensive risk and cost-efficiency analyses are conducted;
- Monitor and review operational budgets to support financial stability, ongoing program viability, efficient cost structures, and appropriate spending;
- Assist in preparing for audits, review corrective action plans and monitor their implementation.
Advocacy Representation
- Ensure that the project maintains excellent relationships with relevant DRC governmental authorities, and other key interlocutors (e.g. private sector agencies, aviation providers, other operational agencies);
Oversight of general support to the project management team
- Ensure that the Kinshasa project management office is effectively managed and that project staff have access to adequate transport, ICT, administrative and safety and security management support.
Required Qualifications:
- University degree required; MBA or comparable advanced graduate degree preferred
- 10 years in a senior operational management role, preferably in an international NGO;
- Diverse background in operations, with strong understanding of finance, administration supply chain, human resources, information technology, and business processes;
- Experience working in complex and fluid operating environments, including a demonstrated appreciation for the challenges involved in working in a conflict or post-conflict environment;
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing inter-institutional coordinating functions within a multi-cultural operating environment;
- Strong interpersonal and training skills, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity and experience working with large and geographically dispersed teams;
- Interest in and ability to think and plan at the ‘big picture’ level;
- Fluency in French and English, written and spoken, is required
- Knowledge of regulatory, contractual, legal and financial compliance requirements associated with DFID funding;
- Computer Literate in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook);
- Availability to travel in the country (approximately one trip every two months).
To be considered for this position, please click “Apply Now” or send your CV and cover letter to
‘+’jobs-2’+’@’+’devex.com’+’
jobs-2(at)devex.com
. So that we may best assess your skills and experience in relation to this opportunity, please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience for this position.