Regional Operations Manager – East Africa 411 views0 applications

We are looking for a dynamic and engaging professional with a collaborative spirit capable of advancing our growing Conflict and Food Systems and Inclusive Growth (FSIG) Portfolios.

The Regional Operations Manager (ROM) will have both project-specific and more general corporate-level responsibilities. In terms of project-specific responsibilities, the ROM will support a portfolio of projects based in East Africa, working closely with the project teams, including the Project Directors (PD), Team Leaders (TL), Research Managers (RM) and Project Coordinators (PC), to provide overall operation, risk and financial support to Wasafiri projects and ensure donor compliance with operational, risk and financial processes. In terms of corporate-level responsibilities, the ROM will lead the East African office’s health, safety and security (HS&S) policies and procedures and ensure that our operations are compliant with the major donors and clients funding Wasafiri work. More detail on the ROM’s responsibilities are outlined below:

Project management and delivery (approx 60%)

The value we add is directly dependent upon how well we design, manage and deliver projects for our clients. Every Wasafiri project is led by a Team Leader (TL), overseen by a Project Director (PD) and supported by a Project Coordinator (PC). It is anticipated that the ROM will work closely with the TL and PC to offer high-level operations support to the delivery of our projects. Key responsibilities in these roles are likely to include:

1. Operational functioning of projects and office:

– Track movement of field teams across all projects and working closely with the Research Manager (RM) and PC, ensure proper human resources are available for planned activities.

– Work closely with RM to check in with field teams and ensure their continued safety and security while in the field.

– Develop relationships with preferred vendors and establish contracts with them.

– Lead contractual relationship with any subcontractors, vendors or service providers brought onto projects (technical relationship will be held by TL/PD).

1. Risk management and mitigation:

– Complete project-specific risk tools and ensure project team is taking appropriate mitigation measures throughout life cycle of the projects.

– Review risk assessments with the project teams on a monthly basis and own the risk planning and mitigation across the projects.

– Develop project level contingency plans, red lines and review near misses and incidents.

1. People and performance management:

– Lead recruitment efforts for staff and/or consultants needed by the project, through the collaborative development of Terms of Reference, publishing of open recruitment efforts, coordinating interviews and negotiating contract terms.

1. Robust project and financial management:

– Review and approve cash advances and project expenditures to ensure donor compliance and regulations.

– Work closely with the PC to develop project financial forecasts, to be reviewed by TL and Finance Manager

Corporate Engagement (Approx 40%)

1. Compliance:

– Ensure Wasafiri’s operational policy and procedures are in line with donor compliance regulations (US, UK, EU, Dutch, etc.).

– Establish Wasafiri’s remote presence in Tanzania and Uganda – ensure compliance with tax laws and proper registration of the company.

1. Office Management:

– Work closely with PC team to ensure proper functioning of the office in Nairobi (including oversight of work permit issues, legal issues and security issues).

1. Security Management:

– Lead the relationship with regional security providers and deepen Wasafiri’s security networks at national and sub-national levels across East Africa

1. Support Operational Strengthening:

– Work closely with the Global Operations Manager to roll out corporate changes and adaptations to operational guidelines and policies across operations in Africa.

The role reports to Wasafiri’s Global Operations Manager, based in the UK.