Head of Operations, Guinea 74 views0 applications

CRS has been operating in Guinea since 2000 supporting relief and development operations in the country. Over the past years, CRS has focused on health, governance, education and institutional capacity building for the local Caritas (Organisation pour la promotion humaine — OCPH/Caritas Guinea) and other local organizations. CRS has also developed strong relationships with government line ministries, partners and communities we serve in the country, implementing a multi-sectoral program portfolio.

CRS Guinea Program is largely health oriented though diversified with emergency, Peace Building and WASH; and has experienced significant programming growth over the past three-five years. Our current portfolio includes Global Fund Malaria grant and Community Health/Health System Strengthening, HIV Technical Support to the Supply Chain Management of HIV National Program, OMVS grant for the fight against Malaria and Tropical Neglected Diseases (MTN), USAID/CMM grant for Cultural Cohesion for Peace and Prosperity (2C2P) project and other small private programs in WASH and capacity strengthening.

CRS Guinea seeks to hire an experienced Head of Operations (HoOps) to ensure the Operations’ department sufficiently supports the growing programming and the capacity building of partners.

Job Summary:

As a member of the Country Program’s (CP) Senior Management Team, the HoOps will provide leadership and management of the operational functions – Finance, Human Resources (HR), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Administration, Information and Communication Technology, Security and Audit – in support of the Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. The HoOPs will promote stewardship of resources, ensure principled compliance, proactively manage risk, and lead operational improvements.

In close consultation with the Country Representative, the HoOps will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.

Job Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the CP strategic planning and programming by providing input on needed investments in operations capacity — systems, processes and staffing — that meet CRS’ standards, donor requirements, and local regulations and support high-quality programming. Represent CRS, as needed.
• Plan, integrate, coordinate, and monitor day-to-day operations to ensure all support services are delivered with high-quality in an efficient manner. Address issues where operations support needs to be adapted for complex programming. Oversee the piloting of new operations initiatives that require the setting of new standards and systems.
• Collaborate with the head of programs (HoP) and program managers (PMs) to ensure appropriate project expenditures are in line with financial plans and proper stewardship of material sources. Anticipate, identify and address challenges that affect the proper stewardship, risk, and optimal utilization of program assets and resources (financial, human, and material).
• Effectively manage talent and team dynamics including staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high-quality programming. Contribute to staffing plans and recruitment process of senior staff.
• With the Country Representative oversee the preparation of annual budget plans and grant/project budgets to ensure they reflect maximum operational efficiency and budgetary compliance and mitigate risks. Set and provide technical oversight of internal processes for approving expenses, monitoring spending, and making budget adjustments in line with operational and programmatic needs and with donor requirements.
• Ensure CP staffing needs are adequately fulfilled, and HR systems, policies and practices support a high-performance culture, encourage staff development and retention. Assure quality administration and a work environment that truly reflects the agency’s values.
• Oversee compliance with agency and donor requirements and local laws and regulations through periodic systems checks, review and assessment of CP’s operations policies and procedures. Act as lead contact and responder to issues that emerge from internal and external audits and provide recommendations and guidance to implement improvements.
• Create and maintain the proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Provide capacity strengthening guidance for project teams and partners, which includes cross-departmental learning.
• Oversee the financial management of GFATM; USAID and other donors’ grants, working in close alignment with the region and with HQ departments and oversee timely submission of quality financial reports to donors;
• Facilitate all external and internal audits; oversee the timely closure of all outstanding audit findings and the successful implementation of all audit recommendations.
• Support the Ministry of Health (MoH) departments/services including National Malaria Control Program (NMCP/PNLP), National Directorate for Community Health and Traditional Medicine (DNSCMT) and other partners to uplift the zero-cash policy and support their capacity development in grant management with robust policies in place.
• Support the Capacity Strengthening of local catholic church organizations (OCPH and others) and local Partners in meeting operations’ standards.
• Ensure application of principles of a just workplace and diversity, and promote staff care and well-being and work/life balance.
• Lead the Project Insight roll out and implementation for the CP and ensure all staff have received adequate trainings/orientation. Coach, mentor and support the Subject Matter Specialists.
• In coordination with the Country Representative, assure representation of CRS and coordination of CRS operations at the various levels with the Guinea Government entities and other key development actors and stakeholders in the country. Serve as Acting CR in charge of the country program during the absence of Country Representative if requested.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, Finance or relevant field required or equivalent extensive experience with non-profit management or related fields strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a management position with progressive responsibilities. Experience with an international NGO and experience outside country of origin, particularly in complex working environments preferred.
• Additional experience may substitute for some education; additional education may substitute for some experience.
• Understanding of financial systems, including budgeting and budget/expense analysis experience. Knowledge of SunSystems and Vision accounting software or similar financial reporting software highly preferred.
• Significant experience in Operations (and Operational Excellence) particularly in the areas of Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management and donor Contracting, experience with GFATM Grants Management preferred.
• Working knowledge of Catholic Church and Caritas’ structures.
• Demonstrated qualities of leadership, sensitivity to cultural setting, communication skills, commitment and good judgment; and commitment to improving gender equality and gender responsiveness in operations.