Operations Manager at Creative Associates International

Position Location:       Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

Position Summary:

Creative Associates International is seeking an Operations Manager for a 20-month education in emergencies project called Achieving Learning for All in Northern Nigeria (ALFANN).  In this DFID supported project, Creative Associates International is in consortium with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) whose staff will be based on Maiduguri, Borno State.

The Operations Manager is responsible for the management of human resources, local procurement and administrative tasks of the project in the fluid and complex operational environment of northern Nigeria. In the absence of the Yobe Team Leader, the Operations Manager will serve as the Yobe Team Leader.

Reporting & Supervision:
Reporting directly to the Yobe Team Leader, the Operations Manager will support the Yobe Team Leader in the management of program operations and provide leadership and oversight, as needed. S/he will directly supervise the Procurement team, the travel/logistics staff, and the HR and administration team. S/he will additionally serve as primary liaison for international vendors.

Expected Outcomes:

• Oversee management of key operations staff to ensure timely project implementation
• Collaborate with IRC’s operations team to ensure high quality overall project performance
• Provide necessary support to build capacity of local partners to procure materials for the project
• Help Creative HQ develop a stronger understanding of DFID procurements rules and regulations

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the ALFANN project
• Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of Nigeria;
• Streamline and maintain procurement processes to meet grant deliverables and milestones;
• Serve as the primary liaison to all vendors and subcontractors;
• Responsible for day to day management of subcontracts with international vendors;
• Serves as primary liaison for Creative HQ on international subcontractor issues;
• Manages and oversees staff responsible for arranging travel and logistics for staff and project equipment and inventory;
• Provides timely and accurate reports on location of staff and assets and maintains proper hard and soft copy files for each. Reports may be requested by HQ or donor;
• Responsible for program compliance with Task Order, UK government rules and regulations, and Creative policies and procedures;
• Supports Yobe Team Leader in all operations tasks and duties;
• Manages, trains, and mentors key ALFANN project team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, budgeting and finance; and
• Respond to requests from donor and supervisors as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• At least five years of relevant work experience, including experience with a Contractor or international NGO managing an office or program;
• At least four years of experience supervising complex, high-speed, and challenging field operations in developing countries;
• Familiarity with or have experience in community participation-type projects as well as those that are political in focus;
• Experience with operations, logistics and subcontracts in an insecure environment;
• Knowledge of basic operating procedures in high-risk environments;
• Experience in conflict, post-conflict, or transitional state environments;
• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong analytical capacity; and
• Previous experience working with DFID desired.