TechnoServe

Job title: Senior Operations Manager

Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Reporting to: Country Director

Description

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase, and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Primary Purpose and Function

The Senior Operations Manager leads the operations for the Cote d’Ivoire country platform to ensure TechnoServe Cote d’Ivoire adheres to legal standards, donor contract terms and in-house policies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Procurement

• Develop and implement annual and biannual procurement plans for both country office operations as well as for TechnoServe's donor-funded projects and ensure that they are appropriate and in line with donor requirements and policies.
• Periodically update approved procurement plans in collaboration with program management teams.
• Set up a master vendor list to ensure we can quickly procure items that meet specifications at the lowest cost within our procurement processes.
• Maintain a supplier register and update quarterly.
• Prepare a range of documents, contracts, communications, directives, instructions, etc., relating to procurement operations.
• Execute procurement plan and manage purchase requisitions.
• Manage all procurement processes for goods, services, and consulting, including reviewing Request for Proposals (RFPs) and tender documents.
• Verify compliance with products and services ordered.
• Ensure adequate training in procurement procedures for all staff in all field offices.

Operations Management

• Act as focal point person for all operational activities (IT, Procurement, Logistics, Safety and Security) in coordination with Finance and HR.
• Build relationships with program managers to streamline and add rigour to operations;
• Support in-country program teams to develop and update operational plans for procurement, logistics, and vehicle management.
• Set and drive standards for TechnoServe infrastructure: IT, vehicles, etc., in alignment with TechnoServe’s internal policies in those areas.
• Ensure and plan for efficient use of resources to deliver quality operations support to program teams.
• Develop forecasting tools to inform planning and operational decision-making for programs.
• Provide proactive advice to program teams to ensure optimal operational systems while maintaining adherence to TechnoServe’s relevant policies (e.g., vehicle, travel, procurement, etc.)
• Assess and suggest improvements for the above operational activities
• Identify gaps in knowledge and skills and provide training

Administration

• Manage procurement of office space, equipment, vehicles, and other items in compliance with TechnoServe and donor policies and regulations.
• Draft, negotiate, and review contracts (including service agreements, office leases, purchase orders, etc.), ensuring all required contractual terms and conditions are included and obtaining the best value for the country office
• Facilitate logistics arrangements such as travel and fleet management
• Perform administrative tasks to ensure TechnoServe adheres to local legal and statutory requirements as required
• Ensure adherence of project activities and staff to the country safety and security plans
• Support project event planning and logistics as needed

Security

• Develop and maintain a safety and security plan for the Cote d’Ivoire country office and ensure all staff and visitors are briefed and comply with all security protocols.
• Conduct regular reviews of security procedures and equipment, recommending areas of improvement in collaboration with Cote d’Ivoire staff and HQ experts.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, economics or other related field and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience with increasing responsibilities related to procurement, administrative functions and contractual management OR Master’s degree and seven years of experience
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted procurement practices
• Operation management experience in a similar organization required
• Proven ability to serve as a trusted advisor, providing business leaders with professional, accurate, and timely support; able to diagnose complex matters and develop relevant and balanced solutions
• Familiarity dealing with ethics and compliance in the non-profit sector.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and French

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks with competing deadlines
• Strong sense of collegiality, integrity, resourcefulness, and accountability for results
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Senior Operations Manager will supervise the Admin and Logistics Coordinator, and the Drivers, with a dotted line to Project Administrators.

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact the Human Resources at recruitment@tns.org or call +1 202 785 4515.

Please submit your application before September 14 th , 2023.