TechnoServe

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.

Summary:

Addressing Mango Production and Post-harvest Loss and Increasing Fish Yields (AMPPLIFY) is a five-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Food for Progress Program that will facilitate a resilient and growing trade of mango and fish, sustained by profitable farmers making ongoing productivity and climate-smart investments to maintain the health and performance of their farms across Côte d’Ivoire. Over the next five years, the project will use a facilitative market-based approach that leverages the resources of the private sector to drive incentives and behavior change throughout the market system, which can achieve improved productivity, trade, and food security through the provision of high-quality, accessible goods and services for farmers and other value chains (VC) participants.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Party, the Operations Manager is a dynamic and agile position that will play a key role in enabling implementation of project activities in an efficient and compliant manner and ensuring the effective use of resources for maximum impact.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Procurement

• Develop and implement annual and biannual procurement plans and ensure that they are appropriate and in line with USDA requirements and policies.
• Prepare a range of documents, contracts, communications, directives, instructions, etc., relating to procurement operations.
• 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.
• In collaboration with the Senior Operations Manager, ensure adequate training in procurement procedures for all project staff.

Operations Management

• Act as focal point person for all project operational activities (IT, Procurement, Logistics, Safety and Security) in coordination with Senior Operations Manager, Finance and HR.
• Ensure and plan for efficient use of resources to deliver quality operations support to project team.
• Develop forecasting tools to inform planning and operational decision-making.
• Provide proactive advice to program team 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
• Manage the logistics specialist, ensuring sound logistical arrangements are in place to support project implementation, including fleet and other resource management

Administration

• Manage procurement of field 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 project
• Facilitate logistics arrangements such as travel and fleet management
• Perform administrative tasks to ensure AMPPLIFY 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
• Supervise the project accountant, ensure reliable and accurate data is submitted
• Provide guidance to project staff to ensure compliance with statutory reporting and donor regulations to ensure zero unallowable costs

Security

• In collaboration with the Senior Operations Manager, maintain a safety and security plan for the Cote d’Ivoire country field office and ensure project staff and visitors are briefed and comply with all security protocols.
• Support Senior Operations Manager to 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 business, logistics, economics, or other related field plus seven years of professional experience with increasing responsibilities related to procurement, logistics, human resources, contractual management, finance (or a Master's degree plus five years of experience).
• Experience managing people and developing strong working relationships
• Knowledge of generally-accepted accounting and procurement practices
• Advanced-level knowledge of Microsoft Excel, and basic functional knowledge of field accounting software packages

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large United States government (USDA or USAID)-funded projects

Required Languages

• Proficiency 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 and communication skills
• An ability to think critically and elevate risks to management
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to resolving problems

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Operations Manager will supervise a small team of specialists in accounting, procurement and grants/subawards.

Applicants must have work authorization in Côte d’Ivoire at the time of application. 

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.