IRC Deputy Director of Operations Job in Kenya

Deputy Director of Operations, Somalia

Sector: Operations
Location: Kenya
Employee Type: Regular
Employee Category: Full Time
Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.

At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The IRC has been working in Somalia since 2006, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities.

The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Mudug and Galgaduud), Mogadishu and Puntland regions implementing interventions in the areas of livelihood, WASH, Governance, protection and primary health reaching out to more than 250,000 conflict and drought affected Somalis.

Scope of Work

The IRC Somalia country program is looking for a Deputy Director Operations (DDO), to lead and ensure efficient support systems within the country team and includes functions of administration, logistics, IT and human resources.

The DDO will be responsible for ensuring that all the necessary systems, policies and procedures are rolled out and implemented by the relevant staff in all program areas.

The position reports to the Country Director, Somalia and will work closely with the Deputy Director, Programs and Security Manager for Somalia.

The position is based in Nairobi with at least 50% travel to office sites in Somalia.

With the improving security situation in Somalia and increasing accessibility of many areas, the position may be asked to spend more time inside Somalia.

The position will line manage the Operations Coordinator, Field Coordinators for 3 Somalia field sites and oversees other operation team members.

Specific Responsibilities

Ensure quality field office support and operations policy compliance
Develop, update, roll out and ensure implementation of all operations (logistics, HR, IT, admin) policies within the country program in line with IRC policies (international and country specific) as well as donor guidelines
Undertake regular internal reviews to assess implementation of the policies and report any concerns to the Country Director and establish mechanisms to address the same
Make sure that the organizational staff code of conduct ‘the IRC Way’ (Integrity, Service and Accountability) is rolled out and observed by all staff. Organize regular orientation and reviews within the team on the same
Organize an operation team workshop every 4 months bringing the teams together to discuss on issues, train and build a sense of team work
Undertake regular field visits (at least 50% time) to the field sites and support the teams through training, monitoring of activities and identifying and addressing any concerns
Assess the operation team structure for the overall country program and propose changes in order to ensure effective operation functions
Coordinate with the Security Manager to establish specific recommendations regarding security system strengthening at field sites and work with the Field Coordinators to ensure these recommendations are implemented
Participate in development of the Somalia country strategic plan and contribute towards implementation of the same
Closely monitor the issue of cost effectiveness within the country program and suggest/ implement measures to achieve cost effective operations
Lead in efficient operations systems within the country office
Develop operation team strategic plans for the country program and implement the same
Develop annual operation budgets for the country program and constantly review the same against funding and identify gaps
Support and lead operations assessments for new program areas within Somalia
Lead in setting up operations in new field sites- assess needs, recruitment of staff, establishment of control framework, and monitoring
Establish and implement strong internal controls within the country program working closely with the finance controller
Ensure that all operation functions are geared towards quality program support and timely response on needs
Work with the program team to establish procurement schedule for donor grants
Provide operation reports as necessary for development of donor reports
Ensure quality management of all assets and inventory within the country program
Undertake regular prequalification exercises for the country program- Nairobi and field sites and establish a transparent, fast and cost effective procurement system
Participate in various meetings to develop understanding and provide recommendations to the program team- project development meetings, monthly budget vs actual review meetings, grants opening and closing meetings etc
Oversee recruitment within the country program making sure that the process
Lead in undertaking annual salary surveys for staff and advice the CD for relevant salary changes/ increment for staff
Ensure that staff performance management within the country program is done keeping the organizational guidelines
Develop and share reports related to operations unit- monthly HR and procurement reports for submission to the regional office; weekly procurement and recruitment reports for the country program
Ensure that all staff (international and national) staff are aware of the various policies developed within the country program and are adhering to the same
Quality operation team at Nairobi and Somalia offices
Identify staff training and development needs and develop plans to provide the same through internal and external resources
Oversee performance of all operation staff within the country program and work with the direct reports and other supervisors to address the same through training, performance improvement plans and disciplinary action as necessary
Person Requirements
Bachelors Degree required; Masters Degree in a related field preferred
At least 8 years relevant and progressive professional experience in an international organisation
Previous experience working in emergency or post-conflict contexts
Knowledge of standard procedures and policies relevant to INGOs and donors regulations (ECHO, USAID, UN, DFID)
Solid organizational skills, ability to be flexible & work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-task team environment
Ability to negotiate and operate in a complex and dynamic environment of Somalia without compromising IRC and humanitarian values
Willingness to travel and spend significant (at least 50% or more) time inside Somalia is a critical requirement
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Somali language skills a distinct advantage
Knowledge of computer applications and databases relevant to HR and logistics operations
To apply: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH02/ats/careers/apply.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1