Regional Business Services Manager- Africa CIMMYT At World Agroforestry Centre

CIMMYT is looking for a:

Regional Business Services Manager- Africa

The regional Business Services Manager will play a critical role in strengthening governance, risk management and operational efficiency across country offices within the region for Business Services. This position aims to ensure that country offices are aligned with the organizational goals, adhere to policy, and operate effectively with their strategic mandates. The role will involve regular monitoring ,capacity building and strategic advisory to enhance the overall performance and accountability of country operations.

Summary of responsibilities

Strategic Support and Alignment

• Conduct regular assessments of country office operations to ensure alignment with organizational mission, strategic objectives, and regional priorities.
• Review the strategic impact of country office activities and initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for improvement or adjustments.

Governance and Compliance

• Verify adherence to organizational policies, Delegation of Authority (DOA), and compliance standards in BS areas.
• Conduct spot checks or audits of country office operations to ensure compliance with governance requirements, providing recommendations for corrective action if necessary.
• Collaborate with Finance to review compliance, holding country offices accountable for any irregularities or mismanagement.

Operational Effectiveness

• Monitor the operational performance of country offices, identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies in key areas (procurement, fleet, travel, etc.).
• Assist country offices in implementing process improvements and capacity-building initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Provide high-level support to ensure the effective utilization of resources (e.g., fleet, facilities) and alignment with cost management strategies.

Workforce and Talent Development

• Evaluate leadership and management practices within country offices, providing mentorship and guidance to enhance team engagement and morale.
• Support talent development initiatives, focusing on building local capacity in alignment with organizational needs and regional strategies.
• Work with HR to address workforce gaps and implement strategies to strengthen team cohesion and performance across the region.

Risk Management and Compliance in Procurement and Contracts

• Evaluate leadership and management practices within country offices, providing mentorship and guidance to enhance team engagement and morale.
• Support talent development initiatives, focusing on building local capacity in alignment with organizational needs and regional strategies.
• Work with HR to address workforce gaps and implement strategies to strengthen team cohesion and performance across the region.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Strengthen relationships with local suppliers, to enhance the organization’s reputation and ensure alignment with local practices.
• Act as a representative of the Regional/HǪ team in country offices, building trust and ensuring effective communication with key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in regional structures, operations management, governance, or a similar role within an international organization.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks, DOA policies, and operational best practices.
• Familiarity with BS functional areas such as procurement, fleet and travel within decentralized structures.
• Proven experience in internal control, or strategic compliance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and address complex operational challenges.
• High adaptability and cultural sensitivity to work effectively across diverse regional contexts.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
• The appointment will be for two (2) years, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.