Overview
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Project Summary:
Creative Associates seeks a Senior Operations Manager for the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) Basic Education Activity, which will strengthen education services for Palestinian children of KG 1 through Grade 6 that enable them to thrive and reach their full developmental potential. Under the Basic Education Activity, USAID seeks to work with the private sector, non-formal, non-governmental, community-based, UN, and civil society partners to strengthen early childhood and primary educational opportunities through high quality early childhood education services and supplemental support structures to strengthen foundational pre-primary and primary education for children in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Specific areas of focus anticipated include strengthening foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social emotional learning (SEL)/soft skills, building teacher and student resilience capabilities and assets, and strengthening pathways between non-formal to formal education.
Position Summary:
The Senior Operations Manager will be responsible for the management of human resources, administration, and information technology of the program in the fluid and complex operational environment of WBG-BEA. This position reports to the DCOP – Operations & Finance.
Reporting & Supervision:
Reporting directly to the DCOP – Operations & Finance, the Senior Operations Manager will support the WBG-BEA team in the management of program operations and provide technical leadership and oversight, as needed. S/he will directly supervise the HR Manager and the Office Administrator & Receptionist in Ramallah, as well as the Operations & Logistics Officer in Gaza. S/he will additionally serve as primary liaison for international vendors.
Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities:– Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations;
- Ensure program operations, workplans and activities in target locations are in alignment with established project policies and expectations; maintaining constant communication and coordination with DCOP;
- Work with Security Department / Vetting Officer to ensure compliance with Mission Order 21 vetting requirements related to relevant staff and vendors;
- Support DCOP Ops & Finance in supporting set-up and maintenance of the Ramallah Project office;
- Support Operations & Logistics officer in establishing MOU / occupancy agreement for co-located office in Gaza;
- Work with operations team to oversee delivery and tracking of procurement and inventory in the SinglePoint system; oversee assignment of inventory to staff and facilitate spot checks and physical verifications;
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the project portfolio of activities;
- Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of Palestine;
- Support HR manager in establishing and maintaining compliant HR systems and processes;
- Support Engineer and Senior Procurement Manager in executing procurements and construction related to project activities;
- Serve as the primary liaison to all vendors and subcontractors related to operations activities;
- Provide oversight for day to day management of subcontracts with international vendors;
- Work with Operations & Logistics officer to support all project operations and administration in the Gaza satellite office;
- Manage and oversee 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 maintain proper hard and soft copy files per the Project Document Retention Plan. Reports may be requested by HQ or donor;
- Ensure overall program compliance with Task Order, USG rules and regulations, and Creative policies and procedures;
- Support DCOP in all operations tasks and duties;
- Manage, train, and mentor all team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, budgeting and finance; and
- Respond to requests from donor and supervisors as needed.
Qualifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- At least six years of relevant work experience, including experience with a Contractor or international NGO managing an office or program; 4+ years of specific experience related to operations, 3+ years of supervisory experience;
- At least five 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, human resources, and logistics, 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;
- Structural engineering experience a plus;
- Strong analytical capacity; and
- Previous experience working with USAID is required.
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