Mercy Corps Operations Manager (AgriFin Program) Jobs in Kenya

Mercy Corps Operations Manager (AgriFin Program) Jobs in Kenya


  • Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

  • In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

  • Now, and for the future.

    Program Summary

  • The MCA program will operate in across Africa with a focus on 5 countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria) utilizing a market ecosystem approach, working with carefully selected partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are “bundled” in affordable, unified platforms on mobile phone channels to promote mass uptake commercially.

    General Position Summary:

  • The Operations Manager is responsible for directly supervising all Procurement and Administrative functions in the AgriFin Program to ensure the smooth, timely and cost-effective provision of Procurement and Admin support to programs in order to achieve objectives.

  • Under the supervision of the Global Finance, Operations and Compliance Director is responsible for Procurement, Assets, Contracting, Admin and security.

  • Providing training and ensuring close collaboration with program staff is one of the key functions of this role.

  • S/he provides support and advises the country leadership and other team members on operational issues to ensure transparency, efficiency and compliance.

    Essential Job Functions:

    Key Responsibilities

  • Manage reliable and cost-effective operations and effective implementation of the strategies of Mercy Corps towards the right direction, including supervision of facilities & office management, information technology, procurement, asset management, fleet management and warehouse management.

  • Supports the program team on timely provision of operations support at a higher level of standards.

  • Ensures compliance requirements of Mercy Corps and rules and regulations specified by the donors and sometimes host governments.

  • Provides management information for decision making as required.

  • Support developing budgets for operations activities of country programs as an integral part of program proposal development and country level budgeting.

    Strategy, Vision and Management

  • Contribute to the country strategic planning processes as an active participant of the program management team.

  • Set up the support services and develop procurement and administration plans based on program needs.

  • Read program proposals and effectively contribute to program implementation and development.

  • Work closely with program management to facilitate operations aspects of program planning, and upcoming operations resources needs, especially procurements.

  • Advocate for operations systems: work with all Mercy Corps staff to ensure smooth introduction and adoption of operational systems.

  • Work closely with program and finance teams to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations.

  • Responsible for the management of all operations functions and staff; responsible for the full and proper implementation of Mercy Corps systems of management, compliance and control as described in Mercy Corps field manuals contained in the Office in a Box.

  • Work closely with finance compliance to mitigate fraud, conflict of interest, and legal ramifications of Mercy Corps activities.

    Operations Management – Procurement

  • Provide strategic, technical and managerial leadership and guidance in implementation of Global Procurement and Logistics Policies within the AgriFin program.

  • Oversee and manage closely all procurement processes (sourcing/tendering, contracting, etc.) and where necessary chair tender opening sessions

  • Ensure procurement records systems are well managed and maintained.

  • Manage effectively all third-party contracting processes for the program. Ensure use of correct templates, timely contract renewals and work closely with vendors on resolving any open questions in a timely manner.

  • Coordinate with the finance team the status of payment processing, tracking and development of payment schedule.

    Operations Management – Administration:

  • Ensure the Admin systems are implemented as described in the Field Administration Manual

  • Oversee the set-up and development of
    Mercy Corps offices to meet needs of team members including drafting and reviewing contracts for office and housing space, leasehold improvements, IT.

  • Oversee database & paper file management for administration, procurement, logistics resources documents.

  • Oversee facility management, including housing and office leases. Ensure that security standards are maintained at all premises.

  • Responsible for expatriate visa and work permits, if necessary

  • Ensure IT systems functions as needed.

  • Ensure that all Mercy Corps contracts, and business transactions/relationships are transparent and in compliance with Mercy Corps/ donor policies.

    Resource Management

  • Ensure effective and efficient management of administrative, procurement, logistics and IT| resources and reporting in a systematic, transparent and efficient manner to country management.

  • Responsible for provision of high quality and timely procurement and other program support.

  • Oversee provision of transport and travel support (international and domestic).

  • Oversight on maintenance of proper custody of Mercy Corps assets, warehouse inventory and general inventory

    Team Management

  • Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles and assist with career development.

  • Ensure smooth coordination of day-to-day activities across the Operations and Administration team while always adhering to segregation of duties

  • Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.

  • Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.

  • Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

  • Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.

  • Work with all Mercy Corps staff to ensure smooth introduction and adoption of operational systems.

  • Promote continuous organizational learning culture with the empowerment of individuals and teams with the identification of learning needs. Create learning opportunities and ensure access to available learning resources.

    Personal Leadership

  • Consistently demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs.

    Representation

  • Communicate with local partners in a manner consistent to the program team in terms of paperwork and documentation of goods.

  • Establish and maintain productive relationships with all stakeholders, vendors, suppliers, etc.

    Knowledge and Experience:

  • BA/S or equivalent in relevant field

  • A minimum of four (4) years senior management experience in an INGO sector, including experience in operational support including developing strategies.

  • Proven supervisory ability and/or technical skills combined with leadership

  • Experience in setting up and managing procurement, logistics and administrative processes

  • Excellent coordination and team management skills

  • Excellent negotiation, representation, skills, and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.

  • Skills in managing, organizing, planning, and implementing assigned tasks under pressure of frequent and tight schedules.

  • Strong ability to apply good judgment and decision-making skills in difficult and complex working environments.

  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills in handling management and coordination issues independently

  • Effective verbal and written communication, organizational,

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially MS Word and Excel.

  • Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

  • Excellent oral and written English skills required.

    How to Apply

  • For more information and job application details, see; Mercy Corps Operations Manager (AgriFin Program) Jobs in Kenya


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