Director of Operations Full-Time

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 15 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 is the lead organization on a five-year, USAID-funded early grade reading program with the aim to improve early grade reading outcomes in the target provinces of Nampula and Zambézia. The program will focus on three main areas of intervention to achieve its goal to improve students’ reading fluency and comprehension in the mother tongue by the end of their second year of school: 1) improve the quality of reading instruction at the early primary level, 2) improve policy frameworks and delivery systems for early grade reading, and 3) increase parental and community engagement in early grade reading. The program will have a main office in Maputo with field offices in Nampula and Zambézia.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations will provide leadership in the management of project operations, human resources, and administration, and will report directly to the COP. S/he will supervise all staff in operations, procurement, administration and human relations based in Maputo and Nampula provinces, adhering to the internal organizational structure. S/he will additionally serve as primary liaison with local legal counsel and with local vendors, as appropriate.  This position will collaborate closely with other senior staff and all team members to ensure high standards of service delivery and accountability and full compliance with USAID and CAI regulations and policies.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Director of Operations will be based in Maputo and will report to the Chief of Party. S/he will directly supervise project managers in operations, office management, administration, HR, and procurement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with the project’s Operations team to establish internal control systems, quality assurance, and protocols for local subcontractors and/or sub-grantees;
• Ensure that the operations of the project are in compliance with local law as well as with donor and CAI policies and procedures;
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses;
• Participate in budget planning and realignments, as required;
• Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations;
• Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of Mozambique;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the portfolio of programs;
• Manage, train, and mentor key team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, and procurement; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Masters of Business and/or Public Administration, or related relevant field; experience will be considered in lieu of masters degree. Undergraduate degree required;
• At least 8 years’ experience in management of international development activities with increasing levels of responsibility;
• At least 5 years’ experience in supervising complex, high-speed, and challenging field operations in developing countries;
• Familiarity with or have experience operations management on complex projects;
• Strong analytical capacity and team management skills;
• Previous experience working with USAID strongly preferred;
• Experience in human resources management, including in Mozambique labor law, and managing expatriate staff work permits is preferred;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Portuguese proficiency required.

Recruitment open until September 6, 2019

Candidates should send their applications by email rh@vamoslermoz.com until September 06, 2019, including CV, manifest of interest both in Portuguese and English and Academic Certificates. The position´s name “Director of Operations” must be referred in the subject line. Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.