Operations Manager

Background:

The USAID-funded Ta’afi Program is working towards a more inclusive and prosperous Iraq by empowering Iraqis to lead positive change. Ta’afi does this by working with Iraqi partners to organize the community to address local issues and mobilize around common causes affecting all of Iraq.

Reporting

The Operations Manager (OM) reports to the Deputy Chief of Party – Operations. OM will supervise the Operations team responsible for procurement, company registration/legal issues, logistics, fleet, events, and facilities, as well as IT and HR units, and will closely work with Finance and Security teams.

The role is based in Erbil.

Responsibilities:

Internal Compliance and Administration: 

• Ensures compliance of project activities with USAID regulations, Chemonics’ policies, and the laws of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Republic of Iraq.
• Provides oversight of operational agreements/contracts ensuring that they meet contractual requirements, are staying within budget, and meet the business need for managing our office operational processes.
• Reviews existing processes and identifies new ways of achieving project efficiencies without sacrificing compliance. Ensures that systems and tools exist for planning, implementation, tracking, reporting and quality control of the project’s administrative and management systems.
• Coordinates with Operations Procurement to provide written information for procurement negotiation memos and relevant contract documents.
• Performs periodic file audits of all units and informs the DCOP-Operations of any problems or issues arising in this regard in all un.
• Develops monthly financial projections for ongoing operations in coordination with the finance team, DCOP-Operations, and Operations, HR and IT.
• Ensures that the office functions according to Chemonics systems and practices, and in line with applicable local legislation.

Staff Supervision:

• Provides mentoring, support, and oversight to operations team staff, including logistics, procurement, IT and HR
• Contributes positively to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, accepting and giving constructive feedback.
• Communicates advance understanding Chemonics’ culture, values, and practices.
• Ensure that best practices are in use in the management, utilization, and capacity development of local professional and support personnel.

Government Liaison, Legal Issues

• Accompany the Chief of Party and other senior staff to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation.
• Proactively coordinate and advocate on Chemonics’ behalf with officials to ensure that the desired outcomes of program activities.
• Stay abreast of government requirements applicable to Ta’afi’s work in Iraq to support programs, field management and grants team to ensure compliance.
• Prepare and share regular progress reports with internal stakeholders. Ensure Ta’afi leadership are aware of and understand any concerns of government officials regarding our operations.
• Ensure all correspondence with the government is in line with Chemonics’ policies and records are retained in an organized manner.
• Coordinate with local legal counsel for any legal issues related to company registration, employment contracts, Labor law and similar

Other:

• Demonstrates maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn.
• Maintains and expands professional and technical knowledge by participating in external knowledge sharing and coordination meetings related to operating in the KRG and Federal Iraq
• Coordinates with the management team and other managers to ensure that consistent policies and procedures are understood by all team members and are implemented in an integrated fashion across all areas of operations and management.
• Assist technical and administrative staff to identify needs for technical and administrative assistance, assist in mobilizing such support, and monitor its provision.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• BA degree in relevant field (such as business, management, public administration, social sciences, international relations, politics, etc.)
• At least 5 years of prior experience in positions similar to this SOW with focus on operations, logistics, procurement, HR and IT.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and work on USAID funded projects is desired.
• Extensive knowledge of the KRG system of government and administration required
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact, diplomacy, and patience) in the context of dealing with expatriate and local staff members, as well as with project stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and to exercise good, professional judgment that communicates the established message of the program
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to mentor, supervise, and support staff required.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and other basic computer applications
• Excellent written and spoken Kurdish (Sorani or Badini), English, and Arabic

Equal employment opportunities:  

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Additional Information

• Contract period: Until 31 July 2024 with the possibility of extension
• Salary: The salary of this position falls under band FSN-09
• The selected candidates will be vetted.