Director of Operations

ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking a Director of Operations for the anticipated USAID funded Kenya Feed the Future Crop and Dairy Market Systems Development Activity Program. This anticipated FTF-funded Activity will have a strong focus on sustainable, private-sector driven market development in the dairy, horticulture, and grain value chains. The Director of Operations will be expected to provide overall financial and administrative management, including ensuring that interventions comply with USAID and Kenyan laws. This position is expected to be located in Nairobi.
Manage and oversee multiple project offices including Nairobi.
Develop and refine operational systems and processes, and organize appropriate operations training and orientation systems for all staff. Conduct periodic reviews of operations processes to identify opportunities for improvements.
Maintain communications with the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and regional managers in order to understand project operational needs and status, so as to serve as a point of contact for project operations information.
Assure that the project is in compliance with the most recent USAID and ACDI/VOCA regulations and procedures.
Provide direction and guidance to local staff and subcontractor staff on compliance agreement compliance issues, procurement standards/requirements, as well as related ACDI/VOCA policies and USAID regulations.
Oversee transaction and procurement activities including those that directly benefit grantees. Ensure the prompt implementation of financial and contractual reviews and approvals for project activity.
Oversee the establishment and closing of field office operations and the training of field office operations staff to monitor field-based vendor performance.
Serve as liaison with ACDI/VOCA’s contracts administrators; manage and track the program’s requests to ACDI/VOCA’s Contracts Office to ensure an efficient and productive process.
Coordinate logistical guidance and provide operational support for both the headquarters in Nairobi and field offices to ensure a smooth functioning of program activities including support for field office/program set-up and close-out, ongoing operations, field staff, and staff and consultant travel.
Supervise the finance, operations, and grants staff. Conduct regular operations team meetings to establish quality working relationships between the operations team members and to refine operations processes.
Bachelor’s degree in Business or Economics required, Master’s degree preferred.
7 years of experience managing similar projects of similar size and scope is desired, of which 5 years was on a USAID funded project.
Demonstrated management, administrative, reporting, and representation skills.
Willingness to travel required.
Fluency in English is required.