Operations Manager

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Partnerships, the Office Operations Manager role is one of the toughest in the organization because you need to have excellent management, financial and people skills. You need to manage costs, evaluate priorities and constantly maintain a high standard in your work and the team around you.
The position contributes to the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies and practices.
Results of Service
Day to day management – Provide daily management, technical support and oversight of Hub employees.
Hub Operations – Provide overall physical office management operations and all administrative duties.
Operational Expenses – Provide forecasting and maintain operational budget.
Record keeping – Maintain appropriate databases and record keeping systems of files, calendars, and spreadsheets on employees.
Editorial Support – Develop with the team and deliver on time Hub monthly report and other reports as needed.
Event Planning – Plan and manage partnership events
Partner engagement facilitation – Co-ordinate and facilitate webinars, meetings, webinars.
Operations Analytics -Provide leadership in analyzing statistics, editorial support for M&E.
Responsibilities
Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of wPOWER mission — specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, organization’s process and organizational planning of the Hub.
Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and mission functions.
Play a significant role in long-term planning for step change and incremental targets to operational excellence.
Standardize planning, systems and office operation controls.
Management of office budget in coordination with the Strategic Partnerships Director.
Regular meetings with Strategic Partnerships Director around management, partner engagement and team planning
Supervise and coach the Administrative Assistant on a weekly basis.
Oversee the policies within the Employee Handbook are understood, and delivered on by the team.
Oversee recruiting, onboarding and training of new staff into the team.
Oversee quarterly appraisals and staff development to build a strong and cohesive team
Take the lead working with the team on developing a strong team culture and productive working team environment.
Attributes and Skills
Honesty, integrity and a strong self-directed work ethic are non-negotiable.
Communication skills – being polite, clear and direct when communicating
Excellent writing skills are a must.
Outgoing and self-confident
Leadership skills, comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility
Able to plan and prioritise, and think on your feet when the plan goes out the window
Understanding of mission principles for decision-making and prioritization.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Management, International Affairs or related field. Experience in the area of clean energy technologies and entrepreneurship will be an added advantage.
At least 5 years of experience with project administration or management experience working in an office environment preferable in international development.
Experience with current versions of typical office software including Microsoft Office, Google Apps and online CRM systems e.g., HighRise.
Experience using and knowledge of Microsoft Excel is especially important; experience with other project management software (e.g., Asana) would be an asset.
Effective oral and written communication skills in English including formal technical writing
Experience in use of different communication technologies for contacting colleagues and stakeholders in different time zones
Proven success in navigating complex operating environments.

Ability to efficiently work in teams and coordinate between various stakeholders.
Location, Hours and Compensation
This is a full-time position based at the wPOWER Hub in Nairobi, Kenya (or internationally, preferably at the GBMI Offices overseas in New York City and London).  Attendance may also be required at special events that occur outside of normal working hours and the position involves some travel.
Expected duration
Initial contract of one (1) year, full-time.
Contract extension for a second year will be granted, based on good performance. wPOWER offers a competitive salary to be determined based on the candidate’s education level and prior work experience.