Operations Manager, MENA

TheMiddle East and North AfricaRegional Business Unit is conducting aninternal and external recruit foraOperationsManager (M1).The MENA RBU portfolio includes current projects in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, Syria and Libya; new business in Yemen, Egypt, and Morocco; and covers a wide variety of technical sectors including education, economic growth, water and energy, democracy and governance, and peace, stability, and transition. The division is also home to the Democracy and Governance and Peace, Stability, and Transitions Practices, and the Transitions Unit. The operations manager is responsible for ensuring that sound management principles and tools are employed in the operations of the business unit (BU) and in the implementation of its work. In this capacity, the operations manager will address needs related to the establishment and maintenance of BU processes, manage operations budget, portfolio resourcing, staff recognition, event planning, and talent acquisition, staff engagement, financial processes, BU support systems, and executive support. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we will interview and fill the position on a rolling basis.

Responsibilities:

Business Unit management, continual improvement, and leadership

• Provides general management, operational and administrative support to the BU
• Manages all BU operations, including but not limited to talent management, staffing and resourcing, compensation activities, performance management, staff recognition and events, financial management, and working in conjunction with regional finance and compliance teams.
• Supports the operations director to develop and implement business operations strategies, plans, and procedures; ensures consistency in all operations areas across the BU
• Provides strategic support to the BU senior vice president (SVP) including drafting communication, planning trainings, meetings, and events, and supporting corporate initiatives
• Supports and furthers the development of BU systems, processes, policies, and programs to effectively identify, manage, and mitigate risks and support BU goals
• May serve as acting director as required
• Coordinates annual work planning with SVP and department directors
• Supports and coordinates responses to periodic Board of Directors and strategic EMT meetings (e.g., mid-year review and budget retreats)
• Provides surge support on PMUs, startup, and closeouts and as needed
• Supports new business efforts, including lead development and capture; serves in line roles of increasing complexity and leadership (e.g., proposal coordinator, expatriate/local recruiter, personnel/management/organizational capacity section writer, subs-liaison, cost preparer, and technical writer)
• May contribute dedicated time to other work streams and functions to achieve BU goals, including new business, project management, process improvement, and technical practice contributions
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required

Financial planning and analysis

• Liaises effectively with other operations teams on resourcing, cost savings, and best practices
• Prepares financial reporting to the Executive Office and prepares monthly staffing budget

Talent management and development

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates operations team associate-level staff, communicating clear performance goals and standards and offering regular performance feedback, prompt resolution of problems, and time and opportunity to grow and develop in key competency areas
• Coordinates formal performance assessment process for the BU; supports supervisors to clearly articulate performance goals and standards, provide regular feedback, and provide overall professional advancement advice and direction to supervisees
• Makes presentations and trains staff, as needed, including through one-on-one mentoring, small group trainings, corporate training programs, and information dissemination

Operations compliance

• Reviews corporate procurement, contractual, financial reports, and BU trackers
• Oversees unit's relationships with vendors, partners, and consultants that serve to enhance Chemonics' reputation
• Oversees and navigates ongoing liability and audit work for the region
• Contributes and/or leads closed project management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
• Experience supervising or mentoring employees preferred
• Knowledge or familiarity with government contracting and procurements
• Demonstrated experience in key areas of operations, including budget management, procurement and contractual compliance, client relations, and knowledge of external and internal clients, and systems
• Demonstrated experience working on one or more government-funded projects and provide support to government proposals
• Demonstrated experience following standard practices and procedures, receiving general instruction on work progress, and making significant contribution to end results
• Works independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in problem solving and initiative to learn new skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and word processing abilities
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility and integrity
• Previous experience working in international development and/or living or conducting work in developing countries preferred
• Willingness to travel up to 8 weeks per year

Applyby 11:59pm, December 31, 2024. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Chemonics is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
Chemonics will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by Chemonics, or (c) consistent with Chemonics legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)