African Initiatives for Relief and Development Director of Operations Careers in Uganda

African Initiatives for Relief and Development Director of Operations Careers in Uganda

Closing date: 17 Feb 2019

The African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) is a non-political, non-religious and non-profit making NGO with Country Programme Offices in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Director Of Operations shall:

Provide information and analysis on regional and country specific issues in support of program choice, finances, and budgets, and recommend program and process improvements as needed

Provide support to the Operations sub-committee of the Board as requested

Strategy & Planning

Provide strategic and creative leadership to the region focused on scaling AIRD’s operations to deliver impact through high quality, efficient and effective programs that maximize outcomes

Lead program development and support, working with Country Directors and the Head Office focused teams to ensure that projects and programs are of high quality and effectiveness.

Management and Coordination

Build and maintain a high-functioning, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative Program team.

Develop and facilitate cross-country learning and knowledge management to enable sharing across the organization, incorporating learnings into project design and operations management

Promote teamwork, common purpose, and continuous professional growth

Oversee Country Directors for management and oversight of the programs/projects and operations, driving accountability for the achievement of Country Office goals

Performance management of direct reports including coaching, mentoring and managing delivery of critical milestones on an ongoing basis

Manage relationships with all departments to optimize impact on program quality within and across country programs and sure that consultative decision processes are used


Operational Duties

Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its stakeholders, Board and Funders

Review operational contracts, reports and other documents;

Draft policies for the approval of the CEO and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the CEO as appropriate

Implement new operational systems and upgrades through the entire organization

Oversee and control the overall quality of AIRD operations

Provide support to the Operations sub-committee of the Board as requested

Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization liaising with CEO to make decisions for operational activities and set strategic goals

Planning and monitoring the day-to-day running of business to ensure smooth progress

Planning and monitoring the day-to-day running of business to ensure smooth progress

Sign cheques within the authorized mandate and after verification of payment requirements;
Program Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board

Development and External Representation

Work closely with Finance and the Communications and Development to communicate program and project status, outcomes, successes, challenges, timelines, finances and direction to inform organizational development.


Financial and Resource Management and Oversight

In collaboration with internal audit, monitor compliance with organization-wide operating policies; ensure each Country Office and Project has adequate internal financial and program controls, and recommend additional controls as necessary.

Ensure consistent communication between program and finance management.

Human Resource Management and Organizational Development

Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery as requested by the field

Work with the Human Resource department in the recruitment of highly qualified expatriate staff

Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and leading documented annual performance reviews.

Ensure effective capacity building, professional development and performance improvement strategies are implemented to maximize staff potential using job descriptions, staffing models and performance management tools

Ensure effective capacity building, professional development and performance improvement strategies are implemented to maximize staff potential using job descriptions, staffing models and performance management tools

In line with the SOPs, discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate

and legally defensible procedures

Security and Risk Management

Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
Oversee the management and implementation of up-to-date safety and security protocols and policies in Country Offices and project locations including, timely communication with Head Office when events occur

Personal characteristics

The Director of Operations should demonstrate competence all of the following:

Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization

Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization

Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques

Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities

Focus on Donor Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external donors to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters

Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness

Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization

Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization as authorized

Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities

Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem

Strong analytical and information gathering skills

Ensuring value for money i.e. program/project monitoring

Ability to work under hardship environment and with minimum supervision

Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, work at different locations as required

Required Languages

Must be conversant with English and French (written and spoken)

Minimum Qualifications

At least 4-7 years practical experience in humanitarian response

Minimum bachelor’s degree and/or post graduate degree in Economics

Familiarity with the humanitarian reform process

Proven skills in networking and relationship building

Seven years of relevant experience managing people and complex projects in developing counties; Experience working in Africa preferable.

Strong leadership and team building skills with the ability to set and communicate vision and strategy.

Ability to work collaboratively with a range of people at all levels, including those from host country governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other counterparts, clients, donors (in particular UNHCR experience) and staff.

Ability to lead and work as a member of teams, including consensus building, communications, and leadership skills.

Ability to demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity, tact, and poise.

Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English and French

Proficiency to use MS Office suite of applications and other IT systems

Ability to write clearly articulate proposals, reports, and correspondence

Strong analytical, communication and problem solving skills is necessary along with capacity to identify and articulate potential problems and provide possible solutions in concise and clear manner

Experience working with international development partners, international Non Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and donors (in particular UNHCR experience) is an asset.

To be successful at the organization, you will also:

Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization

Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change

Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness

Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration

Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Interested persons may send applications to hr@airdinternational.org not later than 17 February 2019

African Initiatives for Relief and Development Director of Operations Careers in Uganda