Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems.
In close partnership with decision makers – the policymakers, practitioners, investors, and donors working with the poor around the world – we design and evaluate potential solutions to poverty problems using randomized evaluations, the most rigorous evaluation method available.
We also mobilize and support these decision makers to use these solutions to build better programs and policies at scale.
In collaboration with over 250 leading academics and implementing organizations, we have results from over 175 completed studies with over 225 in progress around the world.
Our studies cover solutions for effective agriculture, education, health, finance, governance, social protection, and post conflict recovery.
We have over 1,000 colleagues in 11 permanent offices supporting 16 countries, where we conduct research and routinely consult with governments, foundations, NGOs, and others to present evidence that can inform their work.
For more information, visit www.poverty-action.org.
Job Purpose: The Operations Manager (OM) will be responsible for managing country office operations that support both the general administrative needs of the Kenya office and project operations, and will be part of the IPA Kenya senior management team, along with the Country Director (CD), the Deputy Country Director (DCD), the Finance Manager, HR manager and Research Managers.
He/she will manage IPA Kenya administrative staff, IT, Safety & Security, as well as Procurement and Inventory Management Systems, and ensure the general compliance of the country office with relevant laws and regulations.
He/she will also work closely with IPA Kenya Research Managers and various project heads to identify project support needs and ensure that projects receive adequate support.
Description of Duties
Operations systems management
Improve and manage systems for procurement, inventory management, information technology and other business processes to ensure the organization runs efficiently and effectively;
Oversee office security and office emergency planning for all IPA offices in Kenya, in collaboration with IPA’s global HR and operations team;
Oversee the IT department activities including technical support and management of shared resources;
Work closely with the CD and DCD to create and manage the Field Office Kenya Budget as well as to define and implement IPA Kenya’s operational strategy;
Manage relationships with suppliers and other external bodies, and oversee contract negotiation, development and review;
Work closely with the Operations Coordinators to ensure equity between offices and that the offices are of sound condition and provide healthy and well-functioning working environments.
Capacity Building for members of IPA Kenya’s Operations team
Build capacity of Kenya administrative and IT staff to execute routine operational processes and solve operational problems with minimal management intervention;
Oversee training needs assessments for administrative, operations and IT staff to determine when training is necessary and the type of training necessary to improve performance and productivity.
Operations support to project teams
Ensure project teams are trained on and adhere to IPA Kenya operational policies including safety and security, resource management
Work closely with Research Managers and other project heads to support projects in-field activity planning and budgeting, including but not limited to estimating project budget input costs and planning project support needs;
Support project teams as they set up and manage financial tracking systems in consultation with the Finance Manager;
Field office set-up and supervision: lead the process of setting up new field offices as required by projects. This will include: selection of appropriate sites, lease negotiations and landlord relationships management, office security management;
Vehicles and Transportation: lead creation and maintenance of vehicle pools, working with a team to ensure reliable drivers; work closely with administrative staff to ensure smooth billing for vehicles; support quality control and insurance audits for the vehicle pool;
Perform other work related duties that may be assigned.
Qualifications
It is required that candidates have;
A minimum of a bachelor’s level degree in Business Administration or related field with at least 5 years of steadily progressing management experience;
Demonstrated experience managing procurement processes as well as administrative and IT functions;
Significant supervisory management experience, including managing direct reports;
Experience working within a complex organizational structure and managing work across multiple offices, spread across large geographic distances;
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and delegate effectively;
Cultural sensitivity and a demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies;
Strong quantitative, budgeting and financial management skills;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and complete fluency in English;
Strong technical and computer skills – particularly with Microsoft Office;
Exceptional analytical and organizational skills; and
Strong attention to details, self-starter and problem solving mindset.
Experience with field work in a research organization conducting or supporting data collection; and
It is preferred that candidates have;
Experience managing compliance with rules and regulations in Kenya, especially relating to procurement;
Experience managing compliance with rules and regulations of major donor agencies;
Experience managing the procurement lifecycle;
Strong negotiation skills.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and detailed CV including daytime phone number, email address, and 3 professional references.
Applications must be submitted by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, please ensure that the subject line reads: “OPERATIONS MANAGER-FK REF NO: REF NO: FK-2015-10-01.
All applicants will be considered for this position.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.