Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.
We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.
We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.
Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c15,000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.
Applicants must have the existing right to work in the Eastern or Southern African regions.
Contract length: 2 years
The role
As a member of the East and Southern Africa regional office operations team, the Operations Manager acts as a coordinating focal point for operational issues, providing support to designated Country Office (CO) operational delivery across the full spectrum of Save the Children programmes in both development and humanitarian response activities, ensuring effective information flows and assistance in adherence to SCI operations procedures/standards.
The Operations Manager will support CO operations staff in managing development & humanitarian efforts and will provide directional advice to the country programme in concurrence with the Country Director and ESARO team. The post-holder will effectively and efficiently support operations systems, processes and activities so that programmes are delivered on time according to organisational strategy, donor requirements and within allocated budgets. S/he will take leadership on aspects related to staffing structure and management, awards, security and logistics systems and will play a strategic role in the effective scale up and management of Save the Children development & humanitarian programmes to increase impact and enable positive change for children in the East Africa region.
Qualifications and experience
Extensive program and operations management experience in international development and humanitarian programs, including
Demonstrated ability to set up operational management systems in a large complex programme
Previous experience of managing technical/programme/operations/support teams in large-scale first phase emergency response is essential
Knowledge of international humanitarian and development systems, institutions and donors (programmes (including ECHO, DFID and OFDA), and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices
In depth knowledge and experience of logistics systems and requirements in a multi field office, multi programme setting
Direct experience of delivery of humanitarian programs, in a technical or operational role, in at least 3 different contexts
Senior management role within a complex country programme and/or in a large scale emergency response
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a complex, matrix management environment. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
Security management experience across a large programme
Substantial training and capacity building experience
Cultural sensitive, with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
Experience of supporting and developing programmatic staff with different backgrounds and expertise
Commitment to Save the Children values.
Ability and willingness to change work practices and hours in the event of major emergencies.
Willingness to travel in developing countries (varying, but expected to be at least 40% of time).
A degree in a relevant field either in relation to development, disaster management, management
We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
Please apply in English using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application Email: Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: ‘jfawcett.16757.3830@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com’