Head of Operations (HOOP)

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving individuals without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture. CRS has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values.

Job Overview:
The Head of Operations (HOOP) will play a crucial role in leading and managing the operational functions of CRS in El Salvador, particularly focusing on the Somos Rio Lempa (SRL) Program. This position is part of the Country Program’s Senior Management Team and is responsible for overseeing various operational areas including finance management, budget planning, resource management, contracts, and audits. The HOOP will ensure compliance with CRS standards, donor requirements, and local regulations while providing operational leadership within the SRL consortium. The role requires harmonizing processes among consortium partners, supporting governance, and ensuring high-quality program implementation. The HOOP will also be involved in strategic planning, workforce management, and the development of operational solutions across institutional systems, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong leadership and management skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Operations include guiding the vision and strategy of the country program, contributing to new programming designs, managing talent and team dynamics, overseeing performance management, and ensuring adequate staffing for high-quality programming. The HOOP will also support the preparation and review of various reports, manage relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensure compliance with agency and donor requirements, and lead the implementation of safeguarding policies. Additionally, the role involves developing strategic partnerships, managing risks, and ensuring the program is adequately staffed to meet operational needs. The HOOP will oversee compliance checks, coordinate audit readiness, and lead follow-up on audits, ensuring corrective measures are implemented effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in International Development, Business Administration, Finance, or a relevant field. A minimum of 5-8 years of work experience in a management position with progressive responsibilities is required, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience. Experience with an international NGO and experience outside the country of origin is preferred. Additional experience may substitute for some education, and additional education may substitute for some experience. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of financial systems, including budgeting and expense analysis, and knowledge of financial reporting software is highly preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Business Administration, or Finance. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of managing operations within an international NGO context and for effectively leading the operational functions of CRS in El Salvador.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-8 years of work experience in a management role with progressive responsibilities. Candidates should have at least 2 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating their ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively. Experience with an international NGO is highly desirable, as is experience working outside the candidate's country of origin. This level of experience is crucial for navigating the complexities of the role and ensuring compliance with various regulations and standards.

Languages:
Advanced proficiency in both Spanish and English (oral and written) is required for this position. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local partners, stakeholders, and team members, as well as for ensuring compliance with donor requirements and local regulations. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in El Salvador, and candidates must be legally eligible to work and live in the country. The role may require travel up to 25%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, reflecting the organization's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.