Head of Operations

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on relief and development work that includes emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving individuals without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and actively seeks to safeguard children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS values diversity and welcomes staff from various faiths and secular traditions who share its mission and values. The agency's policies reflect a commitment to safeguarding and protecting the rights and dignity of all people, particularly the most vulnerable. CRS also emphasizes the importance of local engagement, welcoming candidates from the regions in which it operates, and prioritizes hiring citizens or permanent residents of those countries.

Job Overview:
The Head of Operations plays a crucial role as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) in one of the hubbed countries. This position is responsible for providing leadership and management across various operational functions, including Finance, Human Resources (HR), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Administration, Information and Communication Technology, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and Audit. The Head of Operations is expected to promote stewardship of resources, ensure compliance with policies and regulations, manage risks, and lead continuous operational improvements, particularly with a focus on Climate Action. This role requires a proactive approach to managing security risks and ensuring that all operational functions align with the mission of CRS to serve the poor and vulnerable. The Head of Operations will also be involved in strategic planning and programming, ensuring that operational capacity meets the standards set by CRS, donor requirements, and local regulations, while supporting high-quality programming across country programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Operations will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: contributing to strategic planning and programming for operational capacity investments; representing CRS as needed; planning, integrating, coordinating, and monitoring day-to-day operations across country programs; overseeing financial processes and ensuring compliance with CRS policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); promoting effective use of CRS’s finance and supply chain management systems; collaborating with programming leads to ensure appropriate project expenditures; promoting safeguarding policies; overseeing health, safety, and security management; leading the operational aspects of the Climate Action strategy; managing and supervising talent, including remote management of direct reports; contributing to staffing plans and recruitment processes; overseeing annual budget plans; ensuring compliance with agency and donor requirements; acting as the lead contact for audits; and creating a learning environment that encourages sharing of ideas and solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in International Development, Business Administration, Finance, or a relevant field, or equivalent experience. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in a management position with progressive responsibilities in the area of expertise is required, including at least 2 years of management experience. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field, experience with an international NGO, and knowledge of multiple public donors’ regulations, particularly those of CRS’s primary institutional donors.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in International Development, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant area is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in international development and humanitarian work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of work experience in a management role, with progressive responsibilities in operational functions. Candidates should have at least 2 years of management experience, demonstrating their ability to lead teams and manage complex operations effectively. Experience with an international NGO and working outside of one's country of origin is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into diverse operational environments and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, depending on the specific needs of the region and the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve travel up to 50% based on the needs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Republic of the Congo (ROC). The role includes supervisory responsibilities and is expected to adhere to the agency’s guiding principles. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be required to sign and adhere to CRS’s Code of Conduct. The organization emphasizes the importance of legal work eligibility and may require pre-employment medical clearance for positions involving residence or frequent travel outside the home country.