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 in 1943, CRS operates in around 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization has a long-standing presence in the Philippines, having started its operations in 1945, making it the longest-running CRS country program globally. CRS Philippines employs over 60 staff members across various locations, including Manila, Cotabato City, Tagbilaran City, Iloilo City, Virac, and Malaybalay City. The organization collaborates with a robust network of church and civil society partners, government agencies, and NGOs to implement programs in emergency response, disaster risk reduction, health, agriculture, education, community savings, and peacebuilding. Recently, CRS has integrated its operations in the Philippines and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) into one Business Management Unit (BMU), enhancing operational efficiency and shared services across both countries.

Job Overview:
As the Head of Operations for the CRS Philippines and FSM BMU, you will be responsible for leading and managing key operational functions, including Supply Chain Management (SCM), Administration, Staff Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, Safeguarding, and Audit. This role is crucial in supporting CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will ensure the effective stewardship of resources, compliance with regulations, proactive risk management, and operational efficiency improvements. As part of the Senior Management Teams and BMU Leadership Team, you will play a vital role in managing operational and security risks while contributing to the implementation of the organization's strategic priorities. Additionally, you will support the strengthening of operational systems and processes within the CRS FSM Program Office, ensuring that both Philippines and Micronesia operations are aligned with CRS standards and local regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include effectively managing talent and supervising staff, fostering team dynamics, and ensuring staff well-being. You will provide coaching, tailor individual development plans, conduct performance management for direct reports, and monitor performance to ensure adequate capacity for high-quality programming. You will contribute to staffing plans and the recruitment process for senior staff, as well as participate in strategic planning and programming for both countries. You will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality support services are delivered efficiently, and address any operational issues that arise. Additionally, you will pilot new operational initiatives, collaborate with programming leads for timely operational processes, and manage compliance with agency and donor requirements. You will also act as the lead contact for internal and external audits, ensuring that necessary improvements are implemented. Furthermore, you will develop and update safety and security protocols, conduct security assessments, and maintain relationships with key security stakeholders. Lastly, you will serve as a trusted reporting channel for safeguarding allegations and complaints, providing immediate support to survivors when necessary.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a Master's degree in international development, Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a relevant field. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in a management position with progressive responsibilities is required. Experience with international NGOs or development organizations, particularly outside your country of origin, is preferred. Understanding of budgeting and financial management is highly desirable, along with experience in local safety and security assessment and risk management. Additional experience may substitute for some education, and vice versa.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree in a relevant field such as international development, Management, Business Administration, or Finance. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of managing operations in a humanitarian context and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and local regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in a management role, ideally within an international NGO or development organization. Candidates should demonstrate progressive responsibilities in their previous roles, showcasing their ability to lead teams and manage complex operations effectively. Experience in budgeting, financial management, and safety and security risk management is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Filipino is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, including government agencies, partners, and donors.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves supervisory responsibilities over the Procurement Manager, Administrative Manager, and other operations staff. The successful candidate must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates, and all offers are contingent on the candidate's ability to legally work in the position's location.