Business Service Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established with the mission to improve the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization aims to enhance the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on agricultural research and development to address food security challenges.

Job Overview:
The Business Service Manager position at CIMMYT in Kenya is a pivotal role that involves leading and coordinating Business Services operations. The successful candidate will ensure that procurement, logistics, fleet and travel, inventory, and warehouse management effectively support research programs and country priorities. This position is integral to ensuring efficient and compliant service delivery within a shared services model, necessitating close collaboration with Country leadership, Programs, Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and other Operations functions. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening operational coordination, ensuring compliance with CIMMYT policies, donor requirements, internal controls, and applicable Kenyan regulations, and contributing to the effective delivery of CIMMYT’s research and institutional objectives in Kenya. The role requires a strategic mindset to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery while maintaining compliance with various regulations and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Procurement and Logistics Management: Oversee end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring compliance with CIMMYT policies and Kenyan laws. Review procurement requests for completeness and appropriateness, coordinate vendor sourcing and evaluation, monitor procurement transactions, and ensure timely payment processes.
• Fleet and Travel Management: Manage CIMMYT's vehicle fleet, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational controls. Oversee travel arrangements and ensure adherence to applicable policies.
• Inventory, Warehouse, and Field Operations: Oversee inventory management, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with storage and handling regulations.
• Governance, Compliance, Internal Controls and Risk Management: Ensure operations comply with CIMMYT policies and regulatory requirements, strengthen governance, and monitor operational risks.
• Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Supervise and develop Business Services staff, provide guidance to operational teams, and foster effective working relationships across various functions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related discipline. A master's degree is considered an added advantage. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in business services, operations, supply chain, procurement, logistics, fleet, warehouse management, or a related field. Strong practical knowledge of procurement, logistics, fleet, inventory management, and operational controls is essential, along with experience working with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365). Candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of internal controls, compliance, risk management, and operational governance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related discipline. A master's degree is preferred and would enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as business services, operations, supply chain, procurement, logistics, fleet, and warehouse management. Candidates should have demonstrated experience managing operations across multiple locations, preferably within an agricultural research, development, international organization, NGO, or similar environment.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position with a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labor law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities. The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position, and available resources. The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.