Business Service Manager

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges, particularly in the Global South. The organization focuses on enhancing the productivity, quality, and sustainability of cereal production systems, including maize, wheat, and other crops. CIMMYT operates in numerous countries, working closely with local farmers to improve their livelihoods and resilience through innovative agricultural practices. As a core member of the CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is dedicated to reducing poverty and enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security through research and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Business Service Manager position at CIMMYT in Kenya is pivotal for leading and coordinating various business services operations, including procurement, logistics, fleet management, inventory, and warehouse management. The role is designed to ensure that these services effectively support the research programs and priorities of the organization in Kenya. The incumbent will work closely with country leadership and various operational functions to ensure compliance with CIMMYT policies, donor requirements, and local regulations. This position is crucial for strengthening operational coordination and contributing to the successful delivery of CIMMYT's research and institutional objectives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Procurement and Logistics Management: Oversee the procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with CIMMYT policies and Kenyan laws. Review procurement requests, coordinate vendor sourcing, and monitor procurement transactions. Ensure timely payment and customs clearance for international orders. Conduct staff training on procurement policies.
• Fleet and Travel Management: Manage CIMMYT's vehicle fleet, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational efficiency. Oversee travel arrangements and ensure adherence to CIMMYT policies for field and remote travel.
• Inventory, Warehouse, and Field Operations: Manage inventory and warehouse operations, ensuring strong controls over critical inventory items. Maintain accurate records and support the implementation of inventory management systems.
• Governance, Compliance, Internal Controls and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements. Strengthen governance through effective documentation and risk management practices.
• Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Supervise and develop Business Services staff, providing guidance and support to operational teams. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement while building effective 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 field. A Master’s degree is considered an advantage. Applicants should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in business services, operations, or related fields, with a strong understanding of procurement, logistics, and operational controls. Experience in managing operations across multiple locations, particularly in agricultural research or international organizations, is essential. Knowledge of Kenyan regulatory requirements is desirable, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, supply chain management, logistics, or operations management is required. A Master’s degree is an added advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex business operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in business services, operations, supply chain, procurement, logistics, or related fields. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing operations across multiple locations, preferably in an agricultural research or international organization context. Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics 365, is beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position with a competitive remuneration package based on experience and qualifications. Employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labor law. Benefits include a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and opportunities for learning and development. The appointment is for a period of two years, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available resources. The duty station for this role is Nairobi, Kenya.