Head of Operations

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of Operations
Location: Brazzaville
Country: Republic of the Congo
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its policies reflect this commitment. The organization welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. CRS has been active in the Republic of Congo since 2017, focusing on health, emergency response, livelihood, education, and WASH programming, with significant projects funded by USAID and the Global Fund.

Job Overview:
As a key member of the Country Program’s Senior Management Team, the Head of Operations will provide essential leadership and management across various operational functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Administration, Information and Communication Technology, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and Audit. This role is crucial in supporting CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that resources are managed effectively and compliance with regulations is maintained. The Head of Operations will also be responsible for promoting operational improvements, managing security risks, and leading initiatives that align with CRS's Climate Action strategy. This position requires a proactive approach to managing operational challenges and ensuring high-quality service delivery across all support functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Operations will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including contributing to strategic planning and programming by assessing operational capacity needs, representing CRS as necessary, and ensuring the integration and coordination of day-to-day operations. This includes overseeing the piloting of new operational initiatives, collaborating with programming leads to manage project expenditures, and promoting effective use of CRS ERP systems for budget management. The role also involves leading the operational aspects of the Climate Action strategy, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies, managing health and safety protocols, and effectively supervising the operations team. Additionally, the Head of Operations will oversee the preparation of annual budget plans, ensure compliance with agency and donor requirements, and act as the lead contact for internal and external audits.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in International Development, Business Administration, Finance, or a relevant field. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in a management position with progressive responsibilities is required, preferably within an international NGO. Understanding of financial systems, including budgeting and expense analysis, is essential, along with knowledge of accounting and financial reporting software. Experience outside the candidate's country of origin is preferred, and additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements.

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 crucial for understanding the complexities of managing operations within an international humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in a management role, with a focus on operational functions within an international NGO. Candidates should have a proven track record of progressive responsibilities and experience in managing teams and operational processes effectively. Experience in diverse cultural settings and familiarity with international donor regulations is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with functional knowledge of French. These language skills are essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require travel up to 25%. The Head of Operations will supervise the Finance Manager and the Operations Team, ensuring that all operational functions are aligned with CRS's mission and standards. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates, reflecting its commitment to local engagement and capacity building. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding initiatives.