About Helen Keller Intl
Helen Keller International is a non-profit International Non-Governmental Organization whose mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people. It fights against the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing data-based programs and conducting research around vision, health and nutrition. Present in Cameroon since 1992, we intervene more specifically in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases and malnutrition.
Helen Keller International Cameroon is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Director of Operations to join our expanding national program in Cameroon.
Job Title: Director of Operations
Place of assignment: Yaoundé, with frequent travel across the country or abroad
Type of contract : Fixed-term employment contract
Contract duration : 1 year
Scope of functions
Reporting to the National Director, the Director of Operations will ensure operational functions: human resources, procurement, administration, IT, logistics and security. He/she will lead operations and facilitate collaboration with other programs. This position supervises a team of 17 people in Yaoundé and Maroua.
Main responsibilities:
Ø Implement the organization’s operational strategies and policies
· Ensure that operations conducted within the national office are in compliance with Helen Keller Intl rules and regulations.
· Provide advice on operations management issues to the National Director
· Supervise and lead operational teams, conduct compliance checks, analyze learning needs and implement training plans in the national office
· Foster network cooperation between operational teams, analyze processes, identify opportunities for improvement and propose the development of organization-wide initiatives
· Maintain performance indicators and ensure the optimization of existing framework agreements.
v Specific responsibilities
Ø Global management and leadership
· As a member of the Country Management Team (CMT), participate and contribute to the planning and definition of the orientations of the national office and its programs.
· Model operations team collaboration: consult and inform colleagues to maximize efficiency and knowledge sharing to maximize performance.
· Review and assess the status of national office policies, procedures and workflows, identify gaps or obsolete policies and prioritize improvements.
· Keep abreast of changes in laws and regulations of local authorities (e.g., Non-Governmental Organization Consortium, Department of Taxation) and constituents that impact Helen Keller’s operations.
· Build a highly effective operations team, supervising, coaching and evaluating staff, and frequently checking in with team members on their performance.
· Delegate authority, consult and guide staff to achieve objectives and contribute to an atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development;
· Ensure accountability to beneficiaries, partners, colleagues and donors by providing ongoing feedback in a context of mutual respect.
· Participate in international working groups responsible for developing global policies and/or optimizing systems and procedures.
· Work closely with headquarters managers on any file relating to operations in Cameroon.
Ø Manage and supervise operational support for the implementation of programs
On his relationship with the programs
· Hold a weekly meeting with the Program Director
· Monitor program expectations through a table tracking these expectations for the week
In terms of supply
· Oversee the implementation of purchasing strategies, with the aim of harmonizing practices, leveraging economies of scale and ensuring value for money for the Organization.
· Oversee the implementation of procurement processes in compliance with internal and donor rules to prevent fraud and corruption
· Assist and advise the National Director in the negotiation of various supplier contracts and in the identification of suitable locations, local arrangements and their implementation.
· Monitor goods and services contracts and conduct regular supplier checks
Ø On the logistical and security level
· Ensure that Helen Keller Intl’s assets and property are properly recorded, controlled and maintained.
· Manage and implement fleet policy
· Assist the National Director in ensuring compliance with current security policies, procedures and standards
· Ensure all staff, consultants and visitors are briefed on country security protocols
· Conduct field visits to assess the safety and security of regional/sub-office representations,
· Train staff on security and advise management on security issues
Ø In terms of human resources and administration
· Contribute to the implementation of the human resources and administration strategy
· Advise the National Director on human resources matters, in accordance with Helen Keller Intl rules, regulations, policies and procedures and in close consultation with the relevant department of the Organization.
· Advise the National Director on the development of the recruitment plan, in close collaboration and consultation with the HR department, and monitor its implementation.
· Oversee day-to-day human resources issues within the office and ensure appropriate actions are implemented in real time.
· Develop a training and development plan for office staff, with particular emphasis on training in all areas relevant to operational departments.
· File and maintain all necessary legal and regulatory documents with national authorities, oversee administration related to country registration as well as staff visas and work permits
· Develop and monitor control systems to prevent violations of legal guidelines and internal policies
v Skills (fundamental / managerial )
Communication
Responsibility
Innovation
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
Planning and organization
Results Orientation
Teamwork
Professionalism
v Required qualifications
· Training
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of finance, business administration, management or other related disciplines deemed relevant.
· Professional experience
– At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the fields of management, finance, administration, operations or other related fields deemed relevant, including at least five years in a similar position, preferably in an international NGO;
– Experience in leading and managing team performance.
– Experience in developing and implementing innovative initiatives to improve operations.
v Skills and competencies
· Excellent knowledge of operations, finance, purchasing, human resources, Information and Communication Technologies and security systems and processes.
· Excellent communication, leadership and negotiation skills.
· Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to establish networks and partnerships, participate in negotiations and influence decision-making.
· Ability to lead operational process improvement and implement change management approaches.
· Ability to analyze operations, identify risks and opportunities, propose mitigation measures and put in place adequate monitoring frameworks.
· Excellent computer skills and knowledge of enterprise resource planning tools for financial management, human resources management or administrative management.
· Interest in international development and public health programs and understanding of the synergy between programmatic, operational and financial components in project design and implementation.
· Analytical and conceptual skills, as well as the curiosity and learning agility needed to succeed in a growing organization with evolving operational and financial systems.
· Knowledge of donor regulations including USAID and/or other foreign government development agencies, as well as other multilateral development agencies.
· Excellent capacity building, team building/management and coordination skills. Ability to effectively delegate responsibilities and mentor junior staff.
· Well-established and practical organizational and planning skills.
· Collaborative, flexible and solution-oriented. Ability to work under pressure, maintain balance when stressed and meet strict deadlines, both inside and outside the organization.
· Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate multiple time zones as needed.
· Demonstrated respect for all people regardless of religion, ethnicity, class or gender, ability to work in a diverse environment and demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
· Personal commitment to Helen Keller’s mission and goals and to the values embodied by Helen Keller Intl co-founder Helen Keller: compassion, courage, rigor and integrity.
v Languages
· Good knowledge of English and French, both spoken and written
Composition of the application file:
· A cover letter addressed to the National Director;
· A resume.
· Reference people or structures to contact
Apply at cm.recrutement@hki.org