Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
The objective of the West Africa Trade and Investment Activity is to improve private sector competitiveness with a focus on increasing the agricultural productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers in Nigeria and promoting West Africa’s regional and international trade.
Position Summary
The Operations Director will be based in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Operations Director will be responsible in overseeing the smooth running of the head office, ensuring that office operations are kept consistent with donor and project standards, and is responsible for the management of human resources, local procurement, and information technology of the program.
Reporting & Supervision:
The Operations Director will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and supervise an operations team consisting of Human Resources, Procurement, Communications, Logistics, Information Technology, and Administrative staff, as well as drivers and cleaners.
Primary Responsibilities
Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations;
Provide administrative and logistical support to the portfolio of programs;
Ensure that all regional offices operational policies, including field operations management guide, inventory and ICT, are in place, compliant with project and donor policies, and implemented effectively;
Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of Nigeria;
Streamline and maintain procurement processes to meet grant deliverables and milestones;
Serve as the primary liaison to all vendors and subcontractors;
Responsible for day to day management of subcontracts with international vendors;
Serve as primary liaison for Creative HQ on international subcontractor issues;
Manage and oversee staff responsible for arranging travel and logistics for staff and project equipment and inventory;
Provide timely and accurate reports on location of staff and assets and maintains proper hard and soft copy files for each. Reports may be requested by HQ or donor;
Responsible for program compliance with U.S. Government rules and regulations, and Creative policies and procedures;
Support DCOP in all operations tasks and duties;
Manage, train, and mentor key project country team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, and IT;
Respond to requests from donor and supervisors as needed; and
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills & Qualifications
M.S. Degree in Accounting or Financial Management desired; Bachelor's Degree is required;
At least eight (8) years of relevant work experience, including experience with a Contractor or international NGO managing an office or program;
At least four (4) years of experience supervising complex, high-speed, and challenging field operations in developing countries;
Five (5) years of experience with operations, logistics, and subcontracts;
Knowledge of basic operating procedures in high-risk environments;
Proficient oral and written communication skills in English;
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.