Deputy Chief of Party / Operations Manager at Creative Associates International

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.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Party / Operation Manager

Requisition Number: 15-0172
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Position Summary

• As the Operations Manager/DCOP, responsible for the management of human resources, local procurement and information technology of the program in the fluid and complex operational environment of Nigeria.
• The position will be based in the head office, located in Abuja, with work expected to be carried out in the North East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
• In the absence of the COP, the Operations Manager/DCOP will serve as the COP.

Reporting & Supervision:

• Reporting directly to the COP, the Operations Manager/DCOP will support the COP in the management of program operations and provide technical leadership and oversight, as needed.
• S/he will directly supervise the Procurement team, the Office Manager, the IT department, travel/logistics staff, and the HR and administration team.
• S/he will additionally serve as primary liaison for international vendors.

Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and USAID rules and regulations;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the portfolio of programs;
• 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;
• Serves as primary liaison for Creative HQ on international subcontractor issues;
• Manages and oversees staff responsible for arranging travel and logistics for staff and project equipment and inventory;
• Provides 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, USAID/OTI and or the USAID/RSO at any time;
• Responsible for program compliance with Task Order, USG rules and regulations, and Creative policies and procedures;
• Supports COP in all operations tasks and duties;
• Manages, trains, and mentors key OTI/Nigeria team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, budgeting and finance; and
• Respond to requests from USAID and supervisors as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field;
• At least five years of relevant work experience, including experience with a Contractor or international NGO managing an office or program;
• At least four years of experience supervising complex, high-speed, and challenging field operations in developing countries;
• Familiarity with or have experience in community participation-type projects as well as those that are political in focus;
• Experience with operations, logistics and subcontracts in an insecure environment;
• Knowledge of basic operating procedures in high-risk environments;
• Experience in conflict, post-conflict, or transitional state environments;
• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong analytical capacity; and
• Previous experience working with USAID/OTI desired.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online