Operations Manager, MENA

The Middle East and North Africa Regional Business Unit is conducting an internal and external recruit for a Operations Manager (M1). The MENA RBU portfolio includes current projects in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, Syria and Libya; new business in Yemen, Egypt, and Morocco; and covers a wide variety of technical sectors including education, economic growth, water and energy, democracy and governance, and peace, stability, and transition. The division is also home to the Democracy and Governance and Peace, Stability, and Transitions Practices, and the Transitions Unit. The operations manager is responsible for ensuring that sound management principles and tools are employed in the operations of the business unit (BU) and in the implementation of its work. In this capacity, the operations manager will address needs related to the establishment and maintenance of BU processes, manage operations budget, portfolio resourcing, staff recognition, event planning, and talent acquisition, staff engagement, financial processes, BU support systems, and executive support. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we will interview and fill the position on a rolling basis.

 

Responsibilities: 

Business Unit management, continual improvement, and leadership 

• Provides general management, operational and administrative support to the BU
• Manages all BU operations, including but not limited to talent management, staffing and resourcing, compensation activities, performance management, staff recognition and events, financial management, and working in conjunction with regional finance and compliance teams.
• Supports the operations director to develop and implement business operations strategies, plans, and procedures; ensures consistency in all operations areas across the BU
• Provides strategic support to the BU senior vice president (SVP) including drafting communication, planning trainings, meetings, and events, and supporting corporate initiatives
• Supports and furthers the development of BU systems, processes, policies, and programs to effectively identify, manage, and mitigate risks and support BU goals
• May serve as acting director as required
• Coordinates annual work planning with SVP and department directors
• Supports and coordinates responses to periodic Board of Directors and strategic EMT meetings (e.g., mid-year review and budget retreats)
• Provides surge support on PMUs, startup, and closeouts and as needed
• Supports new business efforts, including lead development and capture; serves in line roles of increasing complexity and leadership (e.g., proposal coordinator, expatriate/local recruiter, personnel/management/organizational capacity section writer, subs-liaison, cost preparer, and technical writer)
• May contribute dedicated time to other work streams and functions to achieve BU goals, including new business, project management, process improvement, and technical practice contributions
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required

Financial planning and analysis 

• Liaises effectively with other operations teams on resourcing, cost savings, and best practices
• Prepares financial reporting to the Executive Office and prepares monthly staffing budget

Talent management and development 

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates operations team associate-level staff, communicating clear performance goals and standards and offering regular performance feedback, prompt resolution of problems, and time and opportunity to grow and develop in key competency areas
• Coordinates formal performance assessment process for the BU; supports supervisors to clearly articulate performance goals and standards, provide regular feedback, and provide overall professional advancement advice and direction to supervisees
• Makes presentations and trains staff, as needed, including through one-on-one mentoring, small group trainings, corporate training programs, and information dissemination

Operations compliance 

• Reviews corporate procurement, contractual, financial reports, and BU trackers
• Oversees unit’s relationships with vendors, partners, and consultants that serve to enhance Chemonics’ reputation