JOB SUMMARY: The Deputy Chief of Party_ Operations (DCOP) manages POTENTIAL program operations and budgets which are being implemented in Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR, Afar and Somali regions in a decentralized area hubs system of Save the Children, Ethiopia Country Office. Overall the DCOP Operations responsibilities include ensuring POTENTIAL program operational efficiency and effectiveness; supporting the finance, operations and award management staff in compliance and budget management; building operational capacity of staff and implementing partners; leading office and facilities management in Addis Ababa and regional hubs; developing and monitoring annual budgets; regularly reporting on progress; supporting operational coordination between partners; and supporting human resources management as needed. His/her strategic management of programme implementation and operations will ensure the area office is in accordance with Save the Children’s policies and practices, its vision, mission and values. S/he works in a team with the POTENTIAL Technical teams, Hub Directors and Operation staffs on a day-to-day basis in relation to work habits, logistical support, staffing issues and external relations. As a member of the POTENTIAL Senior Management Team, the position holder is responsible to contribute to issue resolution, programmatic and administrative planning and representation within the relevant Bureaus and donors. KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: As a member of the POTENTIAL Senior Management Team,
Contribute to leadership of the POTENTIAL Program
Support the development of an organisational culture that reflects Save the Children’s dual mandate, values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and frees up our people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer service for our Members and donors
Help design and implement a coherent Programme Operations strategy that is consistent with agency practices and appropriate to program needs
Help establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships with host government authorities, donors, partner agencies including donors, and local and international NGOs
Ensure that the required support is provided promptly, at scale and in line with the rules and principles.
Oversight and Management of Program Operations
Responsible for overall coordination and support of POTENTIAL program implementation
Ensure program implementation is in accordance of USAID rules, regulations and procedures per specifications of the Cooperative Agreement.
Ensure appropriate procurement choices are made pursuant to USAID’s Procurement and Operations rules and regulations.
Provide operations support to POTENTIAL activities and sub-awards to meet goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Provide strategic guidance and leadership to operationalize POTENTIAL activities.
Oversees programmes and budgets which are implemented through the decentralised system of area hubs
Ensure programs are implemented according to plans and budgets, following the requirements of donor and the rules of donor compliance, in ways responsive to the communities and youth, in line with Save the Children principles, values and strategic plan and following Save the Children compliance procedures.
Ensure that the program managers from different technical sectors reporting to the hub are coordinated, integrated and support each other to optimize programs and programs
Supervise cost share to ensure activity information is complete per program requirements.
Lead and organize workshops/trainings on Procurement, USAID rules and regulations, management, cost share, security, and other related topics.
Ensure proper close out of awards in collaboration with Award unit.
Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development
Ensure and manage appropriate staffing within area of responsibility
Ensure that all POTENTIAL Operation staff understand and are able to perform their role
Manage the team; define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly
Ensure the recruitment, training, and promotion of staff as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities for staff
Incorporate staff development strategies and Performance Management Systems into team building process. Establish result based system and follow up
Manage the performance of staff in the program operations work area through:
Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations;
Coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities;
Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance;
Effective and timely management of poor performance
Documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements / work plans
Job Requirement
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Master’s degree in management and administration or other relevant fields
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience with international organizations (implementing partners) in the area of management.
Excellent computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications.
S/he should have senior level experience with projects of such complexity and size.
S/he should have a solid background in working in the context of Ethiopian culture, including local partner financial management.
S/he should have excellent communication skills.
A minimum of ten years operations experience in a development environment, including significant team leadership experience.
Bachelor in management, international development or other social sciences
Familiar with international donors rules and regulations
Robust experience of NGO program management, and with experience of working within a complex and matrix organization structure
A very good understanding of youth education and livelihood and a working knowledge of the program priorities of the Country Office
Significant knowledge of international humanitarian and development systems, institutions and donors, and of procedures, accountability frameworks and best practices
Substantial experience and knowledge of effective financial and budgetary control
Solid program management skills related to organizational development programs and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results
Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically
An in-depth understanding of national and international development issues in particular in relation to children and youth
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
Fluency in written and spoken English
Ability and willingness to change work practices and hours,
Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches.
Desired:
Familiar with USAID rules and regulation
Masters degree
Previous experience of managing geographically dispersed team and developing a team and the ability to lead, motivate and develop others.