Head of Operations

Introduction

CST Ethiopia is a joint country programme of CAFOD, SCIAF and Trócaire (CST) which was established in 2002, bringing together the agencies of the Catholic Churches in Wales & England, Scotland and Ireland.  The three agencies work in partnership with local civil society and church organisations, supporting communities in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to bring about lasting change. The three agencies envisage a just and peaceful world where: people’s dignity is ensured and rights are respected; basic needs are met and resources are shared equitably; people have control over their own lives; and those in power act for the common good.

The CST Ethiopia country office in Addis Ababa takes overall responsibility for the implementation of the CST Ethiopia country programme, which currently focuses on humanitarian response, livelihoods and women’s empowerment and gender-based violence.  CST Ethiopia has been supporting partners to implement humanitarian and development programming in a number of regions in Ethiopia.  CST Ethiopia works exclusively in a partnership model, collaborating with local partner organisations.

Background

Due to ongoing growth and development of the CST Ethiopia country program, CST Ethiopia is now recruiting for a Head of Operations position.  The Head of Operations is a strategic member of the Country Management Team with responsibility for leading CST Ethiopia’s operational and systems support across the country programme.  The right candidate will bring a clear strategic lens to the establishment of strong systems and compliance mechanisms to enable CST Ethiopia’s growing portfolio of partnerships and programming across Ethiopia. 

The Head of Operations role will be based in CST Ethiopia’s office in Addis Ababa. CST Ethiopia is first and foremost a partnership agency, supporting local and national civil society organisations to support communities. All our work is carried out in partnership with local and national actors.

For the candidate with the required experience and passion for the role, CST Ethiopia offers a competitive package of salary and benefits.

Reporting to the Country Director, this is a Fixed Term Contract of 2 years (with a possibility of extension), based in Addis Ababa but with frequent travel to programme locations and the CST Ethiopia field office in Mekelle, Tigray Region. The candidate will directly line manage the HR Officer, Government Liaison & Logistics Coordinator, and Procurement Officer.

Safeguarding Programme Participants Policy

CST Ethiopia is committed to Safeguarding Programme Participants from Exploitation and Abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. Any candidate offered a job with CST Ethiopia is expected to sign CST Ethiopia’s Safeguarding Policies and Global Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Systems Development

• Provide strategic oversight over all CST Ethiopia systems and controls, including human resources, staff safety, operations, procurement, IT and legal requirements to operate in-country for both the country office HQ in Addis Ababa and field office in Mekelle, Tigray Region.
• Lead the development of effective communications and approvals protocols to facilitate a positive and high performing working environment for CST Ethiopia teams.

IT

• Coordinate the delivery of effective I.T solutions for the head office in Addis and field office in Mekelle which support the country team and programme, with guidance and support from Trócaire HQ, Ireland and the Regional I.T officer in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Oversee strategic implementation of HQ and regional IT initiatives.
• Provide overall oversight regarding management of IT assets in Ethiopia.
• Ensure that CST Ethiopia has effective Data Protection processes in place.

Operations

• Ensure that legal requirements for CST Ethiopia to operate in Ethiopia are met.
• Overall oversight of procurement systems in Ethiopia to ensure they are in line with both internal and donor compliance standards.
• Oversee office management policies and practices in line with CST Ethiopia policies.
• Support international staff visa and work permit processes where required.

Human Resources

• Ensure CST Ethiopia's performance management system is effective and is contributing to a high performing and accountable team
• Lead in the implementation of all stages of HR recruitment and liaise with HQ colleagues where appropriate
• Lead the development of a strong learning culture within the organisation and the maintenance of a positive working environment for the team
• Ensure that CST Ethiopia is supporting staff and fulfilling the organisation’s duty of care to each team member
• Ensure that CST Ethiopia manages all human resources in line with best practice and organisational human resource and safeguarding policies.

Safety and Security

• Support the Safety & Access Coordinator in providing detailed analysis to the CST Ethiopia country management team
• Support with development of procedures, in line with organisational policies, which guide staff and enables them to safely undertake their duties.
• Create awareness among staff of safety guidelines and oversee the provision of relevant training.
• Support with development of staff safety technical guidelines for partner organisations, in collaboration with the CST Ethiopia programme team.

Procurement

• Support the Procurement Officer to provide effective and efficient procurement services to the CST Ethiopia team and programme
• Maintain policies and procedures on procurement, improving these when needed, and ensure compliance with organisational and external obligations
• Ensure that all procurement provides excellent value for money, is provided in a timely manner, and is appropriate for the needs of the team and programme.
• Maintain effective organisational process and policies which ensure that all procurement is transparent and objective.

Representation and Advocacy

• In close collaboration with the Country Director and other members of the country management team, represent CST Ethiopia with relevant Government offices and other stakeholders where required.

Team Management

• Manage the Operations team in line with CST Ethiopia policies and performance management guidelines
• Ensure that Trócaire policies and procedures are in place and are adhered to (admin/finance, HR, procurement and logistics, security)
• Foster a positive, collaborative and enabling work environment and encourage proactive information sharing within the office;

Other

• Fulfil other reasonable duties and responsibilities, as requested by the Country Director.

Behavioural Competencies in Line with CST Ethiopia’s Competency Framework

• Leading: Reflecting our values of Participation & Accountability, acts to inspire and lead others to achieve their potential, demonstrating CST Ethiopia’s values with integrity in order to achieve our organisation’s objectives.
• Communicating: Reflecting our value of Participation, being one organisation, communicating clearly and transparently across, teams, units, divisions, locations and other external organisations. Getting our message across with impact.
• Collaborating: Reflecting our values of Participation & Solidarity, partnering effectively as one organisation and, in solidarity, maintains positive relationships built on trust and respect.
• Stewardship of Resources: Reflecting our value of Accountability and decision-making around the best use of resources. Using our resources transparently, sustainably, ethically, fairly & with integrity; acknowledging CST Ethiopia’s reputation in the use of resources.
• Delivering Results: Reflecting our values of Accountability & Perseverance, getting a quality job done through effective performance, planning and decision making.
• Continual Improvement & Learning: Reflecting our values of Participation & Courage, constantly looking to learn and develop self, employees, and partners to better fulfil CST Ethiopia's’ mission.
• Flexibility & Change: Reflecting our values of Participation & Courage, adapts positively to change and to different ways of doing things; manages or takes part in change processes in a way that is appropriate to role in the organisation.

Department: Operations

Start date: ASAP

Contract Type: Two-year contract (Renewable)

Qualification

• Master’s level degree in the area of Operations Management, Business Management/Development, Human Resources or other relevant areas of the role.

Experience

• Minimum eight years profession experience in an Operations role in a development/humanitarian organisation, including proven experience (at least 7 years) in a managerial role.
• Experience of managing large teams and extensive knowledge of donor compliance requirements
• In depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principles (e.g. Supply Chain management, Human Resources etc.), and international best practices
• Experience of working in a supervisory role or in a technical /advisory capacity.
• Analytical and policy implementation skills
• Ability to facilitate training and stimulate learning.
• Strong computer literacy skills in word, excel, internet/email and accountancy packages
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative and operate as part of a team
• Be flexible to changing requirements that the role may require.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of reliability, confidentially and honesty
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• A commitment to social justice and the ethos of CST Ethiopia.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience and commitment to localisation and partnership work
• Strong organisational and independent working skills
• Strong coordination skills specifically with the ability to effectively coordinate with local partners and among internal team members (technical, finance, management).
• Ability to transfer skills and knowledge through, training, mentorship and accompaniment.
• Ability to work through a local partnership model
• Fluency in English and Amharic languages.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication and networking skills, including the ability to relate across different organisational functions, structures, levels, and cultures.
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Salesforce etc.).

Qualities

• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultural sensitivity and respect
• Strong diplomatic skills in communicating with stakeholders and team members
• Understanding of, and empathy with, the role of the Catholic Church in development
• A strong commitment to social justice, and an empathy with the ethos and work of CST Ethiopia
• A commitment to strengthening and supporting the work of local partners

Other

• Ability and willingness to travel within country and internationally, including travel to HQ in Europe