Senior Operations Manager

Strategy - Our Promise:

• Support the roll-out and implementation of the Office Strategy;
• Ensure operational business processes are aligned with FO strategic priorities;
• Ensure that strategy drives programming in WVSS such that proposals, annual operating plans, and budgets are aligned to the approved FO strategy;
• Support development of Country strategy implementation plan (CSIP)
• Lead and coordinate the rollout of the fragile context programme approach
• Support strategy execution and monitoring, and reporting to ensure alignment with WVI global guidance, country context, priorities, and donor requirements.
• Support annual strategy review
• Use quality data to make informed decisions and implement OIOS in FY26 plans and beyond

Project Management and Oversight

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of major bilateral and multilateral projects, ensuring mechanisms and tools are in place for effective/accountable implementation of projects (start and end on time, on target, and within budget)
• Develop a culture of excellence in the planning and implementation of projects, including periodic and targeted reviews of challenging projects to ensure completion and optimum expenditure rates.
• Spearhead coordination between departments to promote information sharing, joint planning, and problem solving, especially amongst DM, M&E, and Technical Advisors to support operational effectiveness.
• Ensure digitization of project management and oversight in line with FO strategy objectives
• Facilitate the operational effectiveness process to update tools, including flowcharts and RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed) for the project cycle management process
• Ensure that each new project conducts a start-up workshop led by the Program Manager/Project Director/project lead and supported by the PD team. Ensure all involved staff have copies of the approved program design (narrative, logframe, monitoring and evaluation plan, budget) and grant agreement, and that they understand donor regulations, reporting, and other requirements.
• Ensure the People & Culture (HR) department is aware ahead of time which staff to recruit for upcoming projects;
• Ensure regular, positive, and productive communication with respective donor representatives, the field, and partners regarding the implementation of program activities;
• Ensure on-time submission of high-quality reports to donors;
• Monitor grant implementation and resource/fund utilization rates in conjunction with the Operations and Finance teams;
• Assist the field in accessing appropriate technical assistance for the successful implementation of activities;
• Revise program documents as necessary and as requested, and coordinate or complete approved grant amendments; Coordinate and/or submit grant amendments;

Ensure Operational Effectiveness (Field Offices)

• Provide support to all field teams to ensure optimal functioning through adequate and quality support services
• Strengthen interdepartmental collaboration and integration to facilitate support to field operations
• Ensure that adequate cost efficiency and effectiveness measures are in place and are being followed
• Support field offices to develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders at the field level, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant humanitarian actors
• Ensure regular review of programs involving key stakeholders and government line ministries.
• Ensure zonal offices have adequate financial, asset management, and fleet to facilitate project implementation.
• Support with timely staffing for projects
• Support context monitoring to identify opportunities for program expansion and support the development of funding proposals
• Strengthen the risk management on the portfolio touching on liquidity levels, audit implementations, recoveries from donors, & effective close-outs.

Quality Assurance and Risk Management

• Ensure projects meet both Partnership and industry standards.
• Facilitate staff capability and capacity improvement initiatives for the ministry
• Assess the level of risks associated with program management and ensure sufficient alignment with relevant WV strategies at all levels,
• Lead the development, monitoring, and mitigation of key risks in resource acquisition, program development, and quality.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement processes for resource acquisition
• Collaborate with senior management and contribute to developing policies and procedures for RAP.
• Ensure compliance with administration policies and procedures

Leadership and Team Management

• Provide overall leadership for the operations team to ensure quality delivery through the development of relevant guidelines and tools
• Create performance agreements with each direct report, and conduct quarterly reviews and end-of-year performance appraisals;
• Provide guidance and direction to the team as required, and establish team cohesion and growth, including the organization of capacity-building opportunities.
• Effectively line manage and coach the Operations Managers, ensuring a shared vision, teamwork, effective communication, and active engagement in decision making and management approaches, as well as ensuring staff care measures are in place and followed
• Coach and mentor team in conducting assessments, setting personal development goals, and providing ongoing support on tools and relevant training resources/material;
• Review the divisional structure and mandates where necessary to align with the Field Office's needs
• Lead recruitment of qualified project and zonal leadership staff.