International Field Operations Manager

Education Development Center (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

EDC is Committed to Diversity in the Workplace

The International Development Division has an opening for an International Field Operations Manager, reporting to the Deputy Division Director (Operations).  The position is located in Washington, D.C. with frequent travel to international field offices.

EDC’s International Development Division (IDD) focuses on three major areas: basic education, youth livelihoods and workforce development, and the application of technologies.  The Division comprises six regional centers coordinating EDC’s work in West and Central Africa, East and Southern Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and South and Southeast Asia.  Currently we work in 30+ countries around the world.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

The International Field Operations Manager will:

• Conduct pre-award research during the proposal development stage to gather information related to salary scales, field operations, legal services, potential office locations, policies and procedures, etc. for new countries EDC is entering.
• Keep a database of research and information collected during pre-award stage for each country
• Develop and review project start-up plans with Project Directors and EDC’s Administrative and Business groups; facilitate project kick-off meetings with Project Director.
• Travel to field locations to start-up project operations in consultation with Project Directors and Chiefs of Party.
• Liaise with other support functions at EDC during pre-award and start-up to coordinate field training and specialist needs, including training for financial staff, HR support for field staff, setting up bank accounts, negotiating leases for offices and residences, facilitating discussions with local legal counsel around registration issues, work permits, etc. and see all activities through completion.
• Meet regularly with Project Directors to follow-up on progress and make recommendations as needed
• Lead the development of and contributing to writing of Policies and Procedures Manuals for each field office by liaising with Business Services and project teams to complete and roll-out in the field.
• Develop close-out plans with project staff and travel to country to support close-out process, including support for disposal procedures, inventory management, final administrative reporting, etc.
• Serve as the main point of contact for coordination with field operations in the home office and coordinate scheduling of start-up and close-down with other start-up leaders.
• Ensure that field operations materials are up to date and disseminates new information to both HQ and field staff.

The International Field Operations Manager

• Is responsible for partnering successfully with Chief of Party and home office project director and with Center, Business Services, expatriate and local staff

• Helps represent EDC and the project in the host country, interfacing with funder, partners and others; builds positive client, vendor, and funder relations

• Demonstrates diplomacy and leadership to foster an atmosphere of teamwork, productivity, creativity, fairness, equity, and innovation, in support of EDC’s commitment to diversity

• Troubleshoots problems and proposes solutions in the field offices and in HQ

• Fosters excellent communications among all parties, including with EDC home offices

• Frequent travel will be required (up to 40% per year)

• May supervise start-up leaders on intermittent basis

QUALIFICATIONS - This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required

 • With Bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years related experience, including a minimum of 5 years field operations with   USAID-funded program in international development setting

• Excellent analytical skills and aptitude for details

 • Capacity to work in difficult conditions overseas and function well under pressure

 • Proficiency in English and either French, Arabic or Spanish

• International experience required; experience in a developing country essential

 • Candidates must be able to travel frequently to difficult and sometimes dangerous countries (Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, etc.)

 • Knowledge of OMB Circulars and Federal Acquisition Regulations is a plus

TO APPLY: VISIT EDC’S WEBSITE and under JOB OPPORTUNITIES, use keyword FIELD OPERATIONS.