Operations Manager, Middle East and North Africa

Job Description

Chemonics International is seeking an Operations Manager for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Business Unit (RBU). The MENA RBU portfolio includes current projects in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Tunisia; new business in Egypt, Morocco, the West Bank, and Yemen; and covers a wide variety of technical sectors including economic growth, water and energy, education, 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; with a particular focus on Operations Compliance including audits, liabilities, and closed project management. As always, we seek dynamic individuals who enjoy a fast-paced work environment and demonstrate qualities of leadership, versatility, and integrity. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, exciting, and growing region!

Responsibilities include:

Operations Compliance

• Leads closed project management
• Oversees and navigates ongoing liability and audit work for the region
• Reviews corporate procurement, contractual, financial reports, and BU trackers
• May receive training as regional compliance specialist (RCS) and/or liaise with other RCSes in BU to advise on compliance issues and review subawards for compliance
• Oversees unit’s relationships with vendors, partners, and consultants that serve to enhance Chemonics’ reputation
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required

Other Operations Tasks

• 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, and financial management
• 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, and technical practice contributions

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

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
• Experience supervising or mentoring employees preferred
• Knowledge or familiarity with government contracting and procurements
• Demonstrated experience in key areas of operations, including budget management, procurement and contractual compliance, client relations, and knowledge of external and internal clients, and systems
• Demonstrated experience working on one or more government-funded projects and provide support to government proposals
• Demonstrated experience following standard practices and procedures, receiving general instruction on work progress, and making significant contribution to end results
• Works independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in problem solving and initiative to learn new skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and word processing abilities

Apply by September 11, 2022. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Chemonics is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
Chemonics will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by Chemonics, or (c) consistent with Chemonics legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

COVID-19 Recruitment Information
Chemonics International is monitoring COVID-19 activity around the world. The health and wellbeing of our staff is of the utmost importance to us, and we continue to hire for all open roles with interviewing and on-boarding done virtually. Our new hires and current staff working from our Washington, DC, Arlington, VA, and London offices will temporarily work from home until it is safe to return to our offices.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Chemonics requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated.

The Salary Range for this position is expected to be: $68,560 - $85,700.

An employee’s pay position will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, ESOP, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible to US based employees. Please visit https://chemonics.com/life-at-chemonics/our-benefits/ to find out more about the benefits this position is eligible for.

About the Organization

Founded in 1975, Chemonics is an international development consulting firm. In more than 70 countries around the globe, our network of 5,000 specialists share a simple belief: that the challenges we face today are best solved through the right partnerships — sharing knowledge, expertise, and experience to deliver results. As part of our culture and values, Chemonics is proud to be named a “Best Place to Work” in the Human Rights campaign Foundation’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index. Where Chemonics works, development works. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit us at www.chemonics.com.