OPERATIONS MANAGER, USAID SOMALIA GEEL PROJECT

Job Description

International Resources Group (IRG), an Engility Company, is seeking a Mogadishu-based Operations Manager for the Somalia Growth, Enterprise, Employment and Livelihoods (GEEL) Project. This project is 5-year development project designed to promote and facilitate inclusive economic growth in Puntland, Somaliland and other existing and emerging federal states. The project is currently focusing on the agricultural sector (dairy, fisheries, sesame & banana) but is anticipated to expand in the future into other sectors of the economy. It will also seek to strengthen the business enabling environment through improving access to finance, policy and regulation, and business development services. Particular focus will be given to increase the participation of women and youth in the economy as entrepreneurs, employers, and employees.

The Operations Manager is key personnel and part of the GEEL Senior Management Team (SMT) and will work closely with the other senior staff and key personnel under all current and future Task Orders. The Operations Manager is responsible for all operations including administration, logistics, procurement, budgeting, finance and compliance, property, and oversight of Grants Under Contract. The Operations Manager must ensure that implementation is in accordance with USG regulations, IRG procedures and the specifications determined in the Contract. This position is responsible for ensuring all procurement processes are fair and transparent, reviewing financial compliance, and monitoring GUC and subcontract implementation.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Ensure program implementation is in accordance with USAID regulations and procedures and the specifications described under the IDIQ and Task Orders;
• Design and implement fair and transparent procurement processes and work with the project team to ensure that all procurement processes are perceived as fair and transparent by project beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Manage the finance team and provide direct oversight over both day-to-day and big picture financial activities of the project, including cash flow management and monitoring of obligations, budgeting, reviewing expenditures, and ensuring proper documentation practices;
• Oversight and management of all Grants Under Contract activities under GEEL, including management of the grants team and ensuring GEEL grant activities under all TOs are compliant with USAID rules and regulations;
• Manage IRG’s day-to-day field operations, including administration, logistics, procurement, budgeting, accounting, and the project’s facilities such as office space, equipment and project vehicles;
• Oversee the project Human Resources function, HR & Admin Manager and work with the Senior Management Team to resolve any human resources issues;
• Contribute to annual work planning, budgeting, and overall program financial management, including responding to data calls from the IRG Home Office and USAID in a timely fashion;
• Ensure main project residences and offices are habitable and promote a positive work environment;
• Support the IRG contracts team in the management and oversight of local sub-contracts including the security provider, landlords, and local vendors;
• Facilitate monthly review of field office operations workflow with the SMT; investigate, identify, propose and implement new ways of achieving project efficiencies in order to improve efficiency of programming; and
• Coordinate as necessary with any other USAID partners, including joint responsibilities or functions and sharing of assets as appropriate.

• At least a Master’s degree in in business, finance, management, economics, international development, or a related field (or, alternately, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 additional years of relevant experience).
• At least 6 years’ experience working in an operations management capacity on a donor-funded activity, of which at least 2 years must be in a position that involved supervising staff and at least 3 years’ work experience overseas in developing countries.
• Experience working in/on fragile or post-conflict states preferred.
• Fluency in US Government policies and procedures in regards to contract management, financial reporting, procurement processes, systems, and grants and contracts management.
• Excellent oral and written English language communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence overseeing Finance & Accounting, Procurement, and Grants Under Contract functions of large USAID-funded projects.
• Willingness to live and be based in Mogadishu.

• Demonstrated experience managing or implementing projects in Somalia or surrounding areas.
• Ability to communicate in Somali and/or Arabic language.
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks financial software.
• Advanced certification in accounting or finance (CPA, ACCA, etc.).

About the Organization

International Resources Group (IRG) is an international professional services firm headquartered in the Washington, D. C. area that responds to requests for task order proposals released by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Engility’s IRG focuses on providing practical solutions to complex, mission-critical problems for public and private sector clients worldwide. Since 1978, IRG, through to its absorption by Engility has completed more than 600 contracts in 120 countries. Engility delivers high-quality, cost-effective services that promote positive economic growth and institutional and social change. Our state-of-the-art services help governments, industry, institutions, and communities understand and better manage resource options and to capitalize on new resource-driven opportunities. This includes the development of human, physical, environmental, and financial resources. Our professional staff includes world-renowned specialists who have pioneered analytical techniques employed in their fields. Our ability to provide management, economic, and technical advice is enhanced by the diversity, cross-cultural experience, foreign language skills, and management capabilities of these experts, working from 20 offices around the world