Deputy Regional Director for Operations - West Africa Region

Job Summary

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) within the region, the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRD/Ops) supports the work of the Regional Director, the Country Representatives, Heads of Operations, Heads of Programs, Chiefs of Party, Technical Advisors and others for the efficient delivery of CRS’ mission in the region. The DRD/Ops acts as the regional team leader for supervision of the Operations portfolio and for coordinating Operations across multiple units. S/he is responsible for promoting excellence in Operations and stewardship of resources, ensuring proper management of financial, human and material resources and information systems, and for contributing to regional and agency strategy development. The DRD/Ops provides oversight of the regional security portfolio in coordination with the RD.

Responsibilities

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and engage stakeholders in the region on agency-wide and region-specific initiatives geared towards operational effectiveness.
• Conduct region-wide analysis of operational efficiency and effectiveness, recommend and/or implement remedial measures as discussed with the RD or the SMT;
• Participate in agency-wide efforts to improve Operations systems and tools;
• Contribute to proposal development to ensure management and staffing plans and risk mitigation plans are context-specific and based on project needs;
• Support subrecipient agreement processes and procedures, approvals for new partners and vendors, SRFMP and Safeguarding assessments especially with complex partners.
• Supervise the Regional ICT Manager’s efforts to prioritize implementation of the Agency ICT Strategy in the region;
• Promote optimal use of innovative management systems and tools at country and regional levels.
• Provide technical dotted-line supervision of country level Heads of Operation and support their recruitment and onboarding.
• Work closely with the Regional Finance Officer (RFO) to ensure achievement of WARO’s financial objectives;
• Review CP operations and structures to ensure that they are cost-effective and aligned to the needs; make recommendations to the RD for changes that are needed; assist in reviewing operations at the CP level for maximum efficiency and stewardship, especially in light of localization, high staff salaries and increasing pooled costs, in some countries.
• Take the lead on risk assessment across the region; recommend and/or implement appropriate mitigation measures to address both operational and programmatic risks; Ensure inclusion of the same in project proposals; leads IQC process.
• Reviews and approves contracts, agreements and Memorandum of Understanding; including lease agreements for offices and international housing.
• Provide guidance to the CPs on the interpretation of CRS’ policies and procedures as well as donors’ rules and regulations; take necessary measures to ensure compliance;
• Oversee the implementation of the Agency’s safeguarding and fraud management guidelines across the region; participate in investigations as required.
• Supervise the Regional Safety and Security Advisor in implementing global security operating procedures across the region.
• Serves as the regional focal point for Insight, providing feedback to the agency on how best to optimize Insight to serve WARO’s needs and assists Insight used in the region to leverage Insight to improve financial, supply chain and HR management.
• Collaborates with the Regional People’s Officer (RPO) to contribute to the achievement of WARO’s workforce planning and talent management objectives.
• Serves as Acting Regional Director in the absence of the WARO Regional Director.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises (6 direct): Regional Supply Chain Manager, Regional ICT Manager, Regional Safety and Security Advisor, Regional Technical Advisor for Risk & Compliance, Regional Administrative Coordinator, Regional Partner Safeguarding Advisor

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Regional Director, DRD/PQ, RFO, RPO, Country Representatives, Heads of Operation, WARO Operations Communities of Practice, peer DRDs-OPS, relevant HQ departments such as Finance, GPR, OLC, Internal Audit, Ethics Unit.

External: local and international partners; other Catholic development agencies; external legal counsel, vendors, government entities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Education And Experience

• Master´s Degree in development, Business Administration, Finance, or related fields.
• Minimum of 7 years work experience in non-profit management with a large organization, with progressive responsibilities. Experience with an international NGO and experience outside country of origin preferred, including at least 3 years in a developing country.
• Significant prior experience with CRS operational systems and procedures highly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of industry standards and management best practices in security, supply chain, human resources, risk and compliance, administration, and ICT.
• Understanding of financial systems, including budgeting. Knowledge of Insights and Vision accounting software or similar financial reporting software preferred.
• Knowledge of multiple public donors’ regulations, including USAID, highly preferred.
• Knowledge and familiarity with USG rules and regulations a plus.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to utilize a variety of training and technical assistance methodologies appropriate for groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to represent the agency at high levels.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.
• Willingness to travel to and work in difficult environments including emergency response.
• Estimated travel requirement: At least 30% of the time.
• Language: Fluency in English and French is required
  
  

Personal Skills

• Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Excellent relations management abilities. Ability to work collaboratively.
• Team leadership abilities.
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
  
  

Agency REDI Competencies (for All CRS Staff)

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
  
  

Agency Leadership Competencies

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
  
  

What We Offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

About Us

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About The Team

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.