Senior Operations Officer (Nationals Only)

Description

STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT 

• Successful contribution to implementation of country operations strategies and establishment of management guidelines. 
• Advice on operations strategies, policies and plans affecting operations, program deliverables and staffing. 
• Analyzing Mercy Corps' operating environment in the country and adjusting operations and providing advice on contextual changes. 
• Guide Mercy Corps’ operational strategies and activities. 
• Successful implementation of operational strategies and direct establishment of management achievements with operations. 
• Maintain regular control on operations budget and identify any exceptions or possible implications of under / overspending in a timely manner. 
• Promote continuous organizational learning culture with the empowerment of individuals and teams with the identification of learning needs. Create learning opportunities and ensure access to available learning resources.  

• Manage reliable and cost-effective operations and effective implementation of the strategies of Mercy Corps towards the right direction, including supervision of facilities & office management, information technology, procurement, asset management, fleet management and warehouse management. 
• Systems management for the smooth flow of routine, operations work of the Mercy Corps office and program support operations in Logistics, Procurement, Fleet, & IT.
• Supports the program team on timely provision of operations support and security monitoring and advising at the highest standard. 
• Ensures compliance requirements of Mercy Corps and rules and regulations specified by the donors and host governments. 
• Oversee procurement and ensure all purchases adhere to MC procurement policies
• Provide technical support and back-stop to field operations staff.
• Provides management information for decision making as required. 
• Support developing budgets for operations activities of country programs as an integral part of program proposal development and country level budgeting. 
• Represents Mercy Corps as required in coordination with country management. As a senior management team member, the Senior Operations Officer will have certain representation at the discretion of the Team Leader. The level of representation may vary depending on the country’s context at a given point in time (i.e. Local Logistics Cluster, NGO Working Groups, etc.)
• Conduct regular field visits for better understanding of country specific operations ‘context and provide appropriate support.

• Implementation of appropriate operations policies and procedures that comply with Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures and with donor rules and regulations focusing on the achievement of the following results:
• Full compliance of operations with Mercy Corps Global Supply Chain Operations policies, procedures and processes. 
• Provide strategic, technical and managerial leadership in implementation of Global Supply Chain policies in the country program. 
• Ensure ongoing full compliance with Mercy Corps finance policies and procedures and other guidelines (i.e. Program Management Manual, National Staff Handbook, etc.)
• Act as the operations focal point for all internal and external audit matters in coordination with country management. 
• Provide expert advice on Mercy Corps policies regarding resource management, tools, etc.
• Development of local policies and procedures with the support of country management and implementation of them. 

• Manage expatriate work permit and visa processes and track developments around INGO access constraints.
• Liaise with the regional safety and security advisor to ensure updates on required country-level security management plans, contact cards, and visitor briefings.
• Document country-level incidents via proper templates and channels when/as needed.
• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by Team Leader.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

• Effective and efficient resources management in administration, procurement, logistics and IT on the achievement of the following results:Ensure effective management of administrative / logistics resources and reporting in a systematic, transparent and efficient manner to country management. 
• Responsible for the provision of high quality and timely procurement and other program support.
• Exercising oversight over procurement processes and logistics ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps procurement policies and procedures as well as donor rules and regulations. 
• Oversee provision of transport and travel support (international and domestic). 
• Oversight on maintenance of proper custody of Mercy Corps assets, warehouse inventory, and general inventory.

• Develop the capacity of the team, deepen understanding of their roles, and assist with career development.
• Assist team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach their objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one-on-one and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.
• Work with all Mercy Corps staff to ensure smooth introduction and adoption of operational systems.

• Work closely with the program team, and other head of departments to ensure smooth, efficient and effective implementation of programs
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources.
• Ensure that the country has operational capacities (human and technical) for smooth program operations.
• Ensure internal and donor procedures, policies, and guidelines are followed.
• Support the country start up process and the set-up of new field offices (if applicable) including ICT and logistics and administrative functions
• Provide support to programs in developing and periodically reviewing procurement plans
• Oversee databases management for procurement, ICT, and logistics documents.
• Standardize procedures and tools across all offices.
• Ensure proper archiving of operations documents for potential audit purpose (keep record of both hard and soft copies of documents
• Actively participate in coordination meetings with program and other departments’ leads 

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

• Direct – Operations officer, Administration Assistant, Drivers 

• BA/BS degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years’ senior management experience in a corporate or an INGO sector, including experience in operational support including developing strategies.  
• Sound knowledge of administrative and logistics procedures is highly desired.
• Proven supervisory ability and/or technical skills combined with leadership skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues in a diversified multi-cultural and multi-ethnic working environment. 
• Skills in managing, organizing, planning and implementing assigned tasks under pressure of frequent and tight schedules. 
• Strong ability to apply good judgment and decision-making skills in difficult and complex working environments.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills in handling management and coordination issues at country program level. 
• Effective verbal and written communication, organizational, prioritization, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent oral and written English skills required.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment