The Director of Operations is the point of coordination and accountability for the delivery of key support services for the delivery of WaterAid Ethiopia’s programs. S/he is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and leads and supervises the support functions which include finance, procurement, and IT services.

Job Responsibilities and Tasks:

Leadership roles:

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Operation plays a crucial role in advancing collective leadership in strategic and operational matters of the organization in order to ensure effective realization of the Country Program Strategy.  

As a lead to Operation Department, the Director of Operations ensures that efficient finance and procurement system are in place at CP level; financial planning and reporting are enhanced; and also lead, support and monitor Operation Department Team towards better delivery of Support functions (Finance, IT and Procurements)

Finance:

• Coordinate developing the Financial Policies and Procedures Manual and the Procurement Policies and Procedures Manual and ensures their effective roll-out as custodian of the Manuals
• Prepare and regularly update the CP’s overall budget plan in collaboration with budget holders and SMT members and monitors its implementation.
• Assist the Country Director and department heads as well as other relevant staff to manage their respective budgets.
• Facilitates the preparation of the CP’s financial reports in accordance with the WA’s and donors reporting requirements for submission to WAUK, the Regional Office, and donors maintaining quality and timeliness
• Oversee the development and regular updating of financial systems and procedures and their recording in light of the Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual as well as established systems.
• Manage cash flow ensuring sufficient funds are available in-country for the smooth operation of the program.
• Assist the program team in the preparation and interpretation of program accounts and other internal reports.
• Bring to the attention of the Country Director financial matters which require clarification or decisions.
• Organize and manage annual audits and ensure audit recommendations are addressed in collaboration with the CD and SMT members.
• Keep abreast of developments in the regulatory and legal environment that are related to financial management, procurement, and taxation as well as other relevant matters that fall under his/her role and bring them to the attention of the Country Director for information and action.

Procurement:

• Oversee the roll-out of the Procurement Policies and Procedures Manual,
• Review and enforce procurement plan, the ordering, approval, and purchasing systems and practices to ensure they are in line with policies and procedures, fit for purpose, robust and provide high-level support to project activity implementation.
• Monitor and ensure procurement processes are conducted (in the country office and at the field team level) in a compliant, time-efficient, and value for money manner including Preferred Suppliers and Vendors are identified and updated regularly
• Personally supervise significant or sensitive procurements, with close liaison with the Country Director.
• Support the timely, smooth, and effective functioning of the Procurement Committee
• Lead the continuous improvement of procurement processes and practices

Resource mobilization:

Take an active part in resource mobilization processes especially in exploring funding opportunities, budget preparation in the concept note and proposal formulation/development processes, and also ensure finance, procurement, and It staff contribute their part in fundraising processes. 

IT:

• Ensure all policies and procedures of IT operations are developed, understood, and accessible by all staff.
• Oversee and ensure the IT systems and facilities of the organization are efficient and effective to optimize users’ performance;
• Ensure IT personnel protect and safeguard IT equipment in all locations with up-to-date antivirus software.

Job Requirements

Qualification (Know How)

• A University degree in accountancy, business administration, or related disciplines and a recognized professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or similar). A postgraduate degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of seven years relevant experience in a similar modern and busy working environment, at least three of which as Manager of Finance and Administration or Chief Accountant for a medium to large organization.
• Past experience in managing non-finance units i.e. procurement and IT is also an advantage.

Experience, skills & abilities

• Sophisticated skills in program-based financial management, auditing, organizational development (OD), and systems design, have worked/managed directly operational tasks
• Able to do an institutional capacity assessment, performance reviews, and the like.
• Strategic management; in designing, implementing, and assessing development programs; in evaluating performance; in building the institutional capacity of the organization 
• Management experience of procurement, logistics, administration, and HR in complex contexts
• Experience in using computerized accounting and office application software.
• Commitment to support partner organizations and stakeholders; has a positive attitude and seeks to find solutions to problems and challenges at all times
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the WA.
• Excellent writing skills in English
• Communication and team-working skills, with the ability to build good relations, both internally and externally.
• Excellent time management skills of self and team; able to multitask and works well under pressure; negotiates and meets deadlines
• Positive outlook and outgoing personality with solid interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to mainstream gender, equality, and HIV/AIDS as well as safeguarding staff and partners in delivering the role.

How to Apply

Qualified and interested applicants are required to send their application letter and CV via ethiojobs

only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Women applicants are highly encouraged to apply