Description

STA - OPERATIONS MANAGER- Nigeria

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program/ Department Summary:

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since December 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls’ empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation. In mid-2014 Mercy Corps has decided to address the rising humanitarian needs among displaced households and vulnerable host communities by in the North east Nigeria and started its humanitarian program.

With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, EU, USAID and ECHO the humanitarian program has been focusing on food assistance, non-food items distribution, protection, livelihoods support, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors.

All Mercy Corps interventions in Nigeria are implemented in a conflict and gender sensitive manner

General Position Summary:

The Operations Manager provides operations support and technical oversight to Mercy Corps Maiduguri field office and deep field offices. The role supervises all Maiduguri and six deep field based operations staff including procurement, logistics, asset management, IT and admin department. In addition, this role acts as focal point for field related operations support for country office and coordination with deep field operations contacts for day-do-day operations related questions. Position also supports all grants in Borno state namely: NE CORE, BEGE, THRIVE, RRA and May cover program which are implemented in four states namely Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe.

S/he will be responsible for building efficient systems, processes while building the capacity of staff both within and outside of the Operations department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Operations:

• Lead in the training and implementation of the NEW updated FP3, FP3 for ProSource, SAP Ariba Pro Source.
• Lead the operations support for primarily, Maiduguri, Deep field offices but also for program in the Northeast of Nigeria. 
• Provide program support, coordination, supervision and monitoring activities designed to meet program objectives.
• Develop, implement and manage relevant standardized Mercy Corps operations systems for offices in Nigeria.
• Advise and support the development and management of systems, for full integration with Mercy Corps systems.
• Work with Mercy Corps staff to ensure smooth introduction and operation of necessary systems, including travel to field and deep field offices if and when necessary for support and orientation.
• Manage all administration and logistics functions and proper implementation of Mercy Corps systems of management, compliance and control with regard to the following disciplines:

Administration:

• Facilities Management
• Office Management and visas
• Information Technology

Procurement

• Manage relationships and contracts with the supplier for program and administration needs.
• Manage the relationships, as the focal point for procurement, with all program leads/ managers and their teams.
• Develop a detailed and time-bound project procurement plan in close coordination with the Program for the procurement of goods and services for each project. Follow up on these plans on regular basis and adjust according to the Bring issues to the attention of management if any support is needed to successfully implement such plans
• Follow the Mercy Corps code of conduct and ensure all procurement staff adheres to it.
• Develop tender documents and manage the supplier selection process.
• Come up with list of goods and supplies being regularly procured to source them through Master agreements
• Liaise with finance to ensure compliance and payment schedules.
• Regular training of new staff regarding new FP3 procurement policies and FP3 for ProSource.
• Support the Operations Director in Developing in-country new policies when needed.
• Ensuring procurement are governed by value for money
• Ensure efficiency and timely procurement of goods and services
• Manage ‘on-time’ procurement tracking system and reporting function within Mercy Corps Nigeria Program.
• Work closely with program management to facilitate program planning and upcoming procurement resource
• Work closely with program and finance teams to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations.

Fleet Management

Warehousing/commodity management

Asset Management

Team Management

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary. Lead in the recruitment of Operations staff in Northeast Nigeria.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

People Management:

• Support in the recruitment of Field Operations staff for North EAST Nigeria.
• Orient new staff and train them in Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Set performance objectives and evaluate on probations.

Security Management

• Ensure staff compliance to security and personal safety guidelines.
• Ensure staff responsible for transport management on using the Vehicle Consumables Tracking sheet.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Ethics and Integrity:

All Mercy Corps staff are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest level of integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises Operations Coordinator, Senior Logistics officer, Senior ICT officer and Administration Officer. Has oversight on Maiduguri procurements

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Operations.

Works Directly With: Field operations teams, finance and program departments.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, or Procurement and Logistics Management or a closely related field.
• Minimum one Year experience in SAP Ariba , in particular ProSource
• A post graduate qualification in the above disciplines is highly desirable.
• At least 5+ years of relevant Operations experience with 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Sound understanding of procurement, administration, and logistics management systems.
• Commitment to capacity building and team coordination.
• Experience working INGOs or businesses in operational functions
• Good organizational and time management skills and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment, and in a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Must be able to advise staff on program and office activities and security issues.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• Deep understanding of Mercy Corps operations systems is essential

Success Factors

The successful Operations Manager will combine effective leadership of complex teams and the ability to lead by example and influence. Also s/he will be expected to have a proven ability to build internal staff capacity and competency and to provide program support services. Flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving, ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative and be accountable for results, knowledge of security standards, precautionary measures, communication protocols and passion for professional learning and development are vital skills that we expect the Operations Specialist to have.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This is an unaccompanied post based in Maiduguri. This position is entitled to shared staff housing in Maiduguri. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision. Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.