Operations Director International Rescue Committee Kinshasa

Operations Director,

Accès aux Soins de Santé Primaires

International Rescue Committee

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Deadline for applications: Monday, May 28^th, 2012

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

In DRC, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest providers of relief and development assistance. With an annual budget of approximately US$ 75 million, $320 million overall grant portfolio and more than 1,000 staff in six provinces, the IRC supports Congolese communities and institutions in seven conflict-affected provinces in the areas of health, governance and community development, education, women’s protection and empowerment, and emergency response.

SCOPE OF WORK

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has released a tender for a consortium lead to strengthen basic health service provision in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in at least 30 health zones in up to four provinces improving access to primary and secondary care for at least 3.5 million people over the period 2013 – 2018.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Strong operational support & oversight is critical to the delivery of quality project implementation. The IRC defines operations as those systems and support functions necessary to implement programs effectively, inclusive of supply chain, finance, administration, human resource management, security and information technology. Reporting to the Project Director for this health service provision program, the Operations Director is a core member of the project management team responsible for ensuring the consistent application of relevant policies and systems to ensure effective program delivery and control and compliance. The Operations Director will supervise a Support Unit which will provide logistics, ICT, administration, human resource, and safety and security management support to the project. The Operations Director will liaison closely with the Directors for Implementation; Program Quality; Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E) and Finance to ensure coordinated support provision that responds to the needs of the project and the project management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and policy

· Support the delivery of high quality program implementation by promoting operations and program linkages & planning;

· Develop, and ensure application of, documented policies and procedures for all core operations functions (Human Resources, Administration, Supply Chain, Safety/Security & Information & Communications Technology) to ensure ongoing efficient, effective support and compliance across the project;

· Lead the response to and address audit findings related to operations functions;

· Be the focal point for the project to IRC DRC and IRC headquarters on operational issues and participate in senior-level operations meetings;

· Ensure that a system is in place for regular performance assessment of staff, including providing technical support and opportunities for development.

Operations Systems Quality Oversight

· Assess and monitor compliance with institutional and donor operational policies and procedures through field visits and management report reviews;

· Review performance of operations functions to identify areas of strength and weakness; support the project management team and implementing partners to replicate the former and address the latter;

· Ensure that regular and comprehensive risk and cost-efficiency analyses are conducted;

· Monitor and review operational budgets to support financial stability, ongoing program viability, efficient cost structures, and appropriate spending;

· Assist in preparing for audits, review corrective action plans and monitor their implementation.

Advocacy & Representation

· Ensure that the project maintains excellent relationships with relevant DRC governmental authorities, and other key interlocutors (e.g. private sector agencies, aviation providers, other operational agencies);

· Coordinate with the IRC DRC Director of Operations to represent IRC in relevant inter-agency fora, particularly on issues of administrative or operational concern.

Oversight of general support to the project management team

· Ensure that the Kinshasa project management office is effectively managed and that project staff have access to adequate transport, ICT, administrative and safety and security management support.

QUALIFICATIONS

· 10 years in a senior operational management role, preferably in an international NGO;

· Diverse background in operations, with strong understanding of finance, administration supply chain, human resources, information technology, and business processes;

· University degree required; MBA or comparable advanced graduate degree preferred;

· Experience working in complex and fluid operating environments, including a demonstrated appreciation for the challenges involved in working in a conflict or post-conflict environment;

· Demonstrated experience leading and managing inter-institutional coordinating functions within a multi-cultural operating environment;

· Strong interpersonal and training skills, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity and experience working with large and geographically dispersed teams;

· Interest in and ability to think and plan at the ‘big picture’ level;

· Fluent in French & English;

· Knowledge of regulatory, contractual, legal and financial compliance requirements associated with DFID funding;

· Computer Literate in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook);

· Availability to travel in the country (approximately one trip every two months).

Specific Security Situation/Housing:

The position is based in Kinshasa, it is accompanied. Safe and modest housing as appropriate and reasonable as the context allows will be provided.

Estimated start date: September 1, 2012.

This position is contingent upon funding.

Please apply online: www.ircjobs.org or

http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=8108 .

Congolese nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.