Job Summary
Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include: Excellence- We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom- We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency- We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.
The Operations Manager (OM) works with the Resident Program Director (RPD) in the operational implementation of IRI’s programs managed out of Costa Rica. The OM provides day-to-day oversight and management of Costa Rica field office operations, program logistics, procurement and subgrants. The OM will work alongside the program staff and reports directly to the Resident Program Director (RPD).
Position Requirements
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Undergraduate degree in management, international development or similar;
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Minimum 7 years of professional experience in international development operations, including experience with the implementation of multi-million-dollar projects;
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Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating field operations in challenging environments including:
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Office and donor compliance/operations, including legal/finance/labor law compliance
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Liaising with government offices and operational suppliers
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Managing local staff
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Managing grant/contract procurement actions and resulting contracts/agreements
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Demonstrated ability to execute sensitive programming and activities.
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Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills. Written and oral fluency in English and Spanish is required.
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Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with various stakeholders, including USG officials, USAID, other international missions, host governments, other DG implementers and local partners.
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Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program needs.
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Effective project management skills. Proven attention to detail and ability to manage detailed records.
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Experience in grant and subgrant management, especially in compliance with internal and USG regulations on competition, administration and oversight.
Primary Functions & Responsibilities
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Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field, and DC staff.
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Develops credibility and manages relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including US and foreign diplomats and donor agencies, host-country government representatives and program partners, and serves as an IRI representative in the country for IRI’s programs as assigned.
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Serves as the primary point of contact with the DC office and other relevant actors on areas related to the operations of IRI’s office and/or programs, including but not limited to staff hiring, procurement, security.
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Serves as the identified security liaison with IRI’s Director of Security, and is the primary point of contact on security matters for programs, maintaining the Program Security Plan, and leading/coordinating training to staff as needed. Also oversees staff and participant travel and coordinates required travel authorization and corresponding security measures.
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Manages relationships with contractual service providers such as expert consultants, translation services, and others.
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Oversees and ensures all operations related to the IRI field presence, including logistical, security, human resources and compliance tasks follow local laws, IRI policies and donor regulations.
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Oversees the logistical and operational execution of assigned program activities and maintains an understanding of donor and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight as well as substantive financial requirements.
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Manages and supervises designated local field staff, directing and coordinating their work implementing activities.
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Participates in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process of local staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
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Ensures adherence to monitoring and evaluation plans, including the monitoring of activities and evaluation/analysis of program results, and coordinates with IRI’s Evidence and Learning Practice.
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Provides information and contributes to quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for donors, and oversees the submission of written funder updates relevant to program operations.
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Responds to information requests from funders in coordination with the Regional Program Director and HQ Program Manager.
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Contributes towards business development efforts as requested.
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Anticipates and troubleshoots project problems, offering creative solutions and actively taking part to lead its timely resolution.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
Required
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Bachelors or better in International Studies or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)