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The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) is a member of the senior management team (SMT) (along with the deputy Director of Programs (DDP), Deputy Director of Field Management (DDFM) and Financial Controller (FC)). She/he is responsible for leading and managing the operations teams in the Country Program ensuring they are fit-for-purpose and respond to the needs of IRC’s programs. The DDO is expected to contribute to high levels of teamwork and inter-departmental and cross-sectoral collaboration. Through her/his leadership, operations teams will be supportive of program delivery, results driven and guided by data analysis, problem identification and problem solving. The position is based in Abuja with frequent travel to all field locations.

Major Responsibilities

Ethics and Integrity

Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Way (code of conduct) and other Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Management and Strategy

Actively contribute to and participate in management and leadership platforms such as the senior management team, the country leadership team and the country management team. Be a champion for the implementation of the Nigeria Strategic Action Plan and ensure quality and meaningful participation of operations teams in strategy related activities.

Security

Ensure the highest possible standard of security management through participatory threat and risk analysis and the development and implementation of standard operating procedures. Guarantee widespread and cross-departmental understanding and ownership of security management. Oversee ongoing contextual and risk analysis ensuring all necessary teams have access to relevant security information.

Human Resources and Administration

Provide leadership to the human resources and administration team and ensuring the application of best practices and adherence to national and state level NGO and other relevant compliance regulations. Ensure proper functioning of the HR department and necessary support to all sectors and teams. Oversee the development/review of HR policies, guidelines and processes. Ensure recruitment, staff planning, training needs assessments and plans are carried out to meet the needs of all departments. Oversee the administration functions especially as they relate to rental agreements, visas and registration.

Supply Chain and Warehousing

Lead an efficient and responsive supply chain system that meets the needs of program teams. Ensure that all processes from procurement to warehousing meet IRC and donor compliance requirements. Working closely with the DDP and DDFM, ensure that program and field staff are jointly preparing, implementing and monitoring appropriate tools such as procurement and distribution plans.

Information Communications Technology

Based on comprehensive needs assessments ensure that all digital data and information needs of operations and program teams are catered for. This will involve the provisioning hardware, software and ongoing training. Given the remote and insecure location of field sites, particular attention should be paid to ensuring robust connectivity and communication channels both between field teams and offices and between offices.

Fleet Management

Ensure the adequate provision of reliable and safe transport for all departments and particularly programs to allow the effective and efficient delivery of programs in sometimes remote locations with varied terrain. Lead assessments of fleet capacity and ensure proper fleet management including servicing, driver training etc.

Finance and Compliance

In close collaboration with the FC and the DDP, ensure operating costs are included in operating budgets and funding proposals and that programmatic growth or scale downs are factored into operations planning. In cooperation with the Compliance Coordinator, ensure that all support systems and operations teams are operating in accordance with IRC and donor compliance regulations and have necessary risk mitigation strategies in place.

Qualifications

• Masters degree required (management-related or general operations preferred);
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing operations and/or projects in fragile and insecure locations, preferably in Africa;
• Demonstrated ability to manage field staff and remote field offices;
• Experience in logistics, HR/Admin, and security management
• Experience having managed operations (including security) in conflict-impacted setting
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills
• Excellent staff capacity building and training skills
• Strong problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills;
• Strong computer skills;
• Flexibility, ability to work independently and meet deadlines