Job Description
Chemonics International, a U.S. based international development consulting firm, seeks an Operations Director for the anticipated USAID Mozambique Renda Verde Melhoria da Gestão dos Recursos Naturais e Empoderamento de Populações Locais program in Mozambique. This position is based in Mozambique (exact location to be determined), and the anticipated project duration is five years. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
The anticipated activity aims to uplift communities by harnessing the advantages of living in nature within key biodiversity conservation areas, while also benefiting local people through the distribution of nature-based revenue. Alongside ongoing enforcement efforts to prevent and penalize the destruction of natural resources and habitats, this activity will emphasize the tangible incentives of coexisting with nature. The activity seeks to catalyze market and community benefits from harmonious human-wildlife coexistence across conservation areas, buffer zones, and key biodiversity corridors.
This position is contingent upon award and funding.
Responsibilities include:
- Work with the Chief of Party and other key personnel to promote a coherent and strategic vision for the implementation of the project with buy-in from USAID and counterparts and stakeholders
- Serve as primary liaison to Chief of Party for all operational, financial, and contract management matters, including coordination of regular meetings to discuss approvals, financial management, procurement progress, etc., and lead regular financial reporting to USAID
- Support grant management, compliance, and reporting, including outcome measurements and budgets
- Facilitate project work planning and budgeting and assist with the proper staffing and resources to reach indicators and targets
- Facilitate close collaboration among relevant staff to ensure sufficient procurement lead times
- Review draft scopes of work for individual consultants drafted by the technical team or partner organizations, and submit approval requests
- Ensure consultants complete their assignments and submit deliverables in a timely manner
- Ensure training and events have proper logistical support including compliant marking and branding in coordination with the communications team
Qualifications:
- Master’s or advanced degree in a relevant field preferred
- Minimum 8 years of experience in operations and finance with minimum 5 years of experience working in or supporting projects in Africa preferred
- Experience on a USAID-funded project with large-scale procurement required, preferably in conservation, biodiversity, or general environmental protection
- Demonstrated knowledge of USAID regulations, policies and compliance requirements related to international programs, and Chemonics rules, procedures, policies, and systems
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage all aspects of operations within challenging work environments with strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with U.S. and host-country senior government personnel, donor partners, U.S. and local vendors, and the NGO/private sector
- Proven success working in team environment with program and technical staff
- Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and support staff
- Strong computer spreadsheet/word processing skills including advanced budgeting skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills in English, both verbal and written
- Portuguese language proficiency is preferred
