Democracy International / [ is seeking to hire …]
Operations Director
Democracy International is seeking to hire an Operations Director for the five-year, USAID-funded NASSEEJ project which aims to partner with and support Tunisian initiatives on priority issues at the local, regional, and national levels to advance Tunisia’s development across different sectors in society. The project will do this by building the capacity and sustainability of the society development sector in Tunisia. NASSEEJ, meaning “interwoven” in Arabic, focuses on addressing pressing concerns at the grassroots level — those most important to citizens — and holds the potential to ignite participation and foster lasting, meaningful change by building linkages across and within sectors to foster better collaboration, cooperation, and unity.The Operations Director will be responsible for principal tasks in four areas: Operations and Administrative Management, Compliance, Inventory, and Logistics.
This is a full time position based in Tunis,Tunisia and this position is open to both Tunisian citizens and expatriates living in Tunisia with work authorization.
- Operations and Administrative Management:
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- Work with the Chief of Party to develop and implement key management systems that will support improved project operations, logistics planning, procurement delivery, vehicle management, and office management to streamline Operations workflow.
- Supervise the Operations Team Managers and other Operations staff as requested through mentorship and professional development
- Oversee the work of the NASSEEJ’s Operations Team, including oversight of project procurements, logistics, office maintenance (procurement and use of supplies, equipment and services), and project vehicle use, ensuring compliance with procurement and financial guidelines and policies
- Ensure that all finance and administrative staff have access to and a working knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and Democracy International policies
- Be accountable for project procurements, in full compliance with all applicable USAID rules and regulations and Democracy International’ internal policies and procedures including but not limited to ensuring and documenting competition among vendors and ensuring payments are made in a timely manner
- Support technical implementation through timely reviews and effective competitive management of all operational procurements, including RFPs, RFQs, and leases
- Support the Chief of Party in approving expenses as required
- Ensure that key management systems are properly used
- Work with technical and operational staff to oversee project’s system for filing and archiving of all relevant administrative, technical, procurement, contractual, and personnel documentation
- Command a strong knowledge and understanding of all office rules and procedures as set forth in the field office policy manual and other guidance documents provided by DI
- Coordinate closely with the HR for onboarding new staff to ensure that equipment, inventory, and operations related policies are enforced and known by new staff
- Work closely with the Finance Manager to ensure coordination with financial workflows and invoicing.
- Perform other tasks as directed by the Chief of Party.
- Compliance
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- Ensure compliance with U.S. Government regulations, Democracy International policies and laws of Tunisia.
- Establish standards and procedures to ensure that the project systems are effective and efficient in preventing, detecting, and correcting noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations.
- Promote staff awareness of USAID regulations relevant to the contract.
- Ensure compliance to organizational policies, procedures and internal controls (e.g., Management, Field Office Guide to Field Accounting and Compliance, Field Office Procurement Commodity Handbook,etc.), and introduce new policies and procedures to strengthen the operational workflow.
- Inventory and Logistics
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- Supervise the inventory process and the reconciliation between invoices and inventory.
- Supervise the disposition process and the closeout of the project.
- Oversee travel arrangements and ensure they are in accordance with International and Domestic corporate travel requirements and aligned with the project’s security plan.
- Ensure management of project assets, including inventory, vehicles, and files.
- Ensure that all equipment is used in accordance with program and U.S. Government guidelines.
- Supervise and organize logistic management.
- Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or another relevant field,
. - At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in management and leadership positions in the public or private sector.
- At least 7 years of experience working on donor or government projects or contracts, preferably with responsibilities in procurement, subcontracts, and operations for USAID-funded projects.
- Strong understanding of USAID compliance (particularly the 2 CFR 200) as well as a thorough understanding of the USAID regulatory environment
- Demonstrated success in managing programs of similar magnitude and complexity, working collaboratively with various teams and communicating effectively.
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
- Demonstrated capacity to set priorities in a high pressure
denvironment. - Fluent spoken and written English, Arabic, and French are required.
- Tunisian citizen
- This position reports to the Chief of Party
- Direct reports may include Procurement Manager, Human Resources Manager, Finance Manager, Grant Manager, and other staff on the Operations Team as needed.
Interested applicants MUST submit a cover letter and CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.
About the Organization:
DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.
DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities
