Director of Operations

Position Location: El Salvador

Background: Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary: The USAID-funded El Salvador Local Governance Activity will aim to support local governance in municipal consolidation, municipal financial sustainability, citizen engagement, improved service delivery (including safety and security) and address climate change and urbanization challenges.

Position Summary: Creative Associates seeks a Director of Operations for the anticipated USAID-funded El Salvador Local Governance Activity. The Director of Operations provides leadership in the management of project operations, human resources, and administration, and reports directly to the COP. S/he will supervise all staff in operations, procurement, administration, and human relations based in the Zambezia/Nampula provinces, adhering to the internal organizational structure. S/he will additionally serve as primary liaison with local legal counsel and with local vendors, as appropriate. This position will collaborate closely with other senior staff and all team members to ensure high standards of service delivery and accountability and full compliance with USAID and Creatives Associate International regulations and policies.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

Oversee all program operations, including administration, human resources, procurement and logistics, IT, communications, and grants.

Work with the project’s Operations team to establish internal control systems, quality assurance, and protocols for local subcontractors and/or sub-grantees.

Coordinate the day-to-day management of operational staff in all project offices.

Ensure that the operations of the project are in compliance with local law as well as with donor and Creative Associates International policies and procedures.

Co-lead development of annual work plans, milestone plans, programmatic and operational.

Ensure the timely preparation of required reports and deliverables, including quarterly, annual, and reports in accordance with USAID guidelines.

Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations.

Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of Mozambique.

Provide administrative and logistical support to the portfolio of programs.

Assist in the identification, recruitment, and management of consultants, and sub awardees as necessary.

Manage, train, and mentor key team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, and procurement.

Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Master of Business and/or Public Administration, or related relevant field; experience will be considered in lieu of master’s degree. Undergraduate degree required.

Minimum 8 years’ experience in management of international development activities with increasing levels of responsibility.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in supervising complex, high-speed, and challenging field operations in developing countries.

Experience in operations management of complex projects.

Strong analytical capacity and team management skills.

Previous experience working with USAID strongly preferred.

Experience in human resources management, including in Mozambique labor law, and managing expatriate staff work permits is preferred.

Demonstrated communications and interpersonal skills.

Fluency in English required. Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required.

Position contingent upon donor funding.

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.

Regular Full-Time