Operations Director, Mali

PURPOSE OF POSITION
To lead, support and coordinate the field operations of World Vision Mali, to ensure that they are efficient and effective, and meet the goals and objectives of World Vision and community partners as laid out in the strategy documents and grant agreements.
To provide leadership and support for project design, plans, proposals, implementation, reporting and operations staff training and development.
In conjunction with the Relief Manager ensure integration of all WV Mali relief operations in the development ones.
Ensure national strategy for the Operations Department is guided by sound developmental principles, is regularly updated and contributes to the mission on WV in Mali.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all aspects of project and programme assessment proposal, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Manage and evaluate operations budgets, project funding, expenditures and accomplishment of ministry objectives.
• Ensure that proper accounting systems and practices are in place within the Operations Department, so as to facilitate the approval of funding for projects. Ensure all projects remain within budget.
• Oversee Operations Department compliance with all relevant sections of the Field Financial Manual.
• Support programme and project managers in ensuring high standards of grant management and compliance for all government grant funded projects.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with major (government/private) donors and World Vision Support Offices, including hosting visits, responding to communications, and ensuring that support office and donor requirements are met.
• Ensure that audit reports and audit findings are distributed to project managers and to all senior operations staff, and that implementation plans are developed for the recommendations of the reports.
• Ensure that projects provide responses to the Operations Department on all audit reports and findings, so that these responses can be directed to the Internal Auditor
• Support and supervise base managers and special program project managers, and monitor the progress of projects, including frequent visits to project offices and communities.
• Ensure capacity building of World Vision Mali staff in ADP’s and project life cycle, and planning
• Assess the effectiveness of current projects and identify possibilities for new projects.
• Maintain regular contact with other international non-governmental organisations and government officials in an effort to obtain experience and co-ordinate information regarding current and future works in the country.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and development of operations staff.
• Attend and participate in weekly devotional meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
REQUIRED:
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training.

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a Master’s degree in international development, business administration, public health, economics, rural development, or similar, preferred.
• Five year’s experience with international development or relief projects, preferably within WV, with at least two year’s experience in a senior management role in a developing country, required.
• Demonstrated experience in programme or project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and report writing, preferred.
• Experience in supporting Area Development Programme Management, and Base Management.
• Excellent proven track record of donor relations with multiple donors.
• Strong planning and organisational skills and ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks. Ability to work gracefully under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with national staff and a passion for capacity building, staff and organisational development
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes or similar database, email and Internet.
• Ability to communicate at high level in French and English required.
  

PREFERRED:

Masters Degree in international Development with very strong background in Grant Management.

Operations Director, Mali