Operations Manager

Chemonics International Inc, a U.S. based international development consulting firm, seeks the following long-term positions for the USAID Next Generation Early Grade Reading Activity (NextGen) in Malawi. The $75 million activity aims to solidify and build on the contributions made to date as part of the implementation of Malawi’s National Reading Program (NRP) towards improving the delivery of high-quality early primary reading instruction in all Malawian primary schools. At the conclusion of the NextGen activity, all levels of the Malawi
Ministry of Education (MoE) will be self-sufficient in providing high-quality reading instruction in Chichewa and English to all Grade 1 and 2 students. We are seeking individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Application Instructions
To apply for any of the below positions, please submit a CV and application through this link (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1cfc231772ca4cfca4bbac0d1e87ba24).

Please submit your application as soon as possible, as candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. This application will close on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

We are currently seeking qualified professionals for the following positions to be based out of Lilongwe, Malawi.

An Operations Manager, who will be responsible for overseeing general office administration and the daily needs of office operations, including lease agreements, service agreements, and other administrative responsibilities for the Lilongwe office. The Operations Manager will perform other duties as requested. They will assist the Director of Finance and Operations in ensuring that activities in the project office comply with project and USAID policies.

Responsibilities include

• Provides general management, operational and administrative support to the project.
• Plan and coordinate training events and activities, including technical events with government counterparts and other project stakeholders.
• Coordinate and arrange workshop/meeting venues, catering, and other logistical needs appropriate to the
  activity including event set-up and participant registration. Develop and maintain a checklist for activity planning and implementation.
• Supports the Director of Operations, and Finance to develop and implement business operations strategies,
  plans, and procedures, and ensures consistency in all operations areas across the activity.
• Ensure that office facilities in all areas of operation are fully operational at all times, and maintain regular
  communication with administrative and support staff in field offices to ensure consistency and provide additional support.
• Supports and furthers the development of NextGen’s systems, processes, policies, and programs to effectively identify, manage, and mitigate risks, and support NextGen’s goals.
• Directly supervise the day-to-day field presence in all of NextGen’s areas of operations (including the
  project’s facilities such as office space and equipment), administration, procurement, and property.
• Work with the IT manager to ensure the IT and communications systems are fully functioning at all times.
  Includes verification of IT equipment inventory list and proper filing of inventory sign-out/sign-in documents.
• Assist the Director of Operations, and Finance to ensure that NextGen staff and subcontractors follow approved policies and procedures relevant to the implementation of NextGen activity.
• Maintain a filing system in electronic and hard copy format for technical, logistics/procurement and administrative documents. Work with expatriate staff and HO staff to ensure electronic filing system is in proper order and fully populated for efficient administration of the project.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or a certification in Administration, Project Administration, Project Management or related field.
• Minimum 8 (eight) years’ experience in office management for medium to large development projects and/or organizations required; experience working for a U.S. organization or USAID implementer in Malawi highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience following standard practices and procedures, receiving general instruction on work progress, and making significant contribution to end results.
• Ability to exercise confidentiality and high levels of professionalism.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, accept and discharge substantial responsibilities, prioritize work assignments, meet deadlines, and to exercise professional judgment.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in problem solving and initiative to learn new skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, honesty, and commitment to excellence.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English.