AFRICA RANGELANDS PROGRAM: OPERATIONS MANAGER
Conservation South Africa, (CSA) as a local affiliate of Conservation International, is committed to helping societies adopt a more sustainable approach to development—one that considers and values nature at every turn and improves human well-being through the conservation of healthy ecosystems and the goods and services they provide. Conservation South Africa seeks to influence policy, develop markets, engage the private sector, and support communities to develop and implement conservation- based economic growth models and long-term human well-being.
The ARP Operations Manager manages all or some of the financial and/ administrative functions of a department or program. S/he manages and supports financial reporting to provide management with timely and relevant financial information to make informed decisions. The ARP Operations Manager ensures that sound donor and grant management policies and practices are adopted and implemented. S/he develops budgets and revenue forecasts and supports the development of strategic plans as they impact operation functions. S/he also supports fund raising efforts including developing cost proposals and performing donor assessments.
In addition to financial management, the ARP Operations Manager manages the program’s operational resources. S/he ensures operation functions are efficient and effective and recommends improvements that improve efficiency, productivity, operational capacity and alignment with the program’s business plans and CI’s overall conservation objectives. S/he is accountable for ensuring operational functions are in compliance with CI’s policies and procedures and local reporting and governance bodies. The ARP Operations Manager works with management and HQ to implement audit findings.
The main duties of this position are:
Financial Management
Manage the program’s budget and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Work with program management to identify and implement follow-up actions when necessary.
Manage timely and accurate recording of accounting transactions. Ensure compliance with CI policies and procedures and local reporting requirements.
Manage grants administration and donor reporting, including managing compliance with grants and donor agreements.
Manage budgeting, reporting and financial compliance of grants and donor agreements.
Manage annual and ad-hoc budgeting and financial modeling. Support fundraising proposal efforts.
Ensure the effective and efficient stewardship of CI’s assets and financial resources. Manage program audits and ensure that audit findings are recommendations are addressed and implemented.
Manage the operations budget.
Manage other financial issues that arise, including risk management.
Business Operations
Report on program performance and metric achievement.
Manage efforts to improve program efficiencies, effectiveness, and alignment. Recommend changes in business processes and structure as needed and oversee internal control processes.
Set and manage standards related to operational and financial management. Ensure operation roles, responsibilities and work flows are clear and enhance internal client service.
Support program and system roll-outs.
Ensure proper use and application of CI systems and processes.
Assist in the identifying and addressing issues of high risk.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Procurement/Contract Support:
Identify new opportunities and negotiate with vendors the terms of procurement contracts to secure advantageous terms in the best interest of CI main office. Manage and update the “Preferred vendor” list per the CI’s criteria.
Assist the staff in the preparation, execution of the procurement plan of the main office for all supply in goods and services in line with the department’s work plan needs.
Develop Requests for Proposal and Requests for Quotations for the programmme.
Implement systems and processes for receiving, reviewing of quotations, proposals, awarding subgrants and contracts.
Support the operations of the units grants and contracts management. The incumbent has the authority to openly communicate with program teams, field staff, individual grantees, headquarters CI and consultants to ensure efficient and well-coordinated grant management. The incumbent has the authority to process new agreements and amendments and to process disbursements on grants and contracts.
Monitor sub-grants and consultancies. Ensure senior staff are informed of deadlines, targets and workflow changes
Review grantee technical and financial reports and provide related technical oversight. Coordinate site visits/desk reviews as needed.
Manage legal/HQ review of agreements and ensure all necessary signatures are in place.
Review and manage contracts amendments and additions.
Manage grants close-out activities as directed.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Include other duties unique or specific to the position. Responsibilities listed in this section must complement above key responsibilities and not exceed 25% of the overall job duties.
Lead operational integration of the ARP portfolio across multiple partners and funding agencies, especially Peace Parks Foundation
Lead and manage the formalization of institutional arrangements (contracts & agreements) between the full range of partners within the Herding 4 Health / Africa Rangeland’s Programs
Support communication team with information and media presence of the ARP portfolio.
Assist with logic support as and when needed.
Meeting and Workshop Support: Coordinate virtual and in person workshops, meetings and other special events for both internal and external participants, including assisting with travel logistics, preparing travel grants for non CI staff and submit requests for reimbursement. Position will be responsible for staying up to date on trends with virtual meeting technology and utilizing various platforms as needed across the division.
PEOPLE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not have direct supervisory authority but assists less-experienced peers.
Serves as a subject matter expert on program operations.
Manages the program and operation budget.
Accountable for managing public or private funds important to achieving CI objectives.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or up to four years of college level work in Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
4-6 years related work experience (e.g. administration, accounting, finance, grants management).
International nonprofit experience.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong communication and presentation skills including the ability to effectively convey complex details or technical information.
Highly familiar with etiquette, protocol, and employing cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Proven team player.
Highly organized and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
Experience in management of operations for an international NGO preferred.
Application Process and Disclaimer:
Please forward your Curriculum Vitae, salary expectation and cover letter to: [email protected]
Applications close on 14 May 2021 and no applications received after this date will be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and should be available for interviews. CSA will communicate with shortlisted candidates only.
If you do not receive feedback from us within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Conservation South Africa retains the right not to fill this position.
CSA is an affirmative action employer, wherever possible, selection will favour previously disadvantaged individuals, provided they are in possession of the required skills, knowledge, and experience.
If you do not receive feedback from us within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Conservation South Africa retains the right not to fill this position.