The Director of Operations is responsible for leading strategic and daily operations of ZOA’s finance, grant finance, logistics, and procurement functions in Addis Ababa and all area offices. The Operations Director role is a combination of working directly to manage and solve operational issues; developing and overseeing a capable team of direct reports and building an enabling environment for all teams to succeed (including equipment, supplies, financial information and a safe and supportive work environment). 

S/he is a member of the senior management team and reports to the  Ethiopia Country Director.  S/he should have appropriate levels of complementary expertise, professional and work experience to ensure all functions operate efficiently and meet ZOA Ethiopia’s strategic and operational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Operations has been assigned with responsibility and holds delegated authority for:

Finance

• Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes;

  • Regularly review Ethiopia’s Country strategy and identify opportunities to achieve targets and ensure full cost recovery; 

  • Develop and utilize forecasting and financial analyses to inform planning, budget proposals and operational decision-making;

  • Work with area managers and project managers on budgeting, financial planning and financial grant management;

  • Work with the grant teams, area managers and project managers to ensure proper interpretation of funding contracts when entering into financial obligations or any other contracting actions;

  • Ensure timely, accurate and useful financial reporting for multiple audiences, including donors/funding sources, government, ZOA’s head office, Ethiopia’s Management Team and project teams. 

• Preparation of country annual accounts, in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations;

  • Establish and maintain sound financial management practices and ensure compliance with internal and external stakeholder procedures, rules and regulations;

  • Lead on all financial audits, respond to findings and ensure that findings are implemented to mitigate disallowable costs;

  • Analyze current financial processes, systems and staff skills and knowledge, identify gaps and implement improvements;

  • Provide technical assistance, as needed, to local partners on financial compliance and reporting

Operations

• Lead operational initiatives, and drive implementation, improve planning and delivery capabilities in all administrative areas;

  • Develop and maintain country specific standards, policies and procedures for IT, vehicles, office, utilities, procurement, etc  in compliance with ZOA’s  global quality management framework and stakeholder requirements;

  • Ensure and plan for efficient use of resources to deliver quality operations support to all ZOA Ethiopia teams including vehicles, office security, etc;

  • Ensure that the procurement function is efficient, effective and provides value for money.

  • Ensure systems are in place for inventory management 

  • Manage contracts and relationships with vendors - including counter terrorism checks and compliance with ZOA’s duty of care;

  • Build relationships with ZOA’s management team and project leads to streamline and add rigor to operations.

Leadership and management

• The Director is member of the Country Management Team and the Local Crisis Team.

  • Successfully manage the team in Addis and area offices,  through recruiting, strong performance management and coaching and proactive professional development. 

Authority

The Director of Operations is authorized and accountable within the framework and limits defines in:

• The ‘Declaration of Authorization’ signed by the Country Director

• The ZOA Country Management Charter

• The agreed Country Strategy and Annual Plan

• ZOA’s quality management system

• The projects as approved by the donors

Job Requirements

Knowledge 

• Masters degree in Finance, business administration and/or plus 10 years relevant experience in leadership;

  • Strong financial analysis and an ability to lead teams on rigorous data analysis;

  • Strong leadership experience, attracting, managing, motivating, retaining their team and developing their own managers 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills essentials, as well as strong programme budget capabilities 

  • Experience working in Ethiopia and knowledge of the country 

  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically 

  • Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and Amharic. 

Skills/Attitude

• Analytical and empathetic manager and leader who strives for sustainable impact, by building and working through impactful, high-performing teams; 

  • Flexible, creative, proactive and resilient problem solver who doesn’t get discouraged 

  • Effectively cultivates and engages external networks.

Special requirements

Up to 25% domestic travel.

Contacts   

External 

• All Suppliers;

• Auditors;

• Government stakeholders;

• Donors;

• Legal services.

Internal contacts

• Local country management;

• ZOA’s worldwide Finance and Operations community.

How To Apply

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

 If you are interested in this position, please apply directly via THIS LINK

CV’s of no more than 3 pages in length are appreciated.

• Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five/six years.

• Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform all other candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 2 weeks after the vacancy has closed. An assessment may be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. Internal candidates will have priority, in case of similar results.

• Please note that, as part of its recruitment process, ZOA carries out background and reference checks for all candidates. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment). 

• "Women are highly encouraged to apply for the position"

• Also we reserve the right to stop accepting applications before the end date if we find a suitable candidate.