Manager, Operations and Program Delivery

The Manager, Operations and Program Delivery will support the effective and efficient delivery of the WorldFish program through the provision of day-to-day operational support and coordination across different research activities in both with a primary focus in Zambia and Tanzania, and some oversight for Malawi. The role will improve the management of projects and research platforms to ensure effective and efficient delivery of WorldFish activities. The post holder will also provide financial, administrative and business management support to the Country Office to support development, management and communication primarily in Zambia and Tanzania for project planning and implementation. S/he will work with finance and administration as well as research teams to deliver integrated solutions to accelerate program planning, implementation and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Support the Country Director, program/project leaders with program planning, budgeting, coordination and completion of financial and administrative management tasks of program/projects, including pro-actively establishing deadlines, assigning responsibilities, monitoring progress, informing team members and analyze budgets, as well as summarizing progress to leadership.
• Effectively liaise with WorldFish’s corporate function to ensure efficient provision of corporate services for the delivery of research functions in relevant focal and scaling countries.
• Support the management and supervision of work plan implementation and operations, including performance measurement process (i.e. monitoring, reporting, evaluations and capturing of lessons) that measure and evaluate progress against goals and results.
• Coordinate the process of project concept and proposal development and implementation, including direct contribution to proposal preparation and identification of funding opportunities.
• Coordinate the capturing and documentation of lessons and experiences from the focal and scaling countries through engagement with research leaders.
• Provide oversight of country program business planning, budgeting process, reporting, monitoring and evaluation with a focus in Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania, and oversight for Malawi.
• Manage and supervise Finance and Administration staff as a team and foster professional development of staff.
• Assist the Country Director in the development, implementation and regular review of country strategies.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Master Degree in Business and Administration with at least 10 years’ related work experience, three of which should be in program/project management and leadership role in a research or international organisation.
• Excellent track record of providing organisational and leadership support to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of programs and projects.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills with staff, stakeholders and partners with motivation for high quality service delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of working in developing countries in Africa, including understanding of research and development issues in Africa.
• Ability to think clearly and analytically, setting priority, solving problems and making timely and appropriate decisions.
• Strong management capabilities with excellent proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong understanding of systems used by donors and international development finance institutions systems.
• Strong understanding of systems used to track performance.
• Strong background in development and resource mobilizations skills.
• Demonstrated record of working in inter-disciplinary teams, partnership building and the desire to work in a collaborative environment.

Our offer

The position will be based in Lusaka, Zambia. The initial employment contract will be for a 3-year period, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding situation. Interviews are expected to be held in April 2018, and shortlisted candidate will be expected to attend. The successful candidate should be available to commence latest by May 2018. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Our commitment

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity of thought, style, culture and experience is valued. We support individual performance and potential in achieving our organizational goals and mission. We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage women and nationals from developing countries to apply