Operations Director

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Pretoria or Cape Town, South Africa 

CSA is seeking to appoint an Operations Director to take ownership of the operations function within CSA including the operational enablement of key programmes, procurement, facilities, IT and the operational components of grants and contracts and risk and compliance. Working closely with the Finance team, Landscape Directors, Program and Technical Leads, and CSA Leadership, this role will play a pivotal role in delivering operational excellence to support the delivery of key CSA programmes. In addition, this role will work closely with the Director of Human Resources and Internal Communication to create experiences for staff, partners, and communities that enable human-centered and inclusive conservation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Enablement

• Work closely with and partner with Landscape Directors and Program and Technical Leads to ensure smooth program implementation.
  
• Monitor program progress, identify operational issues that are hindering program delivery, and take corrective actions as needed.
  
• Review operational processes to deliver continuous improvement and ensure alignment of operational processes with program goals and growth objectives,

Logistics and Procurement

• Oversee travel logistics and procurement activities, ensuring compliance with CI policies and procedures.
  
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts.
  
• Work with the Global CI team to optimize local procurement processes for efficiency and value add/cost-effectiveness.
  
• Ensure that the correct policies are in place to align CSA’s procurement practices to BBBEE requirements.

Facilities Management

• Lead office space planning (including the management of office leases).
  
• Work with the Human Resources team to ensure the timely procurement of tools of trade (e.g. laptops) for new hires and to ensure a conducive work environment for staff.
  

Asset Management

• Lead the integration of the Operations team with the Landscape teams and the Finance team to ensure that accurate asset registers are maintained, that there are maintenance plans in place for key assets, and that assets are properly tracked and monitored.
  

Information Technology (IT)

• Collaborate with local and global IT teams to address technical needs and issues to ensure CSA staff have access to seamless IT.
  
• Develop a capacity plan for IT support in CSA and oversee the implementation of this plan.
  

Risk and Compliance

• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure that there are processes in place to monitor adherence to organizational policies, legislation, and regulatory requirements.
  
• Mitigate risks related to compliance issues.
  
• Provide guidance to staff on compliance matters.
  
• Work with the Finance team to organize the annual external and internal audit planning processes.
  
• Oversee the procurement component of the BBEEE verification process for the organization.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage the Operations team to develop a capable, high-performing, solution-orientated, and collaborative Operations function that takes accountability for operational excellence across all financial processes, supports CSA leadership and management on operational processes, and integrate effectively with interdependent functions.

Grants and Contracts

• Lead on all non-financial components of Grants and Contracts (process, engagement, legal).
  
• Provide support to CSA CEO, MD, and Grants and Contract Manager in all negotiations with lenders, donors, etc.
  
• Own the relationship with GCO on all issues related to Governance and Compliance.
  
• Ensure oversight processes are in place to monitor that donor funds and grants are managed in line with donor requirements.
  
• Ensure oversight processes are in place for grant allocations – to ensure they are well-managed, dispersed and reported on as required.
  
• Ensure processes are in place for donor reporting and sub-donor documentation and reporting across the grants and contracts portfolio.
  
• Ensure that the correct policies are in place to align CSA’s procurement practices to BBBEE requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment
  
• Ability to work extended hours or travel as needed.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• This is a fixed-term assignment, anticipated to begin in October 2024 and end in July 2025" 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. Business Administration, Operations Management).
  
• 7 or more years of proven experience in a management role in operations responsible for logistics, procurement, IT, G&C, and facilities. G&C experience and procurement will be prioritized.
  
• 2 or more years of supervisory experience. 
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
  
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Project Management qualification.

Preferred

• Proficiency in one or more official South African languages in addition to English.
  
• Experience in the NPO sector.
  
• Passion for and some knowledge of environment and conservation. 

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: September 20, 2024  (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.