Country Operations Manager (Re-advertised)

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Lira, Jinja and Mbarara. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside. Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030. For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org.

Overview of the Position

The Head of Country Operations/Country Operations Manager is part of the Country Management Team (CMT) and is responsible for developing and directing operational support services in the country to ensure the availability and function of Procurement, Administration, Logistics, IT, Security & Safety, Legal, Risk and compliance and to fully support SNV’s country operations.

S/he works closely with the Country Director to ensure timely and compliant implementation of procurement and contracting, IT, security & safety, administration and logistics operations. As a member of the CMT, s/he is responsible for the timely reporting of departmental activities. The Position is responsible for ensuring the country and project teams are compliant to SNV’s policies and procedures, legal, tax and donor contractual requirements, and ensures oversight of country governance, compliance, risk as well as contracting and procurement and country logistics practice.

Roles and responsibilities:

Country operational delivery

• Oversees the management of operations in Kampala and four regional and satellite offices.
• Ensures effective operations of all administrative and operational functions, compliance (internal and external) in the SNV offices and effective support to all the projects.
• Ensures integrated process delivery, optimising the use of guidelines and procedures within projects and/or a field office, and anticipates delivery challenges to ensure service continuity.
• Informs internal units and projects regularly on operations and support progress and helps to ensure that the country is aligned to the SNV Code of Conduct/integrity. 

People and leadership

• Oversees implementation of Operations policies in the country in consultation with the Country Director.
• Leads and manages the administration, operations and procurement teams.
• Procures part-time staff and consultants.

Risk Management

• Serves as the liaison to legal counsel, provide guidance to the Country Director and Country Management Team on matters related to tax, insurance, labour laws, and business processes.

Procurement and Contracting

• Manages oversight of the procurement and contracting team for the country.
• Supports the team to develop and maintain the infrastructure within which country team procurement and contracting processes take place in accordance with donor and corporate standards.
• Provides advice to relevant stakeholders to support efficient and compliant procurement and contracting.
• Supports contracting and procurement processes for country.
• Reviews all contracts and agreements.

Security & Safety Management

• Acts as the Country Security Focal Point (SFP)
• Develops and operationalizes the Security Management Plan and guide the Risk Management Team to ensure the implementation, accuracy, and relevance of security planning.
• Monitors the safety and security environment, analyses context, reports incidents, provides briefings, and supports the security management of the country.

• A Master’s degree in Operations, procurement and Logistics management, public management, or international development with a combination of Management.
• Proven track record with over 10 years in leadership positions of which at least 7 years in managing professional teams.
• Solid management experience of donor compliance, organisational risk management, contracting and procurement, project execution processes and security management.
• Experience in project based organisational models with multiple financing sources is desirable.
• Clear communicator including writing skills in English.
• A strong, insightful and influential leader who can drive processes in a decentralised, matrix environment.
• Ability to operate at different levels and to translate strategy into action. Strong people skills and willingness to provide hands-on support when needed.
• Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation in pursuit of business growth and success.
• High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• Willingness to travel to regional offices.

Additional requirements:

• Direction: In a management role, ensure that fellow workers attain agreed objectives.
• Result orientation: Undertake actions with effort, energy and determination, aimed at the achievement of objectives and concrete results.
• Vision: Have an image of future developments and see the opportunities for the organisation for taking advantage of these.
• Organisation sensitivity: The capability of sensing what is going on in one’s own organisation. Have an understanding for the interests and feelings of others.
• Decisiveness: Be able to act quickly and decisively, even if the alternatives are unclear.
• Integrity: Generating confidence and displaying integrity in contact with others. Treating others fairly and in a consistent way by keeping high ethical standards and by doing so contributing to the trustable corporate image of the company.

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and motivation letter in English. Deadline is Thursday 16th January 2025.

Working at SNV

We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an international global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org.

NB: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.