Operations Manager

Recently, CRS Philippines was named as the Lead Implementing Organization (LIO) for the Restore Southeast Asia -Restoring Lands and Livelihoods in the Philippines (RESAP) Project funded by Mirova and managed by the Global Evergreening Alliance is a 5-year project aims to catalyze livelihood improvement and ecosystem restoration by empowering communities through diversified income streams and restoring degraded landscapes and ecosystem services. The project will be implemented in Isabela and Bukidnon provinces targeting community-based organizations and indigenous people’s organizations. 

** THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON DONOR FUNDING **

Job Summary: 

You will manage and/or coordinate most of the following operational functions within the country program, with a particular focus on the RESAP project in close collaboration with the CRS Country Representative and RESAP Chief of Party I, respectively. The functions include - Logistics, Procurement, Administration, Fleet, Staff Safety and Security and Audit - in support of the Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will also support the RESAP Chief of Party and CRS Finance Manager in ensuring consortium members’ contractual deliverables are successfully met. In addition, you will also support other CRS Project Managers towards successful project delivery. You will promote stewardship of resources, help ensure principled compliance, proactively identify risk issues, and lead operational improvements.  

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage or coordinate operations functions – systems, processes – that meet CRS’ standards, donor requirements, and local regulations and support high-quality programming. Collaborate with programming leads to ensure appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and proper stewardship of material sources.
• Coordinate and monitor day-to-day operations to ensure support services are delivered with high-quality in an efficient manner. Identify and help address challenges that affect the proper stewardship and optimal utilization of program assets and resources (financial, human, and material). Proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being within the operations and RESAP team. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high-quality programming.
• Provide guidance of internal processes for approving expenses, monitoring spending, and making budget adjustments in line with operational and programmatic needs and with donor requirements.
• Coordinate compliance with the country program, the agency and donor requirements and local laws and regulations through periodic systems checks, review and assessment of operations policies and procedures. Coordinate response to issues that emerge from internal and external audits and provide guidance to implement improvements.
• Help maintain the proper conditions for learning - a safe environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Identify capacity strengthening needs and provide guidance for project teams and partners, which includes cross-departmental learning.
• Perform specific responsibilities of Head of Operations Persona in Insight such as approving new suppliers, review and approve Purchase Orders (PO), Contract Purchase Agreement (CPA) and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and ensure all procurement documentation is attached. Approve Cycle Count and override costing transactions for any issue in the entry. And review Supply Chain Reports and ensure proper maintenance of the system.
• Review agreements for consistency and compliance for the RESAP Project.  Support annual ICQ process for the Philippines CP.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other relevant field. Masters degree will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in operations management, logistics, finance or administration management level position with progressive responsibilities. Experience in operations processes for donor grant management is a plus.
• Additional education may substitute for some experience; additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Required Languages – Fluent in written and spoken Filipino and English. 

Travel – This job will require travel 20% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Good relations management abilities. Ability to work collaboratively
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications 

• Management experience a plus. Experience with an INGO is preferred.
• Understanding of financial systems, including budgeting and budget/expense analysis experience preferred. Knowledge of SunSystems and Vision accounting software or similar financial reporting software a plus.
• Knowledge of multiple public donors’ regulations, including USAID, FCDO, UN agencies, a plus.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment is preferred. 
• Experience in kaizen, six sigma or agile project management, a plus. 
• Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  RESAP Procurement Officer, CRS Procurement Officer 

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal             :             Operations Supervisor, Admin Manager, Head of Programs, Head of Office (Cotabato)

External             :             Private offices, banks, partners, beneficiaries

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.  

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.