Reference number: 2025006
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
Regional Business Services Manager- Africa CIMMYT
Overview
The regional Business Services Manager will play a critical role in strengthening governance, risk management and operational efficiency across country offices within the region for Business Services. This position aims to ensure that country offices are aligned with the organizational goals, adhere to policy, and operate effectively with their strategic mandates. The role will involve regular monitoring , capacity building and strategic advisory to enhance the overall performance and accountability of country operations
Duties and responsibilities
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1. Strategic Support and Alignment
- Conduct regular assessments of country
office operations to ensure alignment with organizational mission, strategic
objectives, and regional priorities.
- Review the strategic impact of country
office activities and initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for
improvement or adjustments.
2. Governance and Compliance
- Verify adherence to organizational
policies, Delegation of Authority (DOA), and compliance standards in BS areas.
- Conduct spot checks or audits of
country office operations to ensure compliance with governance requirements,
providing recommendations for corrective action if necessary.
- Collaborate with Finance to review
compliance, holding country offices accountable for any irregularities or mismanagement.
3. Operational Effectiveness
- Monitor the operational performance of
country offices, identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies in key areas
(procurement, fleet, travel, etc.).
- Assist country offices in implementing
process improvements and capacity-building initiatives to enhance operational
efficiency.
- Provide high-level support to ensure
the effective utilization of resources (e.g., fleet, facilities) and alignment
with cost management strategies.
4. Workforce and Talent Development
- Evaluate leadership and management
practices within country offices, providing mentorship and guidance to enhance
team engagement and morale.
- Support talent development
initiatives, focusing on building local capacity in alignment with
organizational needs and regional strategies.
- Work with HR to address workforce gaps
and implement strategies to strengthen team cohesion and performance across the
region.
5. Risk Management and Compliance in
Procurement and Contracts
- Evaluate leadership and management
practices within country offices, providing mentorship and guidance to enhance
team engagement and morale.
- Support talent development
initiatives, focusing on building local capacity in alignment with
organizational needs and regional strategies.
- Work
with HR to address workforce gaps and implement strategies to strengthen team
cohesion and performance across the region.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and
Representation
- Strengthen relationships with local
suppliers, to enhance the organization’s reputation and ensure alignment with local
practices.
- Act as a representative of the
Regional/H? team in country offices, building trust and ensuring effective
communication with key stakeholders.
Requirements
- Advanced degree in Business
Administration, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related
field.
- Minimum
7 years of relevant experience in regional structures, operations management,
governance, or a similar role within an international organization.
Education, knowledge and experience
•Advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field.
•Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in regional structures, operations management, governance, or a similar role within an international organization.
Terms and conditions
•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
•The appointment will be for two (2) years, including a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
Application process
The application deadline is 04 Feb 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.
