Role 

The Manager, Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight for operational functions across Evidence Action’s Kenya offices. This includes leadership of IT, procurement, and administrative teams, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals. Working closely with country leadership, the Manager, Operations will design and execute operational strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness and deliver measurable results.

This position plays a critical role in shaping and driving operational excellence to support Evidence Action’s mission in Kenya. The Manager, Operations will act as a key resource for strategic planning, coordination, and problem-solving, ensuring that the organization operates effectively and efficiently across diverse locations.

Responsibilities 

Strategic Operations Leadership (30%)

• Develop and implement operational strategies to align with organizational goals and enhance performance across locations.
• Provide thought leadership and guidance on operational systems, policies, and processes to drive efficiency and innovation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational frameworks with programmatic needs and organizational priorities.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of operational activities to ensure compliance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring continuity and resilience across all locations.

Team Management and Capacity Building (25%)

• Lead, mentor, and manage the operations team, including IT, procurement, and administrative staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Define team goals and performance metrics, ensuring regular reporting and progress evaluation.
• Facilitate training and professional development opportunities to ensure team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel.
• Promote a collaborative and innovative team environment that prioritizes creativity, proactive solutions, and continuous improvement.

Operational Oversight and Coordination (20%)

• Supervise administrative services, including office management, logistics, and workplace safety, ensuring alignment with organizational policies.
• Oversee the management of lease agreements and service contracts, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance.
• Ensure the implementation of robust IT and procurement systems that align with Evidence Action’s standards and policies.
• Coordinate resource allocation and support for field offices to address unique challenges and operational needs.

Policy Development and Compliance (15%)

• Lead the formulation, implementation, and review of operational policies to ensure alignment with global best practices and local regulatory requirements.
• Monitor adherence to policies and procedures across all operational activities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective measures.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for organizational audits related to operations.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting (10%)

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of operational activities.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and optimize operational processes.

Key performance Indicators- The following key results have an impact on the execution of the role in the Country Office: 

• High quality, appropriate, and well-managed implementation of operations and country administration services across Kenya. 
• Over 90% satisfaction rating from both internal and external partners on the efficiency of the operations unit in terms of management of partner relations at country level.
• Demonstrated cost-effectiveness in all lease engagements and logistics management in the region. 

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage
• 6 years of experience working with NGO or large multi-national organizations, managing a mid-size team of experienced operations teams across various locations
• Self-directed and self-motivating personality, with proven ability to manage demands from multiple clients while adhering to deadlines and priorities
• Experience with creating budgets, budget management and understanding of local laws related to the subject and best practices
• High level of competency in computer skills, MS Office including Excel and PowerPoint is essential
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization
• Strategic and tactical critical thinker with good analytical and problem-solving skills
• A confident decision-maker who can communicate directions and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical staff
• Understanding of the business role of operations functions within the programs and organization, and to set objectives based on that
• Demonstrated leadership in managing others
• A performance philosophy focused on metrics
• Good English - written and verbal competence
• Preferred Product Knowledge: Windows 7, 10, Microsoft Office 2013-16, Google Enterprise Apps and Box cloud storage