Regional Operations Manager at AVSI Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya

    AVSI Foundation logo

    Regional Operations Manager

    AVSI FoundationNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    2 weeks ago

    Apply by

    30 Aug

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Charity, NGO & Non-Profit
    Management & Business Development

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    Job Description

    Under the lead of the Regional Manager, this role is key to developing and implementing country workplans and strategy, ensuring compliance with AVSI policies and local laws, and supervising Country Operations Managers. The position oversees budget management, donor compliance, and financial reporting, while also supporting program development and staff capacity building across the ESA region.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Under the lead of the Regional Manager (RM), play a key role in the development and implementation of the countries workplans and strategy.
    • Ensure compliance with AVSI policies, procedures and local laws.
    • Develop and implement annual departmental plans.
    • Supervise Country Operations Managers.
    • Countries' budget oversight: Monitor budgets, actual expenses, monitor cash flows and report financial performance regularly to management.
    • Ensure project implementation meets donors' compliance requirements.
    • Support Country Operations on administrative and financial aspects.
    • Oversee budget elaboration and revisions and financial reporting.
    • Support the development and maintenance of countries financial documents, procedures, guidance, and tools, including strategy, ensuring consistency across the countries program and in line with organizational standards.
    • Ensure that budgeting, accounting, year-end procedures, and other financial processes take place in adherence to AVSI policies and procedures, and donor and auditor requirements.
    • Ensure controls, risk mitigation and compliance procedures are in place.
    • Support Country Operations Manager in the revision of key supply contracts and their management.
    • Supervise international and national procurement process.
    • Performance management process: setting clear goals aligned to strategic priorities and follow up and support operations staff's achievement.
    • Train and develop ESA operations staff capacity on administrative, financial and budgeting responsibilities.
    • Plan national and international operations staff requirements together with RM/RHR.
    • Draw up plans, proposals and budgets for new projects.
    • Proactively contribute to program development and strategy.
    • As a member of the Strategic Management Team, actively engage in problem solving through informed and innovative solutions.
    • Supervise compliance with local legislation and provide support regarding legal issues.

    Required Qualifications

    • University degree in Business Administration, Economics or equivalent field.
    • Master's degree in relevant field would be an added advantage.
    • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or audit roles, preferably within INGOs, multinational organizations, or complex operational environments.
    • At least 5 years previous field experience in an NGO, ideally in a similar role.
    • Computer skills: Excellent knowledge of the main Office IT tools + accounting and ERP software.
    • Demonstrated excellent ability to coordinate, supervise and manage multiple teams, and maintain strong relationships with donors, and other stakeholders.
    • Proven track record of supporting a senior management team, and providing strategic support.
    • Excellent knowledge of the requirements of major donors, experience in budgeting and reporting to donors, and in managing external audits.
    • Excellent planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organize a workload comprised of varying and changing tasks and responsibilities.
    • Strong capacities of financial management and planning.
    • Good attention to detail and analytical skills.
    • Patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills in English and French, with experience in managing multicultural teams.
    • Previous experience in the ESA Region will be considered an advantage.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Management & Business Development

    Minimum Experience

    10 years

    Education Level

    Bachelor’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Business

    Field of Study

    Business Administration

    Languages

    English, French

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Send your application to the email address provided in the job posting. If no email is listed, visit the application link on this page to submit your application.

    Master Donor Compliance and Financial Oversight

    This role sits at the heart of AVSI's operations in the ESA region, where donor rules and financial discipline decide project success. Hiring managers will look for proof that you can manage multi-country budgets, enforce compliance, and lead teams under pressure.

    1. Show your INGO finance track record: On your CV, quantify your experience with donor budgets, audits, and compliance. For example, mention the size of budgets you've overseen and the number of countries you've supported.

    2. Prepare for scenario questions: Expect questions about handling budget cuts, donor reporting deadlines, or compliance breaches. Practice structured answers that show your decision-making process.

    3. Highlight your ERP and accounting skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with specific ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and how you've used them to improve financial reporting.

    4. Demonstrate strategic thinking: This role is not just about numbers; it's about aligning financial plans with program goals. Share examples of how you've contributed to strategy development.

    5. Show your team leadership style: You'll supervise Country Operations Managers, so be prepared to talk about how you motivate, train, and develop staff across different cultures.

    6. Know the major donors: Familiarize yourself with the requirements of key donors like USAID, EU, or UN agencies. Mention any specific experience you have with their compliance rules.

    7. Communicate your adaptability: The role requires patience and flexibility. Give examples of how you've thrived in changing environments and managed multiple priorities.

    8. Leverage your French skills: Since French is required, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency. If you're not fluent, consider taking a refresher course before the interview.

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    Tags

    operations management
    financial management
    donor compliance
    INGO
    strategic planning