Program Operations Manager Job at Water For People

Closing Date: Thursday, 30 September 2010

Job Title: Program Operations Manager

Company: Water For People

Location: Uganda - Kampala


Based in Kampala, Uganda, this position will coordinate all grant activities across several countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, develop implementation plans, track progress, manage donor communications, and provide business development technical expertise (to Africa country programs in particular).

Initially the position will be split between:

A more hands on supportive role of developing sanitation businesses in Uganda and Rwanda as a Regional Business Development Manager
Overall management of the project.

Over time as the project grows and workloads become more defined, it is envisaged that dedicated Business Development Managers will be appointed in Uganda and Rwanda so that the Project Operations Director can focus exclusively on the overall management of the project.

Essential Job Functions and Duties:

As Project Manager:

1.Drive innovation in the sanitation business space in line with the overall vision of the program.

2.Coordinate all grant activities globally, maintaining regular contact with all project staff and relevant Water For People staff (country coordinators and regional managers).

3.Manage the work of the Country Business Development Managers.

4.Develop project implementation plans, track progress against plans, and oversee expenditures.

5.Take a global perspective regarding lesson learned in different countries and different segments with a particular focus on identifying similarities and anomalies.

6.Maintain good relations with the Program Analyst - Methodologies and support their work in improving the overall approach of the process, integrating their suggested improvements into the processes.

7.Ensure that a good learning relationship and effective communication channels are developed between the Program Analyst - Methodologies and the Business Development Managers.

8.Maintain good relationships with Water For People Country Coordinators and ensure that the work supports and integrates into the existing program work.

As Regional Business Analyst:

1.Provide expertise in developing sanitation businesses in Uganda and Rwanda. Identify needs, opportunities, gaps, and constraints in potential sanitation markets, models, and entrepreneurs, and provide mentoring and support to sanitation businesses.

2.Conduct business landscaping studies, and oversee the management of market analysis work.

3.Engage with local government to understand and if necessary improve the regulatory operating environment for emerging sanitation businesses.

4.Document successes and failures, and share knowledge internally and externally.

5.Build trust and relationships with key local entrepreneurs, and gain an understanding of the private sector in the region.

Supervisory Duties:

This is the lead position for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Catalyzing Sanitation as a Business Project. This position will have two direct reports, Program Analyst - Methodologies, and Sr. Program Officer who will ideally be co-located in the same location. This position will also functionally oversee the work of several Business Development Analysts located worldwide (likely to be Malawi, India, and Bolivia or Peru).

Job Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

1.Demonstrated success in managing a team of innovators.

2.An understanding of how business works, what determines success or failure (both within businesses themselves and within the operating environment) and how entrepreneurs make decisions.

3.Must be flexible, have a nose for innovative entrepreneurial approaches, able to work under tight deadlines and have excellent follow through skills. Be a self-starter and work with limited supervision.

4.Comfort and confidence in communicating with entrepreneurs, and talent in communicating with diverse and international constituents.

5.Understanding of what is required when using international grant funds, in terms of effectiveness and accountability.

6.Excellent verbal/written communications and presentation skills. Good analytical skills and the ability to extrapolate lessons to other situations.

7.Some knowledge of the sanitation sector is preferable but not essential.

Education or Formal Training

A bachelor degree in a relevant subject is preferred. The relevance of your actual educational qualifications to this programme should be indicated in your application - noting how you have used your qualifications to help develop successful businesses in particular locations.

Experience

1.Seven years directly related experience is preferred.

2.Experience with running or investing in a business in a developing country, particularly in the informal sector, would be helpful but is not essential.

3.Experience working and negotiating in a developing country context.

Material and Equipment Directly Used

1. Personal computer

2. Telephone

3. General office equipment including but not limited to fax machine, photocopier, printer, etc.

Working Environment/Physical Activities

1. Based in Water For People's Office in Kampala, Uganda. Office environment.

2. Ability to travel regularly domestically and internationally as needed, often to remote field locations.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV detailing relevant experience to careers@waterforpeople.org

Reference Code: RW_89GN5T-5