CIMMYT is looking for a:
Regional Business Services Manager- Africa
CIMMYT seeks an ambitious finance professional to oversee its financial operations an services in Africa. High-quality and high-performance finance operations as an integral part the African Operations Chapter will support CIMMYT’s primary process of supporting the Science and Innovation for a Food and Nutrition Secure World.
This position will lead effective decentralized financial accounting processes and respective finance country staff for CIMMYT’s African operations. The candidate develops, implement and maintains financial policies, procedures, and systems in the Regions and oversees an leads a high-performing team of finance professionals.
This position will support the Regional Director and Management by providing strategic leadership, aligning country/ regional activities with institutional goals, facilitating coordination between HǪ and country/regional offices, and making localized decisions to address specific challenges and opportunities. Oversight, monitoring/ assurance and compliance are essential aspects of this function.
Collaborate closely with other Regional Managers and focal points of the Operations Chapter to ensure the seamless adaptation and implementation of policies, procedures, and ne system architecture (e.g., ERP and contract systems), focusing on process improvement while maintaining business continuity during the transition.
Summary of responsibilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/HǪ 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.
Personal attributes and competencies
- Strong knowledge of compliance frameworks, DOA policies, and operational best practices.
- Familiarity with BS functional areas such as procurement, fleet and travel within decentralized structures.
- Proven experience in internal control, or strategic compliance.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at various levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and address complex operational challenges.
- High adaptability and cultural sensitivity to work effectively across diverse regional contexts.
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.
How to apply
Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies
- The application deadline is 04 February 2025.
- CV and Cover Letter should be in PDF and Labelled with the applicants First and Second Names.
- We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer. Staff diversity contributes to excellence.