Back Operations Manager

Position: Operations Manager

Division: Stabilization & Development - CIT

Location: Berlin, Germany

Background

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Summary

Creative Associates International (Creative) seeks an Operations Manager who will be responsible for managing systems and processes—and building when necessary-- for the successful operation of (2) two Middle East-based projects: FURAT which focuses on governance and local councils; and Al Rashad which focuses on community policing. The Operations Manager will manage operations of the two projects, and direct operational, administrative, and compliance functions of the project on behalf of Creative providing operational and administrative support to the program. The role may serve as lead in the absence of COP, and liaise with the client, other implementing partners and any other key stakeholders at the direction of the COP.

The Operations Manager will be based in Berlin, Germany and will report to the COP for FURAT & Al Rashad and work closely with the Creative home office team.

Responsibilities for two projects:

• Manage Operations Team and ensure coordination among the operations and program teams.
• Oversee all operations functions (Administration, IT, Procurement, Consultants, Grants) and ensure Operational aspects of the project are implemented according to Creative, US Government and German Government policies and procedures.
• In coordination with direct reports, ensure all operational issues are resolved quickly, and as necessary elevate problems to the COP and/or HQ team.
• Provide mentorship and professional development to the members of the Operations Team.
• Oversee subcontracts and procurement alongside programs team, liaising with HQ to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Oversee Security SOPs and reporting.
• Manage team of Middle East-based consultants.
• Provide reviews and oversight of partner procurements depending on threshold.
• Serve as Grants Manager for German funded activities under Al Rashad.
• Carry out policies and procedures in place required for all operational transactions across project in coordination with home office and COP to ensure full compliance with Creative policies and US and German Government regulations.
• With the Finance Manager, support ensuring financial controls and cash management policies and procurement policies and procedures are followed.
• Provide training and mentoring to partners and staff to strengthen capacity.
• Share knowledge of Creative policies with the teams to foster an organizational culture where Creative’s values are practiced.

Required Qualifications

· At least 6 years of general work experience.

· At least 4 years’ experience managing operations in complex environments.

· At least 3 years’ supervisory experience.

· Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as political science, public policy, business administration.

· Demonstrated experience in overseeing compliance, operational, and administrative management functions.

· Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and ethical management.

· Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee multiple complex tasks simultaneously.

· Experience managing large programs, with demonstrated capacity to create and/or maintain complex systems and procedures involving multiple implementation sites, multiple partners, and diverse staff and beneficiaries.

· Ability to effectively manage multi-disciplinary team of professionals.

· Fluency in English.

Desired Qualifications

· Experience with US Government policies, procedures, and regulations, agreement compliance, financial planning and management, procurement, subaward management, and other management support areas.

· Experience working post-conflict stabilization activities.

· Working knowledge of Middle Eastern politics.

· Working knowledge of either German or Arabic.