Back Operations Director: USAID/Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

OVERVIEW:

Winrock is accepting applications for an Operations Director for the USAID/Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program. The five-year program will reduce waste in communities and municipalities, leading to cleaner oceans in the Dominican Republic. The program will support municipalities to effectively manage, reduce, recycle, and dispose of waste and by affecting change in behavior by households, communities and private companies in the handling and treatment of waste. The Operations Director will be responsible for managing and coordinating all project office and field operations across the Dominican Republic while supervising the project’s procurement, finance, grant, human resources, partners and administrative staff. In undertaking these responsibilities, the Operations Director will coordinate very closely with the Chief of Party (COP) and Home Office Project Manager to respond to requests regarding operations, procurement, grants, human resources, subcontracts, security, and compliance matters. The Operations Director will supervise project operations staff that include a human resources manager, finance manager, grants assistant, administrative assistant(s) and drivers. The position will report to the Chief of Party and be based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Operations Director will assist and support the Chief of Party (COP) in all operations needs and management of the project, oversee and provide expertise in project planning and implementation; handle administrative and supervisory responsibilities as specified by the COP. The Operations Director will oversee local partnerships and coordinate capacity building of grantees. These functions will be done in coordination with the Winrock home office, the project technical team and program staff. The Operations Director will supervise selected personnel in the project.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Train and supervise local staff on all aspects of project operations including administration, grants, security, procurement, human resources (HR), subawards and finance and ensure all procedures are followed and ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations and Winrock procedures as laid out in the Winrock project manuals.
• Develop, maintain standard operating procedures (human resources, grants, procurement, security, etc.)
• Oversee operations personnel performance in close communication with the COP.
• Oversee operations of the project office(s) ensuring timeliness, compliance, and cost principles in the procurement of goods and services.
• Support the development and updating of the project Grants Manual and oversee grantmaking operations including any required capacity building for sub-grantees.
• Develop purchase order contracts with proper quotations, selection memos in place, and background checks through Lexis Nexis as laid out in Winrock’s Finance, HR, Procurement and Security Manuals.
• Prepare consultant agreements, performing due diligence in checking salary information, education credentials, and background checks per Winrock’s consultant guidance.
• Review and approve payments prior to obtaining the COP’s approval. Ensure all supporting documentation is in place and contractual requirements are met before proceeding with payments.
• Monitor contracts to ensure consultants, subcontractors, or local vendors (as appropriate) are working within their Level or Effort and Period of Performance. Monitor contractual compliance to ensure services and/or goods are delivered within deadlines.
• Supervise the daily financial operations of contracts including cash management (disbursements, and log), banking issues, and payment procedures ensuring compliance with the Winrock Field Office Finance Manual. Communicates with the Winrock accountant to resolve any questions as needed.
• Lead the preparation of the Field Office Voucher (FOV) ensuring all vouchers and supporting documentation is clear, and approvals are attached. Prior to submission to the Home Office Accountant, ensure QuickBooks is clearly labeled, and expenses charged to the proper project accounting charge-codes as instructed by the Home office accountant.
• Work closely with the technical team to monitor financial obligations to ensure budget availability and allocability.
• Work with the Home Office in close communication with the COP to prepare accurate budget burn-rate projections and monitor expenditures using the project’s budget tracker.
• Supervise the management of project office assets and furniture ensuring the administrative staff follows the Winrock property manual procedures such as tracking, inventory management, release forms, and labeling of all property.
• Supervise and coordinate project security for the project’s office with Home Office, Director of Security and COP.
• Ensure office and project security is enforced.
• Ensure all program events are properly coordinated and all approvals in place before proceeding.
• Travel as required to project sites/offices.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, public administration, or related field.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience of which a minimum of 5 years must be direct USAID project management experience—preferably with a USAID contract implementer.
• Minimum 3 years previous experience managing teams and building the capacity of junior staff.
• Extensive knowledge of USAID regulations and policies (including 2 CFR 200).
• Experience with grants programs and program operations including human resources and procurement.
• Strong knowledge of financial management and reporting and procurement processes.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel; Experience with QuickBooks desired.
• Prior experience with contingency planning.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• English and Spanish verbal and written fluency required.
• Previous experience working in the Dominican Republic, or the Caribbean required.
• Ability to travel up to 50% to the field as necessary.

This position is not eligible for expatriate benefits and follows a Dominican Republic salary scale.

Winrock thanks all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are shortlisted will be contacted.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.

Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization.