Reference number: 2025006
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
Regional Business Services Manager- Africa CIMMYT
Overview 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.
Duties and responsibilities
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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/H? 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.
Education, knowledge and experience • 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.
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.
Application process The application deadline is 04 Feb 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.
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