Regional Operations Leader at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

Purpose of the position

The Regional Operations Leader is part of the management team of the Regional Office and, as such, is expected to be participative in the development of the Africa Regional Office’s plans and strategies as well as supportive to R&D’s activities in the region.

The Regional Operations Leader provides operational and strategic support that guarantees the development and sustainability of DNDi’s activities in the region through coherent processes that are aligned with Geneva and known by all global functions.

• The Regional Operations Leader contributes to shaping DNDi model through engineering of innovative partnering schemes. S/he ensures consistency in the management of key partners & suppliers across disease areas while engaging partners together with other senior leaders of the organization to create “value for patients”
• Provides vision, strategic drive, operational coherence and effectiveness to support the development of the organization and the implementation of the activities for Africa Regional Office
• The position therefore overseeing all the operations functions, i.e., Finance, Administration, HR, Information Systems and Technology (IST), Business Development (BD), Legal, Compliance and Monitoring & Evaluation functions within the region

Job requirementsSkills and attributes

• Very strong negotiation, and influencing skills, with experience in managing and collaborating with external partners
• Proactive and energizing leader with demonstrated leadership and management experience
• Strategic thinker with capability to translate into and deliver on operational plans
• Strong ability to use initiative, prioritize, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Well organized and structured with very clear and systematic thinking demonstrating analytical skills and problem-solving competencies
• Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively as part of a multicultural team
• Large project management and leadership track records
• Very strong experience in organizational effectiveness and compliance improvement including risk management

Experience

• Minimum 10 to 12 years’ experience with at least 3 to 5 years in a Senior leadership/Management position in a similar role or in one or several areas in scope of the position
• Experience of Management or Leadership Committee membership with dedicated scope and responsibilities
• Management experience of large and/or multi-disciplinary or multi-functional teams
• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable
• International background or experience would be an added advantage

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, Finance, Business, Management, or any relevant discipline, ideally completed by a degree in Public Health

Responsibilities

Specific job responsibilitiesStrategy & planning

• In coordination with the Director of Africa Regional Office Nairobi, provide leadership in the development of an integrated annual work plan and budget for projects’ operations and development and monitor its adequate implementation in compliance with overall strategic priorities and Regional Road Map (RRP) as approved by the Board
• Performance management - Ensure that an adequate structure is are in place to support effective achievement of projects goals and operations, including the implementation of the M&E framework for the regional activities and office
• Ensure that the action plan and budget development process for the regional office occurs timely in line with DNDi’s strategic and operational planning schedule.

Partnership management

• In collaboration with the project manager, draw and ensure signing of agreements with partners periodically and oversee transversal partnership arrangements in collaboration with the various team leads
• Support the finance team for internal alignment and orientation to lead the negotiation of third parties’ budget preparation process and ensure the same are aligned to budgets as approved by the DNDi Board
• Provides guidance and support to the Finance team in aligning with the partners supporting on-going projects with regards to good financial practices, training, and activity or administrative monitoring

Financial management

Support the development of the finance regional function on:

• Ensuring adequate resources are allocated to the finance function and support change management in the finance department to achieve the development of the finance hub in Nairobi

• Provides guidance and support to the Finance team with respect to:

  • Flow of financial information and efficient reporting system to support decision making process in the Africa Regional Office
  • Development of donors’ management competencies, financial control functions, and budgetary planning

HR, administrative & legal functions

• Oversees the HR function for Nairobi Office and accountable for adequate staffing, work assignment and quality of HR services provided
• Contributes to HR Global team, to the People strategy, to HR global projects, and ensures application of global HR policies and HR tools (HRIS) in the Nairobi office
• Propose improvements to the HR function in the Nairobi office to support the strengthening of regional leadership and the creation of global leadership positions
• Accountable for HR compliance with national law, with DNDi HR global policies and guidelines, and ensures application of DNDi Code of Conduct
• Ensure a sound regional governance model that provide an operational framework (e.g. legal entity structure) for the Africa Regional Office DNDi entities that is aligned to the global strategy. Also, what Ops connection with the “new” LEAP set-up and connection with support services in the NBO office?
• Ensure appropriate insurance contracts are in place
• Oversee all taxation and tax returns in collaboration with the Finance and Legal teams

Quality management and compliance

• Responsible to implement the overall DNDi Compliance framework for the Africa Regional Office office and lead efforts geared towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations in accordance with DNDi’s policies and procedures (incl. with Africa Regional Office’s Quality Manual)
• Lead the risk assessment and mitigation strategy implementation for Africa Regional Office

Global operations projects

• Represent Africa Regional Office and participate as an active member of the Global Operations Team
• Provide expertise and supports and where possible, lead global operations projects or initiatives

The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.

Reporting line

• The Regional Operations Leader reports to the Director, Africa Regional Office with dotted line to Strategy and Operations Director
• Directly supervises all Operations functions leaders in Africa Regional Office, e.g. potentially Finance, HR, Legal, Compliance, IST, BD
• Secondary supervisor to the M&E Manager