Expertise France is looking for a Deputy Team Leader, based in Turkey (expatriate), who will play a vital role in leading and ensuring that all support functions (admin/finance, procurement/logistics) provide high quality and efficient support to the VET4JOB programme implementation in Turkey. The post-holder will be directly responsible for ensuring that the VET4JOB programme operates in accordance with the Expertise France procedures and regulations.
The Deputy Team Leader will support the Team Leader in the management and coordination of the VET4JOB programme so as to ensure efficient and quality implementation of the activities. To this end, s/he will supervise national operations/support staff within the team based in Ankara, Turkey.
The main purpose of the Deputy Team Leader position is to ensure that all support functions are providing high quality and efficient support to the VET4JOB programme implementation. The Deputy Team Leader will oversee all support/operations functions under Phase II of the programme. Considering the overlap period between Phase I and Phase II from March to September 2024, the post-holder may be involved in Phase I to some extent.
The following list of tasks and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and may evolve according to needs.
Main responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic development, management and implementation of the support operations;
- Contribute to the strategic planning and piloting of the programme, including by providing relevant information and progress report on expenditures and procurement;
- Set up, supervise and follow-up on management tools, especially with regards to procurement and contract management;
- In collaboration with the Team Leader, update project planning and follow-up documents/tools;
- Ensure support for annual programme planning and review processes;
- In close collaboration with the Team Leader, ensure adequate coordination and alignment of operational support with programme plans;
- Support the Team Leader in daily project and team management as required, and act as interim Team Leader when required;
- Supervise all contractual aspects of the programme, in coordination with the Project Managers at HQ, and the Expertise France Department of Legal Affairs;
- Within the framework of the VET4JOB programme, ensure compliance of all processes related to procurement, logistics, finance and HR/administration with the Expertise France procedures and guidelines, within the country;
- Ensure the existence of effective and efficient support services in areas of finance, administration, HR, and procurement;
- Contribute to the review and improvement of procedures and tools related to the VET4JOB programme, and develop additional tools as necessary;
- Line and functional management of support team managers (Finance/admin and Procurement/logistics) and overall supervision of support team members;
- Ensure timely and appropriate communication with the Team Leader, Projects Managers (HQ) and Heads of Unit (HQ), concerning all issues related to finance, procurement, administration and human resources, and work proactively to resolve differences and prioritize time-sensitive tasks;
- Act as focal point for auditors during audits of the VET4JOB programme, and oversee the preparation of all audits related to the programme, preparing audit responses and ensuring implementation of accepted recommendations.
Professional competencies and experiences:
- Minimum 5 yearsโ experience in a senior management or similar position, with exposure to procurement and administrative procedures;
- Masterโs degree in international development, economics, business management, accountancy, or any other relevant field;
- Proven operational experience in at least one of the following thematic areas: finance, procurement, administration. Good understanding of all three thematic areas would be a strong asset;
- Proven experience in grants management (preparation of contracts, administrative and financial follow-up, accounting and financial control, tender processes, etc.);
- Advanced knowledge of finance, procurement, and admin procedures, and in particular of French and European public procurement procedures and regulations;
- Knowledge of European Union rules and regulations is strongly preferred;
- Experience in implementation of international technical assistance projects would be considered an advantage;
- Experience working on large-scale development programmes would be desirable;
- High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel);
- Prior experience in Turkey would be an asset;
- Prior experience with Expertise France or AFD is highly desirable.
Behavioural competencies:
- High degree of initiative, autonomy, and pro-activity;
- Strong teamwork capacity and advanced people skills;
- Advanced organisational skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask;
- Planning and delivering results;
- Managing resources to optimize results;
- Communicating with impact and respect.
Language skills:
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal;
- Prior knowledge of Turkish language would be a strong asset but not mandatory; willingness/commitment to learn Turkish basics is required;
- Working knowledge of French would be an asset.
Conditions:
- Type of contract: Fixed-term contract (full-time, expatriate)
- Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 4 years)
- Duty station: Ankara, Turkey, with possible travels to areas of intervention across Turkey
- Preferred start date: 1st March 2024