Director Program Operations, Esho Shikhi “Come and Learn” Activity

Winrock International is recruiting applicants for the position of Director Program Operations, Esho Shikhi “Come and Learn” Activity for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project Esho Shikhi “Come and Learn” in Bangladesh. The objective of the project is to develop new and innovative approaches that can improve the learning outcomes of marginalized Bangladeshi children in marginalized communities. The project will accomplish this goal by increasing learning opportunities, improving the quality of education, building the capacity of national officials, district officials, teachers and communities to support education, and building communities’ capacity to respond to disasters. This position is contingent upon donor approval. The Director Program Operations will be based in Dhaka with occasional regional travel to implementation areas throughout Bangladesh. The Director will assist and support the Chief of Party (COP) to ensure project activities are delivered on schedule, in compliance with USG regulations, and according to USAID and Government of Bangladesh expectations. The selected individual will oversee and provide expertise in project activity planning and implementation tasks related to operations and coordination; and handle administrative and supervisory responsibilities as specified by the COP. The Director will oversee internal planning and coordinate cross unit operations. These functions will be done in coordination with all technical and operational units. The Director will supervise the procurement, human resource and administrative units. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise Procurement and Administration staff while overseeing the function of procurement and administrative processes and protocols to support project operations and programmatic implementation. Lead Human Resource management in close collaboration with Associate Director Human Resources. Oversea procurement and administrative functions in close collaboration with Operations and Administration Manager. Provide internal coordination support to the Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) in the operation of technical components, providing programmatic leadership and contributing to the strategic planning of activities in support of the project’s goals and objectives. Support COP and DCOP, along with Winrock’s Home Office and field team, to prepare and submit timely and accurate activity, financial, and procurement reports as required. Contribute to results-oriented technical components and high-quality and timely deliverables and reports, focusing on synergistic coordination of all operational areas. Ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations. Work closely with the project management staff to ensure effective, timely and coordinated project implementation. Focus on achieving results in all areas on schedule and maintain positive relationships with USAID, government officials, partners, and implementing partners. Coordinate activities with vendors and closely collaborate with key staff on implementing activities; focus on achieving results in all areas on schedule and maintain positive relationships with government officials, civil society and other implementing partners. 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 labelling of all property. Supervise and coordinate project security for the project’s office with Home Office, Project Security Focal Point and COP; ensure office and project security is enforced. Ensure all program events are properly coordinated and all approvals in place before proceeding. Other duties as assigned by the COP. QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND: Education: Master’s level degree required in international development, business, education, human resource management, political science, or a relevant discipline combined with progressive management work experience. Work Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years demonstrated managerial experience and/or operational team leadership experience. Experience managing large USAID-funded activities ($20 million and above) to the highest ethical standard, with knowledge of USAID contract management. Demonstrated leadership and administrative skills in the management of complex, multi-activity and multi-year programming, and delivering them on time and on budget. Demonstrated success in motivating and supervising diverse teams of employees who may be spread across multiple organizations and/or locations. Experience in designing and managing protocols related to procurement, operations, and contract administration. Contribute to the preparation of consultant agreements, performing due diligence in checking salary information, education credentials, and background checks per Winrock’s consultant guidance. Manage and train the project Operations team to support Human Resources, Procurement, Office Administrative functions. Skills: Knowledge or understanding of social, economic, and political context governing education and social inclusion issues in Bangladesh. Experience providing operational support to formal or informal education programs, leadership trainings, and local organization capacity building. Knowledge of US Government regulations, policies, and procedures or those of an equivalently complex international government funding organization. Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, conflict, and ethical management skills. Fluency in English and Bengali. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Computer literate in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (Microsoft). About Winrock International 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. Learn more about our projects: https://winrock.org