MANAGER, REGIONAL OPERATIONS (AFRICA)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance works with local, national and multinational partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa, and with the public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

The Manager, Regional Operations, is responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive array of Operations services for The Alliance in Africa.  The position works in partnership with Procurement/Logistics & Security Operations, Legal Counsel, and Information Technology teams (both in the Region and Headquarters) to ensure the development and implementation of administrative/operations strategies in the Africa region and will report to the Senior Manager for Business Operations and Finance in the Region

The position will lead an internal team to support Operations (Procurement/Logistics, Security, Protocol, Administration) in the Region and will play an oversight role to operations associates located in the different country offices in Africa.

Key duties & responsibilities

Oversight role:

• Lead cost/benefit analysis activities in the Region, formulate and implement necessary measures including cost saving and operational efficiency improvement opportunities.
  
• Assist the Regional Business Operation and Finance to oversee Alliance operations to ensure compliance with respective host country agreements and monitor the proper use of privileges and immunities extended to The Alliance. This includes contributing to prepare annual reports on project activities and achievements for submission to the host governments to enable The Alliance maintains good standing with host African Governments.
  
• Contribute to the development, ensure the adaptation and implementation of The Alliance's general policies and regulations in the Region.
  
• Actively participate in the planning and review of regional operations as a member of the regional operations team.
  
• Facilitate management of risk in areas that The Alliance operates in Africa by working with other stakeholders to identify and mitigate threat to avoid or lessen losses to the organization.
  
• Focal point for Safety and Security in Africa for all The Alliance staff and equipment, that staff operate in a safe working environment and the duty of care responsibility of the organization is always enhanced.
  

  Procurement of goods and services:
  

  Under The Alliance's general policies on acquisition of goods and services, and in close collaboration with Logistics Unit, the incumbent will:
  

  • Manage the entire procurement process for local and international purchases and recruitment and supervision of consultants for efficiency and cost effectivenessu2010u2010includes procurement planning, shortu2010listing of vendors, solicitation and evaluation of bids, contract award, contract management, and management of relationships with suppliers and consultants.
    
  • Provide guidance, advice, and support to staff in the Africa region on policy and operational issues related to procurement and contracts.
    
  • Develop a procurement plan in collaboration with the different project leaders, administrative assistants, and unit heads.
    
  • Implement internal controls and procedures designed to ensure strict compliance with the Alliance procurement guidelines.
    
  • Ensure that each Alliance office in Africa has an upu2010tou2010date vendor listing for the supply of goods and services and constantly research to broaden and ensure a vendor base which is not only reliable but of high quality and competitively priced.
    
  • Analyze and evaluate information regarding vendor's performance with regards to quality, prices, delivery, and procurement performance in respect of The Alliance requirements.
    
  • Organize and prioritize purchases according to the nature of the request (Urgent, small items, international purchases, services etc.), assign appropriately for action and review
    
  • Coordinate and manage the operations of the Procurement Committees in the region, and lead the Negotiation process for all major purchases
    
  • Initiate and handle all insurance claims against the carrier or otherwise for purchases damaged or lost, and the processing of all related documents until final settlement.