Senior Director of Operations, USAID Agricultural Inputs

POSITION TITLE: Senior Director of Operations, USAID Agricultural Inputs Location: Kathmandu, Nepal UNIT: Agriculture, Resilience & Water Reports to: Chief of Party USAID Agricultural Inputs is a new five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FTF) activity in Nepal. The aim of USAID Agricultural Inputs is to increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to improve Nepal’s agricultural productivity. The activity is implemented by Winrock International in collaboration with five organizations: Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy, Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), MarketShare Associates (MSA), Pathway Technology, Fertilizer Association Nepal (FAN), and Vikara Institute. USAID Agricultural Inputs will enable lead firms, agrovets, input suppliers, local machinery service providers, and Government of Nepal (GON) change agents and farmers to increase productivity, input supply chain efficiency, market system competitiveness, and strengthen the enabling environment in a way that equitably addresses the needs of women, youth, and members of marginalized groups. USAID Agricultural Inputs will benefit 200,000 farmers in the FTF zone of influence. POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Senior Director of Operations will be responsible for all partnership, procurement, financial, administration, and human resources functions and staff to ensure resources are used effectively, efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with Winrock, USAID, and all relevant local requirements. The position will provide strategic guidance and advise to the Chief of Party on all operations and finance related matters. The position will work in close coordination with Winrock International’s home office project management team and supporting units. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Administration and Human Resources Oversee the administration of operational and human resources programs with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), including but not limited to compensation and salary reviews, benefits, annual and sick leave, disciplinary matters, disputes and investigations, performance and talent management, recognition and morale, occupational health and safety, trainings and professional development, procurement, project travel, and records and filing systems. Lead an effective, timely, transparent, and inclusive hiring and on-boarding process. Ensure all employees, local consultants, subcontractors, short-term technical assistance, and leasing contracts comply with local labor laws. Ensure regular updating of the Employee Handbook and communications to staff regarding job expectations and to enforce systems, policies, and procedures. Coordinate with local legal counsel as needed. Finance Working together with the Director of Finance, the Senior Director of Operations will: Oversee all project budgets and sub-budgets including budget realignments, forecasting, and annual budgeting, cross-checking budget line items with technical activities. Oversee monitoring of monthly financial performance in relation to budgets and forecasts, obligated funds, commitments, and advances to subcontractors and consultants. Oversee detailed analyses of costs, budgets, contract, and funding agency requirements as needed. Ensure compliance with Winrock and USAID financial policies for the project and its subcontractors through regular reviews, approval workflows, trainings, etc. Partnerships Oversee all aspects of the projects grants and procurement processes. Coordinate effective communication between project departments in order to develop high-quality, well informed, and Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI)-responsive/transformative grant proposals and narrative reports. Collaborate with MEL team to design, implement, and provide oversight for a comprehensive grant monitoring and evaluation system including tools for thoughtful, transparent, timely, and inclusive procurement. Facilitate training and mentoring to program, operations, cross-cutting teams, and MEL staff in compliance with Winrock and USAID regulations, policies, and best practices to ensure high quality implementation. General Oversee all administrative, HR, financial, and procurement reporting as required in compliance with Winrock, USAID, and all relevant local requirements. Liaise with Winrock US program management, operations, contracts, finance, and procurement support units as needed. Host Winrock representatives in procurement, financial oversight, contractual compliance, award and grants management, and program administration as needed. Oversee project safety and security functions. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, international development, international relations, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Required Experience & Skills A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience including in financial and operations management roles. Demonstrated experience in Human Resource Management including implementing HR policies, procedures, and systems including recruitment. Experience overseeing procurement processes and compliance. Demonstrated experience in partnership management, including compliance with organizational and donor policies and procedures. Strong personnel management and supervisory skills. Refined management, organization, communication, and decision-making competencies. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft 365). Language Requirements: Fluent Nepali, Advanced/Professional English. HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates can post their cover letter and CV to Jobs.AgInputs@winrock.org. Applications will be received on a rolling basis until 16 September 2023. Applicants should reference ‘Senior Director of Operations’ in the subject line. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSABILITY (DEIA): Winrock International seeks to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish equal employment opportunities devoid of discrimination, misconduct, fraud, and abuse. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and Localization guides our practices not just in hiring, but also in staff retention, growth, and policy implementation. This commitment signifies that we value diversity in all its forms including age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and cultural background. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry of the communities in which we live and work. 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