Global Operations Manager - Africa

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.  

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Provide operational and strategic leadership for IFDC’s global operations and facilities, collaborating with the COO to support execution of IFDC’s operational strategy; and lead key initiatives and projects, particularly in Africa, to enhance effectiveness, in alignment with organizational goals;
• Formulate advice and recommendations for senior management on all operations and facilities functions, including local law, all organizational country registrations, policies, and procedures across all IFDC countries, but most specifically in Africa and Asia;
• Lead and recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to drive continual improvement in operational effectiveness and efficiency;
• Plan and direct global operations and facilities activities with the support of Operations staff.

Operational Analysis and Improvement

• Supervise the Operations, Procurement, Security, and Maintenance units within the Operations & Facilities Department;
• Oversee global travel, office management, security, insurance renewals, government registration, and fleet management;
• Oversee procurement and contractual operations, serving as the institutional resource for global assets, security, and office management. Regularly assess procurement and travel policies to ensure alignment with IFDC's objectives and staff well-being priorities;
• Continuously assess workflows and processes, identifying and implementing operational improvements using methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma;
• Track and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate and enhance operational effectiveness;
• Oversee the establishment and closure of IFDC offices, ensuring compliance with local laws and effective support for field teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a cross-departmental liaison, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on strategic initiatives between Corporate Services, HR, IT, Communications, Research, and Program teams;
• Support and lead change management efforts related to new systems, processes, and operational tools;
• Bridge the gap between research, programs, and operations to optimize efficiency and alignment with IFDC’s mission.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Contribute to the development and enforcement of policies and procedures, ensuring IFDC’s compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and local laws (including registration laws);
• Lead risk management efforts, developing mitigation plans to ensure organizational continuity and safety;
• Oversee compliance with health and safety standards, procurement, facilities management, and donor requirements.

Facility Management

• Lead the establishment, registration, setup, and closure of IFDC offices, ensuring compliance with local laws, effective contracts for office and housing space, and coordination of leasehold improvements, insurance, and IT infrastructure;
• Oversee the setup and development of offices, including contracts for office and housing space, leasehold improvements, and IT;
• Manage inventory and asset databases, lead regular asset verification, and oversee risk mitigation through insurance.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field. Advanced certifications in process improvement (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) or project management are desirable;
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operations management, strategy, or project management with a strong background in leading cross-functional teams in international settings;
• Demonstrated success in optimizing operations within a global or multi-regional context;
• Proficiency in data analysis and business intelligence tools, with the ability to provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership;
• Experience in risk management and compliance, particularly in relation to safety, procurement, and financial oversight;
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams across diverse, multidisciplinary environments;
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively across Africa and other regions to ensure alignment with operational goals and support country-level teams.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position will report to the VP of Corporate Services. The Global Operations Manager is part of the Global Operations Team within the Corporate Services.     

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at an IFDC office based in Africa.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws and end-of-contract benefits.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 12.

The determination of new employee salaries considers various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.