Operations Manager, USAID Yemen MEL Project

Join AIR as a Operations Manager with our International Development Division (IDD) and make a difference, improving the quality of life for individuals and communities in low and middle income countries. AIR’s IDD work spans the globe with projects in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America, and the Middle East.

AIR is seeking an Operations Manager to work on an anticipated USAID-funded Yemen Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Project II (YMELP II). This activity is expected to provide third-party monitoring in Yemen to monitor, verify, and analyze trends in humanitarian programming in Yemen funded USAID/BHA, as well as promote program learning and accountability, which will be useful for real time programmatic adjustments and future program design. The position will be based in Jordan. This position is contingent upon award.

Our IDD team is committed and engaged because we drive positive change in the following areas:

• Agriculture, food, and nutrition
• Early childhood development and education
• Refugees and migration
• Social protection
• Water, sanitation, and infrastructure
• Women's empowerment
• Workforce development

Use your experience, knowledge, and education to help us deliver on our mission: to contribute to a better, more equitable world.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here .

The Operations Manager will ensure that project operations are timely, safe, cost-effective, and compliant with relevant laws, regulations and internal procedures. The main tasks include the following management areas:

Procurement

• Review all invoices for procurement prior to submittal to the finance team
• Contribute to the development of local policies and procedures in procurement, to ensure, timely, transparent and cost-effective sourcing, purchasing and payment
• Develop sourcing strategies for various commodities and services, in line with project requirements

 Project Inventory Management

• Ensure all project assets are appropriately tagged, tracked and maintained
• Ensure all project assets are adequately insured and handle all claims relating to the same
• Ensure asset repair and maintenance logs are well maintained
• Prepare annual project inventory reports as required for USAID submission

Travel

• Manage local travel services, including travel authorizations and travel expense claim processes. 
• Ensure that travel is compliant with US Federal Acquisition Requirements (FAR) and other client requirements

Project Logistics and Administration  

• Manage and coordinate project logistics support 
• Be the Jordan based communications focal point for the YMELP II project on field operations, liaising with the team in the field, our security partners and coordinating local partners when necessary
• Maintain a database of important contacts, especially field-based contacts e.g trusted taxi driver (s) in Yemen and Jordan, approved hotels in Yemen as well as contact person etc. 
• Ensure readiness of field and training supplies in preparation of field missions 
• Assist in the recruitment, selection and confirmation of enumerators
• Prepare and ensure that all enumerator/consultant contracts are signed 
• Manage the preparations for and attend survey trainings and roll-outs to provide administrative guidance and support where necessary
• Assist in the procurement of all clearances and permits required for surveys in Yemen
• Conduct research on market prices for project budgeting
• Assist in creating and updating the YMELP II project budget in the PPRS system 
• Assist project managers in budget monitoring to ensure only obligated funds are spent 
• Prepare travel prior approval request packages for USAID submission and approval

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Financial Management, or another relevant field
• At least 5 years of experience in operations management and compliance of development activities with increasing levels of responsibility
• Experience working with project counterparts and key stakeholders, particularly senior officials in government, the private sector, and civil society
• Experience in operations management for projects of similar size and scope
• Proven experience with USAID regulations and guidelines and in ensuring that projects maintain the highest administrative, financial, and operational standards for compliance and audits
• Experience working in Jordan and/or Yemen preferred required
• Proficiency in English and Arabic is required

 Skills: 

• Excellent computer skills as they relate to procurement and logistics management

Disclosures:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

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