Corporate Operations Manager

Wanted
Professional with 2 to 5+ years of work experience to serve in a career–track position that combines both field and management experience.

Job Location
Initial three–month training period in our HQ in Western Kenya. Thereafter, you will be able to choose your location (remain at our HQ in Western, or relocate to Nairobi/Kigali) depending on your preference.

Duration
Minimum two year's commitment, full-time job.

Organization Description
Most of the world's poor are farmers, representing the largest and most uniform group of poor people in the world. One Acre Fund is a start–up non-profit in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi that is innovating a new way of helping farm families to achieve their full potential. Instead of giving handouts, One Acre invests in farmers to generate a permanent gain in farm income. We provide farmers with a "market bundle" that includes education, finance, seed and fertilizer, and market access. Our program is proven impactful – every year, we weigh thousands of harvests and measure more than 100% average gain in farm income per acre. We have laser–like focus on generating better lives for the people that we serve.

Job Description
One Acre Fund is a rapidly–growing organization, and increasingly needs operational support for that growth. We are looking for someone to expand operational support across our East Africa OAF programs. Under the direct mentorship of the CEO, you will set a vision and direction for Corporate Operations and work with Corporate Operations Associates in each region to deliver that vision. Essentially, we are looking for someone to build and manage an amazing team of talented people across East Africa.

 

Corporate Operations encompasses all program support functions; this includes construction infrastructure, vehicles and transport, external relations and visitor logistics, security, health and safety, emergency procedures, property management, working culture and values, staff onboarding. Currently the Corporate Operations team consists of 3 international staff and 30+ local staff in three countries. In the next two three years your team will grow to 10+ international staff and 100+ local staff in 6–7 countries – you will essentially be running your own service-provision company within OAF.

 

You will go through a three–month training period in our HQ in Western Kenya, before taking on management of Corporate Operations Associates in Kenya and Rwanda. After this initial training period you will be able to choose your location (remain at our HQ in Western, or relocate to Nairobi/Kigali) depending on your preference.

 

Corporate Operations Manager (East Africa) Duties and Responsibilities:

• Regional department development/creation: You will be responsible for developing, and in some cases creating, Corporate Operations departments in our new branches in East Africa. This will involve systems, processes and staff development in various regions including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia.
• Regional management (systems): You will be responsible for creating, maintaining and improving operational systems across our branches in East Africa. You will tailor the operational support to the various regions and to the nature of the program and staff in those areas.
• Regional management (staff): You will establish and train strong teams to build operational capacity, including hiring, training and managing Corporate Operations Associates in our branches across East Africa. You will be responsible for mentoring your team to ensure their professional development.
• Regional department co–ordination: You will ensure that there is coordination and cooperation amongst Corporate Operations Associates in each OAF site to ensure the best allocation of resources and develop positive professional culture within your team.

Possible promotion to Corporate Operations Director (multinational) with exceptional performance:

One Acre Fund will grow to 10–15 times its current size in the next eight years. Every large organization eventually relies on a strong Operations Director, managing dozens of staff worldwide. This is one of the most important positions within the entire organization and there is literally unlimited scope for this role. We are looking for someone with the talent, attitude and skill to perform this crucial function.

Qualifications
This is an important role within the organization with huge opportunity for impact. The ideal candidate will be able to build and develop processes, systems and teams simultaneously in multiple sites across East Africa. We are seeking exceptional professionals with 2 to 5+ years of work experience, and a demonstrated long-term passion for international development. They will serve in a career–track position that combines both field and management experience. This is a competitive posting for a career–track role with minimum initial commitment of two years. Candidates who fit the following criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Strong work experiences. Examples include a demanding professional work experience, or successful entrepreneurial experience (e.g. starting a field program, leading a conference, starting a business, solid Peace Corps accomplishments).
• Leadership experience at work, or outside of work.
• Very strong self–manager, very well–organized. After an initial period of heavy mentorship, supervision will consist of one weekly check–in. We need someone who is very well–organized and can manage their work independently.
• At least 2 years of management experience and/or experience building and developing teams is highly desirable.
• Prior administration/operations experience is ideal, but mostly we are looking for a smart generalist with fantastic people skills.
• Humility and personal stability. We have a fantastic and likeable team who don't have egos or drama. We are looking for passionate professionals that combine strong leadership skills with good humor, patience, and a humble approach to service.
• Ability to cook/laugh – desirable.

Language
English required, Swahili and/or French nice to have.

Preferred Start Date
Flexible.

Compensation
Starts modestly. However, this is a career–track role with fast raises for performance, paying a meaningful salary for long–term placement in developing nations.

Benefits
Health cover, immunizations, flight, room and board.

Career Development
Twice annual management consulting–style career reviews, and constant feedback. Your manager will invest significant time in your career development.

Sponsor International Candidates
Yes.

To Apply

1. Complete this form.
2. Email cover letter and resume to jobs@oneacrefund.org (Subject line: "Corporate Operations Manager Search" + name of the site that referred you).
3. If you are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), please submit a copy of your Description of Service (DOS).