Operations Manager

Location: Iraq, Baghdad

Reporting to: Operations Director

Activity Overview: Chemonics International, a US-based international development consulting firm, seeks an Operations Manager for the USAID Iraq Together Activity. Iraq Together aims to provide more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services in Iraq, as well as improving government responsiveness to citizens’ needs and demands. Objectives of this project include working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to improve service delivery and strengthen democratic and participatory governance.

Position Overview: The Operations Manager reports to the Operations Director and is responsible for logistics and project office operations, upkeep, and functioning. This includes managing office and project administration, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), project vehicles, events & workshops, and inventory. The Operations Manager ensures proper policies are adhered to and controls are in place. The Operations Manager participates in drafting standard procedures for all HR and operational matters within the office, and directly supervises HR, operations associate and assistant, and IT staff. Additionally, the Operations Manager establishes and maintains systems to provide oversight and regulatory compliance of all field office operations, including but not limited to trackers for contractual agreements such as leases, service agreements, and transportation service agreements. This position is open to Iraqi nationals residing in Baghdad Iraq.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage day-to-day operational field presence in Iraq, including managing facilities, equipment and inventory, and regional in-country logistics.  

• Ensure efficient operations, human resources management, logistics, finances, and crosscutting resource allocation to effectively support the activity in compliance with USAID/Chemonics policies and local laws. 

• Contribute to monthly financial budgeting to ensure accuracy and timeliness. 

• In coordination with the Operations Director, receive and inspect all materials and equipment procured for field operations, reconciling against purchase orders to ensure accurate documentation and tracking, and entering immediately into project inventory. Facilitate and oversee appropriate storage and labelling of all non-expendable property conduct quarterly updates and reviews of all project inventory.  

• Ensure corporate and legal policies are adhered to and operational controls are in place for human resources and procurement procedures.   

• Coordinate with the Security Manager and Chemonics’ IT team in Iraq to ensure that all hardware and software for office security are up to date and fully functioning. 

• Work closely with the IT team in Iraq to ensure that both static and mobile internet systems are in place and functioning to allow for continuous operations in the event that the office is required to shift to a work-from-home status. 

• Provide support and oversight to operations/HR staff. 

• Work closely with Operations Director and Localization Fund Director to establish and expand a vendors database, coordinating closely with other Chemonics programs in Iraq to ensure vendor and subcontractor past performance is reflected and updated.  

• Coordinate, manage, and facilitate all aspects of workshops and events, including reservations, logistics, and execution. This includes coordinating stipend payments for participants in Baghdad and other provinces. 

• Undertake other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.
• Minimum of five years in a similar role (e.g. operations, logistics, office management for a large project, etc.) is required.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience with a USAID-funded project is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience managing operations for a large donor program in Iraq strongly preferred
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple work assignments in an extremely fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and to exercise good, professional judgment that communicates the established message of the program.
• Strong organizational, management, and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, and other basic computer applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines consistently. An ability to multitask and work under pressure is required.
• Strong local and surrounding area knowledge.
• Fluency in written and oral Arabic and English is required; Written and oral fluency in Kurdish, and other local languages is a plus, but not required.

Application Instructions:

To apply please fill out this form: Iraq Together Job Application Form (smartsheet.com)

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high volume of applications received.”