In Abuja.... Vacancy for HR and operations manager at international NGO

Company: VSO Nigeria (Operating in Nigerian
since 1958)
Position: People and Operations Manager to be
based in Abuja
Last date for application: 22nd March 2013
Send email to: vsonigeria@vsoint.org

VSO is the world's leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in over 40 developing countries. VSO's high-impact approach involves bringing people together to share skills, build capabilities, promote international understanding and action, and change lives to make the world a fairer place.

 VSO has been operating across Nigeria since 1958 and has accompanied the country through complex social change and growth, alongside local conflict and instability. As part of its current country strategy 2012-15, VSO Nigeria works with poor and marginalized young men and women in an integrated way and to shape our responses based on the needs and priorities they identify. We relate to youth as both ultimate beneficiaries, as well as our key facilitators of social change. We focus on children (boys and girls), adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years range) and young men and women (20- 35 years).

VSO Nigeria needs a People and Operations Manager to strengthen its operations. As a senior member of Country leadership team, the primary purpose of this role is to lead, develop , implement, and manage the human resource function for both volunteers and staff and provide operations management support to deliver the country strategy by providing guidance and support to over 40 international volunteers and employees within the country;  will lead a highly motivated, dynamic and cost effective people and operations team to support effective delivery of country program operations; represents VSO internally and externally as required. The People and Operations Manager will report directly to the Country Director.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide Volunteer Management and Support by Implementing and monitoring volunteer policies and responding pro-actively to all volunteer welfare support matters, including the handling of complex situations and medical needs.
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders like Nigerian immigration service, national planning commission and other key organisations to facilitate effective and timely support to operations; Ensure compliance with Country employment law, including volunteers' visas, work permits and police clearance.
• Lead on operations support to programs team: Ensure appropriate systems procedure and manuals are in place to safeguard VSO's assets, including negotiating fair terms for VSO contracts on rents, purchases and ensuring maintenance of premises and other VSO property to VSO audit standards. Manage development of appropriate logistics and procurement procedures and ensure they are effectively and consistently applied at all levels to ensure cost effective, environmentally friendly operations. Manage Country Office contracts with all service providers.
• Manage Employee/ volunteer relations through continuous and proactive communication on VSO and CO's mission, vision and values, facilitating team building, Ensure health and safety. Establish and administer appropriate pay and benefit structures in line with the approved VSO policy on benefits and compensation.
• Assist the Country Director in Recruitment & Selection, Learning and Development, Performance management, Change management and engagement processes and in developing and implementing systems at country level for effective management of in country operations.
• Information and Communication Technology: Coordinate and implement effective Information Technology administration, support to the team by ensuring adequate data and protection, maintaining the shared filing system, conducting IT audit by liaising with VSO's IT support unit.
• Knowledge, skills and experience required

Essential:

• Human Resources - experienced HR professional with demonstrable experience at a management level; Ability to advise, coach and influence others in people management matters;
• Knowledge of Nigerian employment and immigration laws.
• Experience of working with different cultures and backgrounds and commitment to equality and diversity issues
• Experience of developing and delivering learning and development initiatives
• People Management - Ability to lead, develop, motivate, coach and support others; Demonstrable commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Significant Operations and logistics experience at a management level. Knowledge and experience of local laws governing operations of INGOs; High level communication, influencing and coaching skills; Experience of working with different cultures and backgrounds.
• Flexibility to adapt to new situations, with a positive attitude to working in an international organisation. Able to travel occasionally and spend time away from base and home for up to 10 weeks per year
• Commitment to VSO's values, particularly in developing an understanding of HIV&AIDS and Gender mainstreaming
•  Good level of computer skills (Windows, Excel, Power Point, Word, Internet); Excellent Communication skills - written and spoken English; Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-organised with ability to manage time and tight schedules; working effectively under pressure; Proactive person with a creative approach to problem solving; Strong level of attention to detail.
• Good financial management skills and strong attitude to promote efficiency and cost effectiveness in all operations 
• Flexibility to adapt to new situations.
• Willingness to travel up to 10 weeks per year;

Desirable: 

Experience working with international Non-Government Organisations and with Government

Officials.

Clean driving license.

Knowledge of Nigerian employment laws, experience of working with volunteers.

How to Apply

Applications should be sent with your CV, motivation cover letter and two names of your nominated referees to: vsonigeria@vsoint.org by no later than 22nd March 2013. We respect all candidates but we can only respond to shortlisted candidates. Although all applications will be considered on their individual merit, suitably qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

Persons who had applied in response to earlier advert for this position are advised to re-apply if still interested.