Position title: Regional Operations Advisor III, East Africa Regional Office (EARO)
Location: Kenya | and 5 more | (Remote)
Responsibilities:
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
Provide overall senior leadership to the EARO region in proactive risk management and mitigation.
Collaborate with audit, risk, and compliance leads, and with regional and CP leadership, in implementing and strengthening internal control systems, developing and maintaining ongoing Risk Registers and continuous process performance improvement.
In close coordination with the Ethics Unit and country programs, support overall quality and timeliness of EARO fraud case management through coaching country program staff, drafting and reviewing documents, and liaising with partners and Ethics Unit as required. Monitor fraud timelines and ensure timely donor reporting and corrective action plans.
In collaboration with CP management, plan and perform internal audits, control reviews, fraud allegation reviews, and compliance assessments. Analyze results and provide recommendations.
In collaboration with CP management, programming, and/or operation leads, design and facilitate relevant operations training sessions and contribute to relevant components of institutional capacity strengthening plans for CRS and partners.
Contribute to proposal development through drafting and reviewing operational annexes including risk mitigation plans, staffing and management plans, security documentation, etc.
Review, assist and support in developing operational processes for large grants following donor awards. Ensure full awareness of compliance requirements by the consortium members or partners right from the start of the award.
As required, travel to high-risk country contexts (for example emergency response, new office or new program start up, staff turnover) to provide temporary direct management support and risk / compliance oversight across operational functions as acting Head of Operations or other operational leadership roles.
Required Languages – Strong verbal and written English.
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel 25-50%, particularly to Ethiopia and Sudan, including regular periods as Acting Deputy Country Representative- Operations
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Regional Finance team; country program operations, finance and compliance staff; HQ departments including Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance, and Ethics Unit
External:CRS partners and auditors
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong relationship management skills
Strong analytical, organizational, and systems thinking skills
Ability to make sound judgment
Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration or other relevant field preferred.
Minimum of 8 years work experience with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in operations and risk management. Of this, minimum 3 years country program experience as Head of Operations or similar roles
Knowledge of donor rules and regulations, including USAID, World Bank, EU, DFID, and UN donors.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience using PowerBI, Power Automate, Power Apps, or similar tools
Knowledge of data analytics techniques and process performance improvement leading practices
Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations; knowledge of COSO’s Internal Control Framework or The Institute of Internal Audit’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing
Knowledge of accounting systems
Coaching and training abilities.
Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems.
Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies:
Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
What we offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
CRS is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Selection and hiring decisions are made without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status or any other protected area.
