Associate Director, Field Operations

City/Country Location Details Bethesda, Maryland

Employment Status

Job Type Corporate

Job Title : Associate Director, Field Operations (P8)

Department : USG Field Engagement

Reports to: Director, Field Operations

Work Location: Remote in United States where DAI is registered

Position Overview

The Associate Director, Field Operations (USG Field Engagement) plans, leads, coordinates and implements initiatives aimed at enhancing and improving operational excellence performance in project field offices, which includes collaborating with teams and departments across the company. The Associate Director, Field Operations (USG Field Engagement) implements quality control and assurance functions as assigned by the Senior Director, USG Field Engagement and Director, Field Operations and prepares compliance reports for management’s use as needed.

The Associate Director, Field Operations (USG Field Engagement) is responsible for working with and advising Senior Portfolio Directors (SPDs) and provide operational and management support to USGP projects as outlined below; this includes leading the management of start-up operations, close-down operations, general field operational policies and procedures and Quality Control (QC) processes. The position will report directly to the Director, Field Operations.

This is a full-time permanent position.

Responsibilities

Operations Advisor to USG Field Engagement

· Ensures the tailoring and correct application of corporate and project implementation directives, policies, and processes developed by the HR, IT, Training & Capacity Building, and Administration & Facilities teams across all portfolios.

· Provides high level support and internally advises to identify sensitive, complex, or high-profile operational issues that affect the department’s portfolios.

· Plays a lead role in identifying staffing and training needs related to Field Operations and within USG Field Engagement and helps lead the resolution of specifically identified operational process bottlenecks requiring improvement.

· Manages specific USG Field Engagement department initiatives as deemed necessary such as external communication efforts with other DAI units, team website design and maintenance and support to systems used for managing field operations, start-up, and close-down operations.

· Serve as Acting Director, Field Operations, as requested.

Divisional Operations – Management, Training, and Support

· Serves as point of contact for business operations and administration for the field operations unit on designated operations or initiatives including start-up, implementation, and close-down operations-related initiatives.

· Leads internal field operations initiatives as developed within the department and identifies areas for streamlining and improving process efficiency. Coordinates with DAI stakeholders to manage the end-to-end process and deliver results. Monitors compliance through regular quality control and assurance processes.

· Leads the identification of training and capacity-building needs across USG Programs and organizes capacity-building programs to enhance skills. Coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders and SMEs to improve, update, and deliver targeted training and capacity-building activities for the field and home office; participates as lead trainer in sessions related to Field.

· Manages the preparation and roll-out of a Field Onboarding Orientation and Training program in close coordination with multiple stakeholders and SMEs. Designs roll-out plan and related training which results from the further creation of these modules.

· Works closely with Director, Field Operations, to track award pipeline and manage and assign unit resources.

· Leads the design and implementation of activities intended to remove barriers.

Delivery Field Support

· Provides direct support to projects throughout the project lifecycle, from start-up through close-down. Supports the resolution of complex implementation issues.

· Performs short-term project coverage and surge capacity project STTA assignments as needed in the role of Operations DCOP, Operations Manager (or equivalent) or Field Operations Manager.

· Leads and manages field startup and closedown activities as part of the start-up or close-down team. Leads overall start-up or close-down system platforms, policies, procedures, and best practices as SME; acts as QC Reviewer for DAI start-up and close-down teams.

· Assists in the recruitment of CCN or ex-patriate field staff, particularly in operations roles, by participating in the interview process as SME.

Knowledge Management

· Manages the effort of bringing clarity and order to all existing field operations-related policies, procedures, systems (TAMIS, Oracle, etc.) and training programs.

· Manages the process of updating policies and procedures in collaboration with stakeholders as a SME for Washington Operations Manuals as relevant to field operations

· Leads initiatives to convene finance and operations project office staff to build communities of knowledge.

Supervision and Team Management

· Supervises, trains, and coaches Specialists supporting field operations management. Conducts performance reviews and goal-setting meetings for their direct reports.

· Supervises staff on STTA assignments (startup/closedown/implementation assignments), including managing tasks and providing mentorship and feedback.

· Trains and mentors incoming operational Expat/CCN/TCN LTTA (i.e. Operations Director or equivalent) ensuring seamless transitions and full comfort with DAI systems, policies, and procedures.

Leadership/Change Management

· Provides guidance and support on highly complex and/or sensitive matters to his/her teams. Leads and manages to motivate, inspire, and persuade within and beyond his/her team and is expected to regularly interact with external clients and/or partners relevant to his/her portfolio. Leads the implementation of corporate policy within his/her portfolio with a focus on change management and adaptability to shifting priorities and circumstances.

Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Requirements:

· Grade 8: Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience and a college degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

· Prior experience with USAID-funded projects.

· Knowledge of field office and home office systems and practices.

· Demonstrated ability as main point of contact for multiple cross-company business units.

· Self-starter with sounds technical skills, good judgment, and a strong financial & operational focus.

· Knowledge of U.S. government contracting regulations, policies and procedures.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, superior analytical skills.

· Advanced knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel, and Word (Microsoft Office Suite).

· Demonstrated understanding of how well managed field operations contribute to organizational success.

· Ability to juggle multiple projects and shift priorities quickly without compromising quality of work.

· Must be able to travel on operational assignments for DAI projects (minimum two assignments per year).

· Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, create inclusive work environments, and work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.

· Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred, but not required:

· Minimum of 7 years of experience providing operational and management support to USAID- funded projects.

· Knowledge of field management systems, processes and procedures.

· Knowledge of Oracle or similar ERP system.

· Intermediate to Advanced level knowledge of a language used in DAI project locations (other than English).

Compensation & Benefits:

For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $125,346 to $147,466. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

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