Position location: Benin: Cotonou, Parakou 

Background: 

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

Position Summary:  

Creative Associates International (Creative) is seeking a Senior Operations Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Northern Economic Livelihoods for Youth (NELY) Activity in Benin. NELY will improve economic livelihoods for rural and urban youth and women in violent extremist (VE) moderate and high-risk areas in the north. The Senior Operations Director will oversee all operations, security, procurement, administration, and human relations.   

• Oversee all program operations, including human resources, security, procurement, logistics, IT, communications, and grants.  
• Ensure streamlined operations policies, systems, and procedures in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations.    
• Work with the project’s Operations team to establish internal control systems, quality assurance, and protocols for local subcontractors and/or sub-grantees.  
• Coordinate the day-to-day management of operational staff in all project offices and remote staff.  
• Collaborate with Creative’s LRI program to increase operational efficiencies across the two programs.  
• Ensure that the operations of the project are in compliance with local law as well as with donor and Creative Associates International policies and procedures.  

• Co-lead development of annual work plans, milestone plans, programmatic and operational.  
• Ensure the timely preparation of required reports and deliverables, including quarterly, annual, and reports in accordance with USAID guidelines.  
• Ensure streamlined operations systems in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations.  
• Ensure an in-depth awareness of operational issues in the context of Benin.  
• Manage, train, and mentor key team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, and procurement. 

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business management, administration, accounting, financial management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.     
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience on similarly complex projects, including at least 4 years of supervisory experience.   
• Experience with USAID project finances and budgeting (preferred) or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies.   
• Previous experience working with USAID strongly desired, or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies.    
• Knowledge of operating procedures and security considerations in complex environments.  
• Significant demonstratable experience in establishing systems and overseeing project start-up and close-out.  
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.  
• Experience working in francophone West Africa required; experience working in Benin preferred.  
• Fluency in French and English, written and spoken.