Performance Objectives 

Operations oversight 30% 

• Map out end-to-end field logistics workflows and ensure systems build that enables distribution of program materials. Create order fulfillment systems for all field materials needs
• Coordinate with the MD, Program managers and Finance Manager to identify gaps, challenges and solutions within operations with the goal of creating a cost-effective operating strategies to address such challenges
• Oversee and optimize the implementation of the systems and workflows of the field operations.
• Lead the development of the field operations workflows and tools to help teams operate effectively.
• Constantly train teams on new tools, guide them and track the operationalization of such tools.
• Work closely with the Managing Director, finance and program managers to create budgets for all field operation activities.
• Ensure full compliance to finance processes relating to field operations. This could include but is not limited to payments, reporting, Mobile Money use, systems audits, requisitions, accountabilities, approvals, and Common Cost sheet
• Solve field logistical program operations-related challenges based on deep research from reputable sources including peer organizations
• Lead the process of scouting for field training locations
• Collaborate with program managers in facilitating efficient and cost-effective field travels for staff, teachers and other external stakeholders as need may dictate.
• Lead the process of systems and processes standardization to ensure level ground in the application of our policies, procedures and systems across all areas of operations.
• Ensure that the Common Cost Sheet is updated always and is 100% accurate
• Lead the budgeting and budget management processes for the operations department
• Lead the budget review for the operations department through the monthly and quarterly Budget versus Actual (BvA) process.
• Participate in the development of Quarterly field operations goals

Team leadership & Performance Management 20% 

• Manage the operations team to achieve set goals and objectives and maintain overall oversight of work allocation.
• Develop capacity-building initiatives for all the field operations teams and build a culture of continuous learning within the team.
• Establish and maintain a strong, positive and engaged team culture. Promote Educate!’s cultural tenets within the team.
• Ensure a healthy pipelining of field operations staff
• Develop field operations manuals and handbooks and train staff on their use
• Work closely with the HR on the hiring of new team members and participate in the hiring process.
• Lead interdepartmental collaborative meetings to understand changes in the programs and inform updates in the field operations priorities.
• Represent field operations in inter-departmental and strategic meetings.
• Lead the annual performance reviews, provide feedback to the teams and lead training that equips the team to perform at their best.

Data Reporting Systems and Quality Assurance Oversight 20% 

• Establish systems for data integrity check
• Lead data quality assessment conversations with the performance metrics and program management teams and surface any data quality flaws that need to be addressed.
• Collaborate with the data collection and management team, set expectations and participate in weekly and monthly team meetings.
• Identify areas that require new or improved systems and workflows and collaborate with the tech and performance metrics team to solve them.
• Provide timely feedback to the performance metrics team on data systems performance and communicate any system issues that needs to be resolved                ● Review periodic monitoring reports and provide insights that enables quality and sound program and field operations decision making

Procurement and procurement policies compliance 30% 

• Develop and execute procurement plans and ensure that all programs procurement support and delivery is a top priority
• Implement the procurement policy and strategy and promote purchasing best practices to drive a culture of prudence in resource utilization and management.
• Ensure procurement processes are complete, accurate, documented and in compliance with relevant laws and Educate! Policies
• Ensure that vendor files and documentation is complete with all relevant information
• Anticipate procurement needs to pre-select competitive vendors, and create systems to track and strategically guard against common procurement challenges
• Liaise with user departments to prepare monthly and quarterly procurement plans to ensure timely closure of procurement needs.
• Coordinate the awards to the best bidder and draft a contract for the selected vendor.
• Ensure that standard operating procedures for the procurement function are understood and applied by staff.
• Lead the process of prequalification of service providers in anticipation of procurement needs
• Build and maintain a strong E! relationship with vendors that is mutually beneficial and drives Educate!’s goals of getting the best value in the market
• Promote the Educate! Ethics Guide principles and ensure that staff understand the dictates of these principles.
• Ensure vendor contracts have complete specifications and invoices paid promptly.
• Lead the negotiation of contract terms on a range of central contracts and to monitor performance against these contracts.
• Seek and act on feedback from end users on the quality of products delivered and general service levels to ensure value for money.
• Formally and proactively communicate and advise budget holders and administration managers on possible areas of cost reduction.

Qualifications 

• Experience working in a company or organization that has experienced growth – adopting new systems and structures as part of the growth.
• Experience managing medium to large-sized operational teams at scale and balancing multiple priorities
• Comfortable working with data, numbers, and reports with basic budget management experience
• Strong orientation to team culture and cross-functional work.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with at least 6 years of operations leadership experience
• A good fit with our Five Cultural Tenets (see “What is Educate! About?” Below; learn more by looking at Educate!’s culture deck here.

Terms 

• Compensation will be competitive for the social enterprise sector and commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include a generous vacation policy and medical insurance.
• This position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda with periodic field travels.
• The position is open to Rwandan Nationals and East Africans who are fluent in Kinyarwanda

Why You Will Brag About Working At Educate! 

• We’ve got the impact.
• Educate! is designed for scale. We quadrupled operations in 2014, going from 54 to more than 200 schools served. We carefully measure our outcomes, and — here’s the best part — we are maintaining quality at four times the size.
• We believe in local leadership — 96% of our staff is African.
• Our model has gone nationwide in Uganda — Educate!’s model is now incorporated into the national curriculum and exams, impacting many thousands more students than we can reach directly.
• Educate is a well-oiled learning machine. We built our model by methodically testing hundreds of assumptions and we are constantly experimenting, evaluating, and improving.
• We’re honored that luminaries and leaders like Oliver Wonekha, the Ugandan Ambassador to the US, and Ann Veneman, a former Secretary of Agriculture and head of Unicef, believe in us enough to have joined our advisory board.