JOB DESCRIPTION

About RADS

Research and Development Solutions (RADS) is a for-profit private-sector organization providing research, technical assistance, surveys, monitoring, and related services to government institutions, development partners, donors, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

Position Purpose

The Manager – Operations will lead and oversee the organization's core operational functions, including Administration, Procurement, Compliance, and organizational systems and support services.

The position will be responsible for ensuring that operational systems are efficient, compliant, transparent, and responsive to the needs of RADS's programs and projects. The Manager will provide strategic and day-to-day oversight of operations, strengthen institutional systems, ensure implementation of policies and SOPs, and support management in maintaining a well-organized and accountable work environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations Management

• Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of organizational operations.

• Ensure effective coordination between Administration, Procurement, HR, Finance, and program/project teams.

• Regularly review operational systems and identify areas for improvement, efficiency, and cost optimization.

• Develop and strengthen systems, processes, and SOPs to support RADS's organizational growth.

• Provide management with timely updates on operational matters, risks, challenges, and required actions.

• Ensure that operational support is provided efficiently and on time to all projects and departments.

2. Administration & Facilities Management

• Provide overall supervision of administrative functions and support services.

• Ensure effective management of office facilities, assets, supplies, logistics, transportation, travel, and other administrative requirements.

• Ensure proper maintenance, utilization, and safeguarding of organizational assets and resources.

• Establish and maintain efficient administrative systems and records.

• Ensure a safe, functional, professional, and well-managed working environment.

3. Procurement Management

• Oversee the complete procurement cycle, from identification of requirements through sourcing, evaluation, approval, purchasing, and delivery.

• Ensure procurement processes are transparent, competitive, cost-effective, and compliant with organizational policies.

• Review procurement plans and monitor procurement activities across departments and projects.

• Ensure appropriate documentation and maintenance of procurement records.

• Support vendor identification, evaluation, performance monitoring, and relationship management.

• Identify opportunities for improving procurement efficiency and value for money.

4. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, contractual, donor, and organizational requirements.

• Monitor implementation of Finance, HR, Administration, Procurement, and other organizational policies and SOPs.

• Identify operational and compliance risks and recommend appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

• Support internal and external audits, reviews, assessments, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain proper documentation and evidence of compliance across operational functions.

• Ensure timely corrective action on issues identified through audits, reviews, or management assessments.

5. IT & Organizational Systems Support

• Coordinate with relevant personnel or service providers to ensure smooth functioning of office IT systems and equipment.

• Ensure timely maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting of laptops, office equipment, software, and other operational systems.

• Support staff in resolving routine technology-related issues and ensure minimum disruption to operations.

• Coordinate with external IT support providers where specialized technical assistance is required.

• Promote effective use of digital tools and systems to improve operational efficiency.

6. Coordination & Management Support

• Serve as a focal point for cross-functional operational coordination.

• Work closely with senior management and project teams to anticipate and address operational requirements.

• Participate in management meetings and provide updates on operational performance and challenges.

• Support organizational planning, budgeting, and business development activities where required.

• Undertake any other operational responsibilities assigned by the CEO/Director.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Master's degree in Computer Science , Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Relevant professional certifications will be an advantage.

Experience

• 10–12 years of relevant professional experience, preferably with significant experience in operations management.

• Experience covering multiple operational functions, including Administration, Procurement, Compliance, and organizational support systems.

• Experience in the development sector, NGOs, consulting/research organizations, or corporate/private sector will be preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and improving organizational policies, systems, and SOPs.

• Experience supervising teams and coordinating multiple functions is essential.

Required Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.

• Excellent planning, coordination, and organizational abilities.

• Strong knowledge of administration, procurement, HR operations, and compliance.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to develop practical and adaptive institutional systems.

• Strong attention to detail and documentation.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

• Solutions-oriented and results-focused approach.

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and commonly used digital workplace tools.

• High level of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability.

Key Performance Areas

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate measurable performance in:

• Timely and effective delivery of operational support to projects and departments.

• Compliance with organizational policies, SOPs, legal and contractual requirements.

• Efficient and transparent procurement processes.

• Effective administration and facilities management.

• Strengthening and institutionalizing operational systems and processes.

• Effective HR and people operations support.

• Timely identification and resolution of operational risks and challenges.

• Improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality across operations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

RADS is a gender-friendly, merit-based, and non-political organization committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.