Operations Manager Vacancy for IPA Ghana

Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA) Ghana is part of a larger US based non-profit (501©(3)) organization founded in 2003 by Dean Karlan, with the goal of serving as the link between academic research and real world problems faced by the poor in developing countries.

IPA creates and evaluates approaches to solving development problems and works to scale up successful projects through implementation and dissemination of policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors around the world, to determine the cost effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs, using the most rigorous evaluation techniques. With 280 currently ongoing projects in 42 countries in Africa, Asia, and North and South America, IPA’s projects span a variety of fields, including microfinance, transfers, education, health, agriculture, corruption, charitable giving, political participation and social capital.

IPA is a registered NGO, in Ghana with 16 on-going projects, 40 international and local staff and permanent offices in Tamale and Accra.

Job Description

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Operations Manager for IPA Ghana based in Tamale with frequent travel to Accra, Kumasi and other parts of Ghana. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain extensive hands‐on experience in a field setting, and to have significant management responsibility in a young, vibrant organization undertaking cutting‐edge development research.

Job Description:
The Operations Manager will work with the Country Director and Deputy Country Directors to further develop, update, and implement organizational policies and systems in the areas of finance, logistics, procurement, human resources, and data management.

The Operations Manager will help to facilitate inter‐project communication and cooperation, and will play an important role in developing and implementing a strategy for IPA’s geographic expansion in Ghana. Responsibilities related to the management of IPA Ghana’s physical assets and human resources and operational support to project teams will comprise a significant piece of this position. The Operations Manager will ensure consistency and quality of operations of all offices and will work closely with other members of the management team to help build computing, record‐keeping, and other organizational skills, and to orient new expatriate staff. This position may require extensive travel, estimated at 60 percent of the time.

Required Skills or Experience

At least two years work experience in a project management or management position
Exceptional analytical and organizational skills, and attention to detail
Flexible, self‐motivated, and an ability to manage multiple tasks
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Interest in international development and organizational development
Experience with human resource management, operational planning and database management
Knowledge of/experience with financial management, contracts, budgeting, grant management and donor reporting
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross‐cultural environments, experience in a developing country
Knowledge of issues relevant to development interventions and project evaluation
Degree in International Development, Management, Public Policy, Economics, or related field preferred
Knowledge of / experience with randomized evaluations of social programs preferred

How To Apply

This position requires a minimum of a two-year commitment, with an immediate start date.

If you are interested, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references to jobs‐ghana@poverty‐action.org with the subject line “Operations Manager Ghana”.

Applications should be submitted by May 1, 2011, and will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Offer valid till: 01 May, 2011