National Operations Manager

Position: Operations Manager – NATIONAL CONTRACT

Program: Strongim Bisnis

Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands with provincial travel

Duration: Full-time, fixed term

Line manager and Directly report to: Team Leader, Strongim Bisnis.

Works with: Finance, Program, MRM, and Communications teams

Background

Strongim Bisnis is an innovative pro-business program funded by the Australian Government.

Strongim Bisnis supports Solomon Islands businesses to increase productivity, access greater income earning opportunities and higher value markets; with the intention of enabling greater resilience and creating jobs. Poverty reduction will be the desired result. Strongim Bisnis also supports the private sector and the Solomon Islands Government to work together effectively to increase opportunities for trade and investment and accelerate business growth. A key focus of the program ensures that Solomon Islands women, youth and people with disability have increased economic opportunities.

The program takes a market systems development (MSD) approach to unlocking opportunities for growth in selected sectors (cocoa, coconut, tourism, timber, horticulture, financial services, and waste management). MSD requires Strongim Bisnis to carefully select partnerships, and design interconnected activities that deliver tangible and measurable results. For each activity it must be possible to track progress from improving the performance of Solomon Islands enterprises, to achieving resilient systemic change in markets, and ultimately increasing income and employment. In this way, Strongim Bisnis avoids ad hoc activities and seeks deep engagement with market actors

Position summary

The Senior Finance and Operations Manager (SFOM) is a shared function between two DFAT funded programs, SB and ASIPJ. This position is primarily responsible for overseeing and managing financial and operations functions of both programs. The SFOM is an integral member of both the SB and ASIPJ programs. They will line manage the SB Operations and Procurement Officers (OPOs) and Finance Officer (FO) and matrix manage the OPO and FO on the ASIPJ program.

Duties and responsibilities

Operations Management

• Management of the Strongim Bisnis Office, Vehicles, and fixed/moveable assets in accordance with procedures.

• Management of HR administrative functions such as timesheets, leave requests, and recruitment coordination, and onboarding.

• Management of procurement functions in accordance with Commonwealth Guidelines, including VFM assessments, and compliant documentation is in place.

• Management of operational support to the program including events, travel booking, customs processing, IT support.

• Management of health, safety, and security (HSS) prevention, preparation and response, acting as the first point of contact in country for any issues, circulating security information to the SB Team Leader and ASI – Program Manager.

• Managing contracts for services, including office lease, IT, phone, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and audits.

Team Management

• Supporting any recruitment tasks of each program.

• Line management and performance management of the Operations and Procurement Officer, Operations and Logistics Officer, and Cleaner.

• Supporting compliance with DFAT, ASI, and Deloitte policies and procedures.

• Any other duties as identified by the SB Team Leader and ASI – Program Manager.

Required qualifications, experience, and attributes

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A relevant university degree or diploma with demonstrated experience in a similar role/s.

• More than five years’ progressive managerial experience in HR, procurement, logistics and operational support for businesses, government and/or donor-funded programs.

• Excellent organisational skills and competence/integrity in maintaining office records.

• Demonstrated capacity to work collegially with partner organisations and staff from a range of backgrounds.

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office programs.

• Fluency in Pijin and an excellent command of both oral and written English.

The following skills/experience would be an advantage:

• Accredited accountancy qualifications.

• Experience of the public sector in Solomon Islands.

• Experience working in businesses, government and/or donor-funded programs.

• A Solomon Islands driving license.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the application link. Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three professional referees.

Any questions should be sent to Operations@Strongimbisnis.sb.com Please use the following title: Operations Manager, Adam Smith International.

Deadline for applications is 17 February 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This position will be recruited through Adam Smith International (ASI). ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention, and development of a diverse range of talented people. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.