Assistant Programme Operations Manager

About the Programme

The UK Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – FCDO) has a vision of a world free from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by 2030, in line with the SDGs. A programme has been established entitled ‘The Girl Generation: Support to the Africa-led movement to end FGM/C’ (TGG/ALM) to contribute to global efforts to achieve that vision. Following a co-creation period, programme implementation began in September 2021.

This programme will support and build the capacity of the Africa Led Movement to end FGM/C at multiple levels and at scale, working in partnership with the rest of the FGM/C movement, complementing UN agencies (such as the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C), Saleema initiative, other alliances (such as Girls not Brides etc.) and grassroots Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), women’s and girls’ movements, etc.

The programme includes two consortia working in close collaboration. Options leads a consortium including Amref Health Africa, ActionAid UK, Orchid Project, ACCAF and University of Portsmouth to implement the ‘Support to the Africa Led Movement to End FGM/C. Population Council is implementing ‘The FGM/C Data Hub: Data and Measurement Support to the Africa Led Movement to end FGM/C’.

Options is seeking an Assistant Programme Operations Manager for one of the biggest global programmes to end FGM/C, ‘The Girl Generation: Support to the Africa-led movement to end FGM/C’ (TGG/ALM). Based in Nairobi, this role will be responsible for supporting the effective and efficient project management and administration of the TGG/ALM programme. You will work closely with a range of very committed and engaged individuals, to provide project, financial and administrative support to enable the appropriate tracking and monitoring of the programme, enabling it to be carried out on time, to budget and within Options’ quality standards of delivery.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Team Leader for Operations, the Assistant Programme Operations Manager will:

• Provide project management support including in developing project workplans and appropriately costing inputs and resources; developing, implementing and updating project management tools; and liaising with partners, implementing agencies and other relevant individuals and organisations as required.
• Ensure programme administration, travel and logistics management are in place and operating effectively, engaging with other teams as needed.
• Support the management of project finances including monitoring project spend, forecasted spend against approved contract and internal budgets; timely reconciliation and processing of partners and consultant invoices; and support the preparation of financial reports, internal cash flow and budget projections for internal and external purposes.
• Support contracting and contract management of short-term consultants and suppliers including preparation of TORs, sourcing, negotiating, drafting contract briefing, managing relationships, tracking contract budgets and payment of invoices.
• Project manage smaller assignments as required.
• Ensure knowledge management.

• Experience in project cycle management including budgeting, project planning, financial and narrative report writing.
• Experience of working in international development.
• Experience of managing donor-funded budgets.
• Experience of contracts and contracting.
• Experience of close working relationships with partners and consortia.
• Experience of managing complex logistic arrangements within tight timelines and to budget.
• Experience of successfully working to tight deadlines.
• Strong financial management skills.
• Ability to work on a wide range of projects and other issues simultaneously.
• Self-starter, can work independently or as part of a team.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan and manage work in a logical manor.
• Excellent communicator both in writing and verbally.

Options offers a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days’ annual leave, Birthday day off, well-being day off, pension, 13th-month pay and generous medical cover.

Application Process

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
• Please note that this role will be subject to full pre-employment background checks including criminal record check, identification check, employment references and right to work verification (where appropriate).

Other Information

• Options is dedicated to equal opportunity for all and recognises that every individual is unique. Whilst we always seek to embrace individual differences and celebrate the diversity of our workforce, we also want to ensure that every team member is suited to their role and that they are given the best opportunity to succeed.
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment.
• We seek people who are pro-choice, promote diversity and inclusion, are energetic and enthusiastic about Options’ vision.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Kenya (Kenya nationals are encouraged to apply).