Operations Manager

Tanager is an international nonprofit that connects smallholder producers and private businesses to co-create new ways of realizing life-changing economic and social opportunities. Our process builds on years of technical expertise, on-the-ground presence and public/private partnerships to unite economic growth with social innovation. Together, we are ushering in an era of equitable market systems that combine profitability with the power to address urgent challenges in poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequity.

Tanager South Africa is implementing Imbewu Farmer Development project in Eastern Cape South Africa from 1 April 2022 – 31 December 2024. The goal of the project is to increase agriculture productivity and incomes of smallholder maize farmers in Eastern Cape (EC), South Africa by facilitating their inclusive access to commercial markets. The funding for the project comes from John Deere Foundation.

Tanager is seeking talented professionals for the Operations Manager position, based in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to provide logistical, human resources, procurement, and administrative support required for the fulfillment of deliverables under the Imbewu farmer development project. This role will ensure compliance with all relevant regulations in South Africa. The term of the contract is one year with the possibility of extension.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Office operations and admin support (40%)

• Develop and implement administrative workflows, procedures, and standard quality controls with support of US-based staff. Implement office support procedures and recommend changes as required.
• Manage Tanager’s office lease in Mthatha and maintain office management systems including office lease, utility and service contracts, and other relevant office management contracts.
• Oversee maintenance of office equipment such as photocopiers, printer, and scanners as well as additionally ensuring repairs are made in a timely fashion (and or routinely to maintain functionality of office equipment)
• Oversee the cleaning, maintenance, and repair of office facilities including electricity supply, water, and plumbing.
• Support project technical staff in managing workflow and logistics.
• Coordinate the arrangement of travel and accommodations for staff and consultants, including booking hotels, organizing meetings, arranging air and ground travel, tracking messages and communication, and maintaining contact with staff during travel.
• Facilitate visas and work permits for staff and consultants.
• Monitor security alerts related to staff and consultant travel, advise Team Leader as appropriate on necessary precautions to be taken.
• Provide logistical support for events, conferences, and workshops including arranging refreshments and venues and maintaining meetings calendar.

Procurement (40%)

• Ensure that Tanager’s procurement process is executed in a systematic, transparent, and compliant manner, in alignment with Tanager’s Procurement Policy Manual.
• Work with the project’s accountant to ensure that procurements, contracts, and purchase orders represent best value for money and are in line with the project’s budget.
• Ensure timely processing of purchase requests and proper documentation into the system.
• Establish an effective inventory system i.e. maintain equipment and furniture inventory list, including location of all assets. Physically verify existence of all inventories on a semi-annual basis.
• Oversee the work of a contractor on installation and configuration of computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers, and scanners.
• Resolve routine operating problems as they arise.

Human Resources (20%)

• Coordinate recruitment, selection, and orientation of new staff with the support of Team Leader.
• Support the Team Leader to administer the compensation, performance management, and benefit programs.
• Manage and maintain health insurance benefits/policy and records pertaining to staff insurance and direct staff on process for preparing and submitting insurance claims.
• Manage the communication of and compliance with local labor laws, cultural norms, donor requirements, and ACDI/VOCA Group and Tanager-specific policies.
• Facilitate onboarding training for staff as required.
• Counsel employees on HR-related matters. Address complaints and disputes in a confidential manner. Acquire legal advice as necessary to ensure full compliance with local labor laws.
• Establish and maintain employee and position-related records SharePoint.
• In coordination with the project’s finance team, manage exit process for departing employees.

QUALIFICATION:

Education and Experience

• University degree in Human Resources Management, Business administration, Management, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in human resources, office management, procurement, administration in progressively more responsible roles. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Experience with an international NGO is an added advantage. Preferred to have a formal experience supervising staff and project operations.
• Experience working with an international or local NGO/NPO will be an added advantage.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the country’s pertinent labor laws, government regulations, and legal codes and precedents.
• Knowledge of host country local employee registration requirements.
• Knowledge of principles of human resources including recruitment, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Xhosa is essential.
• Advanced computer skills in a Windows based environment including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and MS Teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Excellent interpersonal listening skills and collaborative management style, ability to interact with all levels of staff in a professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a team or independently.
• Proven ability to identify and develop processes and procedures where necessary.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the province, as necessary.