The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), in collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic professional for the position of Regional Business Services Manager – Africa. This critical role, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is instrumental in supporting the operational effectiveness of country offices across the African region.
As a part of the CGIAR network, CIFOR and CIMMYT strive to address global development challenges through agricultural and environmental research. The Regional Business Services Manager will work under the guidance of the Regional Director to ensure effective governance, operational excellence, talent development, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement across various country offices.
This is a re-advertisement, and candidates who have previously applied are still under consideration and need not reapply.
Position: Regional Business Services Manager – Africa
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Organization: CIFOR and CIMMYT (International Centers under CGIAR)
Job Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Support and Alignment
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of country office operations to ensure they align with the organization’s mission, strategic objectives, and regional development priorities.
- Evaluate and review the strategic impact of ongoing programs and operations across African country offices.
- Provide timely insights and strategic recommendations to improve programmatic focus and regional impact.
2. Governance and Compliance
- Ensure all country operations strictly adhere to the organization’s policies, including the Delegation of Authority (DOA).
- Conduct random audits and spot checks to verify compliance in Business Services (BS) operations.
- Collaborate with Finance departments to identify and resolve compliance breaches, implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Hold country office leadership accountable for governance lapses or financial irregularities.
3. Operational Effectiveness
- Monitor and evaluate the operational performance of each country office to detect inefficiencies in areas such as procurement, travel, and fleet management.
- Support offices in implementing optimized workflows and lean operational practices to improve service delivery.
- Promote cost-efficiency and sustainability by ensuring optimal utilization of resources such as facilities and fleet.
- Identify and help eliminate operational bottlenecks through customized process improvements and training.
4. Workforce and Talent Development
- Provide mentorship and guidance to enhance the leadership and management capacities of in-country teams.
- Conduct regular evaluations to understand team dynamics, leadership practices, and staff morale.
- Assist HR in building strong teams by identifying skills gaps and facilitating local capacity-building initiatives aligned with regional goals.
- Support initiatives that enhance team cohesion, performance, and retention.
5. Risk Management and Compliance in Procurement and Contracts
- Evaluate procurement practices and contracts across country offices to identify and mitigate risks.
- Ensure alignment with institutional procurement guidelines and local regulatory frameworks.
- Collaborate with procurement teams to strengthen internal controls and promote transparent practices.
- Provide regular reports on procurement performance, compliance metrics, and risk exposures.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
- Serve as a key representative of the Regional Business Services (RBS) or Human Resources (HR) teams in country offices.
- Foster strong and productive relationships with local suppliers, vendors, and community stakeholders.
- Enhance the visibility and reputation of CIFOR and CIMMYT within host countries through effective relationship management.
- Build trust and maintain open communication channels with internal and external stakeholders to support organizational goals.
Who Should Apply?
This position is suited for a seasoned operational leader with a strategic mindset, strong governance and compliance orientation, and a passion for driving efficiency and accountability. The ideal candidate should possess outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent knowledge of business service operations, and the ability to engage with diverse teams across multiple geographies.
Work Environment
- You will work in a fast-paced, multicultural setting focused on sustainable development and agricultural innovation.
- The role offers the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the lives of communities across Africa by supporting operational excellence in research and development.
Additional Information
- This is a re-advertisement of the position.
- Candidates who applied during the previous call will still be considered and do not need to reapply.
How to Apply
To be considered for the role of Regional Business Services Manager – Africa, interested candidates should follow the link provided on the application portal below.
Apply Now
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
