Head of Operations
Nonviolent Peaceforce
Operations
Gharb Darfur, Sudan
Posted on May 10, 2025
Job Title: Head of Operations
Department: Operations
Duty Station: Eastern Region, Sudan, Location TBD with frequent travel to field locations.
Line Manager: Head of Mission
Line Management Responsibility: HR and Admin Manager, Finance Manager, other Operations as recruited
Position Type: Full-Time
Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organisation. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.
OVERVIEW
NP is in the process of scaling up its country program in Sudan to support the strengthening of safety and security of conflict-affected communities in North Darfur, South Kordofan and the Eastern Region. Working through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP), NP centres local communities in preventing violence and promoting positive peace. The NP programming will focus on building capacities within local communities to engage in nonviolent self-protection methods such as protective accompaniment/presence, community-led safety and security initiatives such as conflict de-escalation techniques and early warning/response mechanisms. Secured funding spans several years and offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable, civilian protection.
JOB SUMMARY
Head of Operations is a key member of the Country Management Team and has overall responsibility for the Operations Department. The position is responsible for systems creation and overseeing all operational functions, including logistics, procurement, fleet management and IT and plays a key role in developing and managing the NP SD operational budget.
The position will work alongside the Head of Mission, Safety and Security Advisor and programme staff in the field, to provide/support strategic as well as on-the-ground safety and security advice and analysis. This position takes the lead in developing and maintaining robust operational policies and procedures, SOPs, and Contingency Plans. This position interacts with all other functions as well as the field-based program teams. The position includes capacity building to field staff to ensure the at all staff are aware of and trained in the Standard Operating Procedures and related skills necessary for compliance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES:
Commitment to NP Principles
a) Demonstrate a commitment to NP’s mandate and principles
b) Maintain a positive image of the organisation
c) All NP employees are expected to work according to the organisation’s guiding principles:
- Nonviolence
- Process-oriented
- Redemption and Healing
- Direct Action
- Independence
- Pluriversality
- Radical Connection
- Non-partisanship
- Accountability
These principles and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships in protecting civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies
Operations - Logistics & Procurement
- Identify, and lead on the set-up of new field offices and oversee their onward functioning.
- Oversee compliance quality, timely and accurate processing and documentation of procurement as described in the Field Operations Manual and any other relevant documents.
- Develop and oversee a system for maintaining audit-ready procurement records and ensure that they are consistently stored and available when needed.
- Ensure effective fleet management, including those systems are in place to track maintenance schedules, fuel usage and vehicle scheduling as described in the Field Operations Manual.
- Ensure assets tracking is implemented with accurate record-keeping of NP and donor assets, including exceptional items that require registration and movement tracking.
- Develop a policy for and support the implementation of customs clearing, equipment registration, licensing, and insurance.
- Manage safe and well-maintained premises for office and guesthouse purposes.
Operations-Administration and Human Resources and IT
- Support development of the NPSD Operational budget.
- Directly support and oversee the Admin/HR Manager and support the HoM with the development and implementation of NP administration and HR policies and systems.
- Prepare and review contracts for office and housing space, leasehold improvements, IT.
- Ensure legal compliance for work permits, visas, and registration for the NP SD office.
- Support to recruiting process including orientation and onboarding, taking the lead on recruitment where indicated.
- Lead the set-up of office IT infrastructure including internet, and software and assess needs and recommend software and IT solutions. Support the resolution of IT issues that arise.
Financial Planning
- Directly oversee and support the Finance Manager and ensure the implementation of NP global finance policies and procedures.
- Work with the Finance Manager to ensure timely, accurate financial information and reports in order to inform in-country management team of decisions.
- Ensure that SD Finance team produces timely, accurate and compliant reports to donors and other relevant stakeholders including Head Office.
- Works closely with Finance, HoM and relevant programme staff to produce accurate and financially viable grants budgets as well and financially viable budgets for NPSD.
Risk Mitigation and Management
- Facilitate an ongoing culture within the wider team of security awareness and ownership, and commitment to the procedures and to each other and arrange ongoing training as a key strategy for improved security conditions.
- Produce and ensure adherence to SOPs, contingency plans, and risk assessment documentation, ensuring these are up to date and in line with required standards.
- Recommend new protocols, or adjustments to procedures, to improve effective risk mitigation and support drafting of such as necessary.
- In coordination with the Country Management Team (CMT), ensure that all staff are aware of, and trained in, the procedures detailed in NP security documentation and Standard Operating Procedure documents
- Participate in security assessments in potentially high-risk new programme locations, or travel routes, to make recommendations regarding Go-No-Go movements and required risk mitigation steps required if movements are cleared.
- Advise on, and develop, contingency plans for critical incidents, including issues like hibernation, medevac, evacuation, and vehicle injury accidents, among others, and work with staff to prepare for those contingencies.
Team Development & Care
- In direct collaboration with the HoM and other line managers, monitor staff welfare and co-lead on implementing solutions and improvements.
- Support HR in mapping training needs, such as personal security, security management, safeguarding, health and safety and trauma care/first aid, in addition to role-specific training for drivers, security guards and other related roles.
- Plan and lead training for all new staff in the priority subjects and regular refresher training for all staff to ensure continuity in learning and skills capacity.
- Provide in-depth inductions for new staff upon arrival and additional briefings for all staff upon major shifts in the operational and security context.
Security Information Collection and Communication
- Support security information gathering, collation and dissemination from a range of local and international sources and support the Head of Mission and Safety and Security Advisor in producing formal security updates
- Support the Head of Mission and Safety and Security Advisor in monitoring and analysis of the security situation, ensuring reliable security information as a basis for informed decision-making and support the mapping and log of critical security incidents to support security decision making and ensure staff and management are aware of the issues.
- Ensure that a centralized filing system of security-related documents is maintained and available to the appropriate staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree or Equivalent Level of Knowledge in logistics, administration, Safety & Security, International Armed Conflict, Peace Studies, or International Relations.
- At least 7 years’ experience in finance, logistics, Admin and overall operations support management with (INGO)
- Previous experience working with an INGO in a field coordination position, operations management with experience of management or advisory role in security.
- Previous experience working in a complex and dynamic operational environment
- Comprehensive understanding of strategic, tactical, and operational safety and security risk management
- Leadership ability with demonstrated capacities to analyze needs, develop a plan and action the plan to completion.
- Strong analytical skills in security analysis and conflict sensitivity.
- Excellent writing abilities -with the capacity for drafting quality documents, briefs and reports quickly.
KEY CHALLENGES:
- Building and sustaining collaborative partnerships, negotiating, and resolving contentious issues and conflicts of interest while managing and balancing varied, diverse stakeholder priorities across a geographically dispersed region.
- Balancing responsible startup with programmatic targets and timelines.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Strong communication skills, written and verbal. Functional English. Arabic is an asset.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
- Training skills: Ability to lead staff training.
- Knowledge of humanitarian and development issues and concepts.
- Ability to set priorities, solve problems and analyze data.
- Ability to manage information with discretion.
- Excellent organization and administrative skills.
- Skills in researching, tracking and analyzing issues and trends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Good skills in Microsoft Office applications. Hardware IT skills an asset.
- Previous work in Sudan and understanding of context.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- This field position may include challenging living conditions, limited access to amenities, and potentially unstable security situations.
- You must be prepared to live in basic or non-traditional accommodation, which may include shared housing, camps, or field-based settings
- Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict security protocols and maintain high level of integrity.
Other Specialized Requirements
- This position will have to travel to field sites, including locations with limited access to communications.
- NP missions are often in a complex security environment where conditions change rapidly; ability to manage in insecure environments is essential to success in this position
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- The closing date for applications is Sunday, 18th May 2025
- Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early.
- As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview.
SPECIAL NOTICE
Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.
Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector. NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
NO FEE
We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.