Head of Support Services - Chef des services Supports

The Head of Support Services role at DRC Burkina Faso is responsible for ensuring compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines, providing strategic direction and operational management for Finance, Human Resources, Logistics and Procurement, Administration, and IT. The role supports country operations, oversees support service teams, and contributes to the development and implementation of country strategies and operational plans.

Responsibilities

• Ensure mission procedures comply with DRC policies and donor agreements including financial reporting, cash and treasury management, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support budget preparation, monitoring and validation with operational teams and Headquarters.
• Oversee internal and external audits and monitor implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure proper implementation of logistics systems including fleet, stock, procurement, communications, and customs procedures.
• Develop strategic procurement approach ensuring timely purchases with optimal quality and value for money.
• Manage all DRC facilities including lease agreements, maintenance, hygiene, utilities, and security coordination.
• Ensure proper fleet and transportation management including vehicle utilization, driver supervision, and fuel monitoring.
• Ensure appropriate sizing and standardization of IT infrastructure and equipment supporting ERP system.
• Design, implement and review HR policies in accordance with HQ and Burkina Faso labor laws.
• Advise Senior Management Team on staffing structure, strategic HR matters, training, organizational restructuring, and salary reviews.
• Ensure HR procedures including recruitment and performance management are followed and managers are supported.
• Manage personnel-related administrative tasks and oversee payroll preparation.
• Ensure compliance with Burkina Faso legal framework and government requirements including taxation, labor law, visas, and residence permits.
• Directly manage Finance, HR/Admin, and Logistics Managers ensuring qualifications, performance, and compliance with DRC policies.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback and capacity building, and organize support service teams efficiently.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess systems and controls and identify improvements.
• May act as Country Director during absence.
• Ensure implementation and compliance with Code of Conduct and serve on Code of Conduct Intake Committee.
• Maintain mission risk management and Risk Register.
• Lead and manage support managers including people planning, performance, well-being and development.
• Manage and report on current operations programme support.
• Develop and improve operational approaches, compliance and systems.
• Support annual planning and review processes.
• Support Country Director and Senior Management Team in donor and authority relations.
• Ensure operational capacity for rapid emergency response especially in procurement and transport.
• Develop and implement risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure administrative and legal systems are accurate and maintained.
• Build capacity of operational support staff through training and mentoring.
• Contribute to development and implementation of DRC’s global development initiatives.
• Ensure ERP functionality is properly used and apply data analytics to improve performance.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or the relevant field.
• At least 7 years’ experience in relevant field.
• At least 4 years’ experience with people management.
• Experience in a similar role in an international NGO.
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management.
• Proven operational management experience and capability, including in conflict areas.
• Proven significant financial, information and systems management experience.
• Significant experience in procurement and tender processes.
• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising.
• Understanding of the countries in which DRC operates and sensitive to the cultural context.
• Experience working in an ERP system, including supply chain, finance and HR systems.
• Desired: knowledge of the Burkina Faso context (and preferably the Central Sahel region).
• Experience working with ERP systems, including supply chain, finance, and HR modules.
• Previous experience managing projects funded by the European Union, ECHO, FCDO/GFFO, and DANIDA.
• Experience working in large consortiums and multi-country projects.
• Experience working with multiple local partners.
• Fluent French (essential).
• Fluent English (essential).

Skills

• People Management
• Operational Management
• Finance Management
• Information Systems Management
• Procurement Procedures
• Tender Processes
• Institutional Fundraising
• ERP Systems
• Supply Chain Management
• Financial Systems
• Human Resources Systems
• Project Management
• Consortium Management
• Multi-country Project Coordination
• Partner Coordination
• Strategic Direction
• Compliance Management
• Leadership
• Budget Management

Languages

French, English