Operation Manager

The Operation Manager provides overall operational leadership and support for the implementation of the GPE System Transformation Grant (STG) project in Lao PDR. The role ensures efficient, effective, and compliant management of finance, logistics, procurement, administration, and human resources functions, coordinating between Save the Children International, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and implementing departments at national and sub-national levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational leadership and support to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant implementation of the GPE System Transformation Grant (STG).
• Act as FLIP Team Leader during absence, providing leadership, decision-making, and coordination for project continuity.
• Represent the FLIP program in key internal and external meetings including with MoES senior leadership and development partners.
• Ensure smooth cross-departmental coordination aligned with the GPE-STG FLIP workplan.
• Support high-level advocacy and resource mobilization with Government of Lao PDR and development partners.
• Prepare briefs and data summaries to support advocacy on education financing and sustainability.
• Lead and coordinate all operational functions including finance, logistics, procurement, administration, and human resources.
• Serve as key liaison between SCI and MoES operations units for smooth project execution.
• Develop and implement operational plans, workflows, and timelines aligned with approved work plan and budget.
• Monitor and manage day-to-day operational challenges and propose solutions.
• Ensure all operations comply with SCI policies, GPE requirements, and national regulations.
• Oversee procurement processes ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money.
• Lead development and monitoring of procurement plans in coordination with MoES and SCI supply chain team.
• Manage contracts, vendor relationships, and inventory tracking for STG assets.
• Provide guidance and capacity building on procurement and logistics management to MoES and sub-national departments.
• Ensure project activities follow workplan and expenditures comply with SCI and GPE financial policies.
• Support Finance Manager in budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
• Facilitate administrative operations including travel arrangements and workshop logistics.
• Contribute to financial forecasts and variance analyses.
• Coordinate timely payments to vendors and partners.
• Supervise and support PMU operation team with clear roles and performance expectations.
• Contribute to recruitment and onboarding of PMU operational staff.
• Ensure ongoing capacity-building and performance feedback for PMU staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture promoting inclusion and results.
• Oversee administrative HR functions such as timesheets, leave management, and staff travel.
• Act as focal point for operational coordination between SCI and MoES at national and sub-national levels.
• Provide operational guidance to strengthen procurement, logistics, and administrative systems capacity.
• Participate in joint planning, review, and coordination meetings with SCI, MoES, and GPE partners.
• Support documentation and dissemination of good operational practices and lessons learned.
• Ensure operational compliance with SCI policies, GPE standards, and donor regulations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks related to procurement, logistics, or financial management.
• Support audits by providing documentation and clarifications.
• Maintain accurate operational records and audit readiness.
• Promote integrity, accountability, and transparency in all operational aspects.
• Prepare regular operational reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Support preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports to MoES and GPE.
• Maintain documentation of procurement, logistics, and financial transactions for audit and reporting.
• Identify capacity gaps and provide training and mentoring in procurement, logistics, and operational management.
• Develop tools, templates, and SOPs to ensure efficiency and consistency.
• Support institutionalization of improved operational practices beyond project life.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Management, Logistics, Finance, or related field.
• Lao Nationality only.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations, logistics, or grant management, preferably in the education or development sector.
• Proven experience managing complex donor-funded projects (experience with GPE, USAID, UNICEF, or EU projects is an advantage).
• Strong knowledge of procurement and financial management procedures in international NGOs or UN agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with government partners, particularly ministries or education authorities.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Fluency in Lao and proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Commitment to gender equity, safeguarding and inclusive education.

Skills

• Operations Management
• Logistics Management
• Grant Management
• Donor-funded Project Management
• Procurement Procedures
• Finance Management
• Government Coordination
• Education Sector Knowledge
• Project Coordination
• Budget Management
• Compliance Management
• Human Resources Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Gender Equity Application
• Safeguarding Practices
• Inclusive Education
• English Language Proficiency
• Lao language proficiency

Languages

Lao, English