Field Operations Manager

Project Summary

West African coastal regions are grappling with significant climate change impacts. Rising sea levels and intensifying storms are eroding vital coastal ecosystems like beaches, dunes, and coral reefs, compromising coastal defenses. Moreover, altered rainfall patterns are leading to more frequent and severe droughts and floods, disrupting agriculture, fisheries, and water resources. These climate-related changes are also significantly impacting coastal infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land, increasing their vulnerability.

To address these challenges, a collaborative effort between UN-Habitat, the University of Twente, HFHI, and the Abidjan Convention has developed a project proposal approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023. This project aims to enhance the resilience of small and medium-sized coastal settlements in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire through:

• Spatial Planning: Developing and implementing integrated coastal zone management plans.
• Concrete Interventions: Implementing early warning systems, developing green and blue infrastructure (e.g., mangrove reforestation, coastal protection measures), and promoting climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods.
• Coordination & Governance: Strengthening local governance structures and fostering community participation in decision-making processes.

HFHI will lead the implementation of various climate adaptation activities at the field level, focusing on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangrove reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture, and other livelihood opportunities.

Position Summary

HFHI seeks a highly motivated and experienced Field Operations Manager to lead the successful implementation of field activities within this critical project. The Field Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of field operations, ensuring timely and effective project delivery, and providing essential support to the Technical Lead.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Field Operations Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day implementation of all field activities, ensuring adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with stakeholders at field level, including local communities, government officials, partner organizations, and project team members.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors and community teams for field surveys, construction, planting, and other project activities.

Team Management:

• Manage and supervise a team of field staff, including community mobilizers, data collectors, and technical experts.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to the field team.
• Ensure professional development and capacity building of field staff.

Project Monitoring:

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project progress, identify potential challenges, and document project activities.
• Inspect the work of construction contractors.
• Collect and analyze data to track project performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare timely and accurate reports on field operations, including progress updates, challenges, and successes.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor reports and other relevant documentation.

Community Engagement:

• Facilitate community engagement and participation in all project activities.
• Build strong relationships with local communities and ensure their active involvement in project design, implementation, and monitoring.

Budget Management:

• Monitor project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure the efficient and effective use of resources.

Other:

• Perform any other related duties as needed to support project success.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education & Knowledge
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil, Construction, or Forestry Engineering.
  • Proficiency in English and French.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in field operations.
  • Proven experience in managing and supervising field teams.
  • Demonstrated experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Supervisory experience in inspecting the work of construction

Minimum Requirements:

• Education & Knowledge
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Civil, Construction, or Forestry Engineering.
  • Proficiency in English and French.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in field operations.
  • Proven experience in managing and supervising field teams.
  • Demonstrated experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Supervisory experience in inspecting the work of construction contractors.
  • Experienced knowledge of large donor policies, procedures and reporting requirements.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural environments.
  • Ability to adapt to changing project needs and drive continuous improvement.

Preferred Requirements (in addition to minimum):

• Experience:
  • Working in coastal communities in West Africa (Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana preferred).
  • With international development projects.
  • Working with local communities and engaging in participatory development approaches.
• Understanding:
  • Of climate change adaptation principles and practices.
  • Of community development principles and methodologies.
• Familiarity:
  • With community-based climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.
  • With climate-resilient livelihoods and sustainable agriculture.