JOB DESCRIPTION:

NORC's International Programs Department (INPRO) seeks an experienced Operations Manager to join its dynamic program operations unit to support a growing portfolio of international projects.

The Operations Manager will provide operations management support for INPRO projects in areas of budgeting, finance, procurement, contracts, and administration, and work closely with project staff to ensure all project objectives and deliverables are achieved on time and on budget.

DEPARTMENT: International Programs

INPRO was established in 2005, and works on performance and impact evaluations, capacity building, complex surveys, and qualitative data collection, among other research activities, throughout the developing world. Our research covers a range of sectors including democracy and governance, education and training, vulnerable populations such as human trafficking and child and youth well-being, agriculture, housing, finance, and health. Since its establishment INPRO has implemented projects in more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, MENA, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide day-to-day tasks related to finance, accounting, subcontract management, and other administrative functions on INPRO projects to support the timely and effective implementation of the department’s technical scopes of work.
• Ensure resources are allocated and in compliance with Contract requirements, applicable U.S. Government (USG) regulations, and appropriate standards and procedures;
• Provide support on procurement related matters, adhering to USG and USAID regulations;
• Oversee and support the timely issuance of subcontracts issued under contract or grant awards and procurement of commercial goods and services as needed;
• Ensure efficient, streamlined, and compliant implementation of the subcontracts;
• Oversee and coordinate all formal budget, procurement, and programmatic reporting requirements of the contracts;
• Prepare and monitor budgets and invoices to ensure expenditures are in compliance with USG and USAID policies and regulations;
• Develop budgets and forecasts which align with work plans;
• Provide support on developing cost-related materials (including budgets) for proposals;
• Prepare approval requests per client requirements;
• Ensure strong coordination and communication among project staff;
• Oversee and coordinate all formal budget, procurement, and programmatic reporting requirements of the contracts;
• Prepare and monitor budgets and invoices to ensure expenditures are in compliance with USG and USAID policies and regulations;
• Develop budgets and forecasts which align with work plans;
• Provide support on developing cost-related materials (including budgets) for proposals;
• Prepare approval requests per client requirements;
• Ensure strong coordination and communication among project staff;

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelors’ Degree in International Development, Business Management, Economics, Finance, or related field, or equivalent working experience in similar position on a USAID contract; Masters’ Degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in finance and operations management for large, donor-funded projects; prior experience working on USAID contracts required;
• Previous experience as an Operations Manager (or equivalent role) for a large U.S. government supported contract or grant demonstrating experience working with USG contractual and financial regulations strongly preferred;
• Experience managing procurement and implementation of USAID subcontracts;
• Knowledge of USG rules and regulations in both acquisition and assistance;
• Excellent budgeting skills using Excel, e.g. ability to construct spreadsheets that translate cost-based budgets (Cost Plus budgets) into client-required Time and Material (T&M) or Fees and Expenses formats with appropriate links, updating, and salary and cost escalation functionality;
• Proven ability to manage projects and meet deadlines through active collaboration with NORC researchers and other stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal in English;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Spanish or French a plus. #LI-AG1 #LI-remote#LI-hybrid#LI-onsite

WHAT WE DO:

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

WHO WE ARE:

For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.

EEO STATEMENT:

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally- protected characteristics.

#LI-MS1