Operations Lead — Improving Access Activity
Operations Lead — Improving Access Activity is available at Fika in Lusaka. Review the job description, requirements, closing date and application details below.
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Vacancy Announcement Job Title: Operations Lead — Improving Access Activity About Fika Fika (formerly “Bridges to Prosperity”) advances innovative, cost-effective rural infrastructural solutions through advocacy, evidence, and technical assistance to promote safe access for geographically isolated communities through partnership with governments and donors. Our evidence-based approach demonstrates that safe, reliable access unlocks opportunity and drives economic and social development in rural areas. Opportunity Overview Fika is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Operations Lead to manage and execute the finance, procurement, logistics, and administrative functions of an anticipated Improving Access Activity, a key component of a large-scale, donor-funded transport infrastructure program in Zambia. This Activity aims to improve rural access and connectivity along a major economic corridor by addressing physical and non-physical barriers to mobility and market access for farming communities and rural populations. The anticipated Improving Access Activity is envisioned to encompass a range of interventions including rural transport infrastructure delivery, government capacity strengthening in road asset management and rural access planning, integration of digital tools for needs assessment and infrastructure prioritization, community engagement frameworks, and standards development. The Activity will be implemented in close partnership with national and subnational government institutions, leveraging Fika’s technical expertise, proprietary digital tools, and established in-country government relationships. The Operations Lead will be the senior Fika staff member accountable for the operational, financial, and compliance backbone of the Activity, ensuring that program resources are managed with integrity, efficiency, and full compliance with donor and Fika requirements across the program lifecycle from implementation through closeout. The Operations Lead directly reports to the Improving Access Activity Team Leader but will work in a matrixed project structure with additional management lines for financial and operational support from Fika’s in-country and global functions. This position is contingent on program funding and client approvals. Responsibilities Financial Management and Oversight Oversee all day-to-day financial management functions for the Activity, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, cash flow management, forecasting, and financial reporting in compliance with donor and Fika requirements. Develop and maintain sound, transparent accounting and fiscal control procedures, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial data at the activity, deliverable, and task level. Lead the preparation and periodic revision of realistic budgets; authorize and monitor expenditure in line with approved budgets, donor guidelines, and Fika’s financial policies. Manage the Activity pipeline, spending analysis, and efficient and compliant use of donor funds, coordinating closely with the Team Leader and Fika finance functions to align operational strategy with technical priorities. Prepare accurate and timely financial inputs to annual and quarterly workplans, budgets, and progress reports as needed. Procurement, Contracts, and Subaward Management Establish and maintain streamlined, compliant procurement processes (goods and services) that meet program deliverables and milestones while safeguarding value for money and transparency. Manage Activity contracts, consultant engagements, and subaward relationships, ensuring compliance, quality, and timely delivery of agreed scopes of work. Take a leading role in procurement planning for new subcontracts and high-value or high-profile activities, in coordination with technical staff. Provide oversight and management of subawards, including due diligence, disbursement, monitoring, and closeout in line with donor and Fika standards. Operations, Logistics, and Administration Provide day-to-day management of operational support functions, including office administration, logistics, asset and inventory management, and travel coordination for staff and program equipment. Establish clear standard operating procedures, operational systems, and internal controls for Activity implementation. Lead human resources and personnel functions for the Activity, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of operations and administrative staff, in coordination with the Team Leader and Fika’s Talent Department. Maintain accurate operational records and provide timely, accurate reports on the location and status of staff and assets, as requested by Fika leadership or the donor. Compliance, Risk, and Safeguarding Establish and maintain standards and procedures to prevent, detect, mitigate, and correct noncompliance with applicable donor rules, regulations, and Fika organizational policies. Ensure compliance of financial and operational systems with donor rules and regulations, Fika policies and procedures, and applicable Zambian laws. Contribute to periodic performance and risk management reviews, identifying and rating operational and financial risks and designing time-bound, accountable mitigation actions. Ensure staff receive adequate operational and security support and that safeguarding standards and duty-of-care protocols are implemented throughout Activity implementation. Train and build the capacity of Activity staff, grantees, and subcontractors on applicable donor and Fika rules and regulations regarding ethics, integrity, and financial and contractual compliance. Team Leadership and Capacity Supervise and support the Activity’s operations, finance, procurement, and administrative staff, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable team culture. Identify and respond to staff development, mentorship, and training needs to build a strong and sustainable operations team. Promote knowledge sharing, learning, and documentation of best practices across the Activity and Fika’s broader program portfolio. Support the Team Leader across operational tasks and duties and stand in on operational and financial matters as needed. Qualifications and Experience Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, international development, or a closely related field; a relevant Bachelor’s degree combined with additional years of relevant experience may be considered. Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in operations, finance, and administration, with a substantive focus on donor-funded programs; experience on infrastructure or transport programs is an asset. Demonstrated track record managing the operational, financial, and compliance functions of donor-funded programs of similar scope and complexity, ideally in a Deputy Chief of Party, Operations Manager, Finance and Administration Manager, or equivalent senior operations role. Proven ability to manage complex program budgets, contracts, procurement, and subaward relationships with strong attention to financial accountability and compliance. Familiarity with major bilateral donor rules and regulations, including compliance, procurement, financial management, and reporting requirements. Experience establishing and maintaining internal controls, standard operating procedures, and operational systems in a field-based program environment. Experience with human resources and personnel management, including recruitment, onboarding, and staff performance management. Experience with grants and subaward management, including compliance, disbursement, and monitoring of sub-partners. Experience managing operational risk, safeguarding, and staff duty-of-care in a developing country context. Established government, partner, and vendor networks in Zambia are an advantage. Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build trust and manage relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders and cultures. Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required; proficiency in Bemba or other Zambian languages is an asset. Commitment to Fika’s mission, values, and ethical standards, including child safeguarding, integrity, and inclusion. Process Interested candidates are invited to submit an application indicating their area(s) of expertise and relevant experience. The selection process will include: review of CV and cover letter against the stated requirements; shortlisting and interviews of selected candidates; reference verification; and final selection in accordance with Fika’s hiring policies. This position is subject to donor approval and program award as applicable. Work Conditions Location: Lusaka, Zambia, with travel to program areas along the activity corridor as required; this is an in-person role, and remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this position. Position Type: Full-time, project-based employment, subject to availability of donor funds. Duration: Fixed-term, commensurate with program award period; subject to satisfactory performance and continued funding. Language Requirements: English (full professional proficiency required); Zambian local languages (asset). Nationality / Right to Work: This position is based in Zambia. Zambian nationals and candidates with the existing right to work in Zambia are strongly encouraged to apply. Contingency Status: This position is contingent upon program award and applicable donor approvals. Application Guidelines To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter to Fika via this Link, indicating your primary area(s) of expertise, relevant operations and finance experience, and general availability. In your cover letter, please address your experience managing the operational, financial, and compliance functions of donor-funded programs, your approach to procurement and subaward management, and your relevant experience establishing and maintaining operational systems and internal controls. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Fika is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and consultants. Application Link CV Guidelines Length: Maximum 4 pages. Education: Highlight relevant diplomas, degrees, and recognized certifications. Exclude: personal information (photos, gender, religion, marital status, number of dependents), non-certified training. Data Protection and Privacy Notice By submitting your application, you consent to Fika collecting, storing, and processing your personal data for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this opportunity and for potential future assignments. Your data will be retained only as long as necessary for these purposes and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal information at any time by contacting info@fika.org. Fika will not share your personal data with third parties except as necessary for legitimate business purposes or as required by law. Application link: https://fika.bamboohr.com/careers/106
