Operations Manager (Dadaab)

A. Background

The GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) is a German Federal enterprise that provides services worldwide in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ has over 60 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment, energy and the environment, agriculture, migration and peace and security. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is our main commissioning party.

The GIZ Forced Displacement and Migration (FDM) Programme in Kenya currently consists of 7 projects and forms a cooperation and exchange forum for projects of the same target group: refugees and migrants. The Programme closely cooperates with UNHCR.

The project “Supporting the implementation of the Shirika Plan to strengthen the
socio-economic inclusion of refugees and host communities in Kenya” aims to strengthen the living conditions, resilience, and socio-economic inclusion of refugees and host communities in Kakuma/Kalobeyei and Dadaab through facilitating the implementation of the Shirika Plan. The project comprises 3 Outputs:

1. The Government capacity strengthening

2. Improved access to modern energy services

3. Skills development and employment promotion.

A. Summary of responsibilities

The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing Outputs 2 and 3, support steering a consulting company, managing grant-supported partners and executing the direct implementation. The role includes oversight of finance, administration, security, and acting as the liaison and primary focal person for the project in Dadaab.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Oversight: Lead the implementation of Outputs 2 & 3 of the project in Dadaab, ensuring alignment with project goals and donor requirements.
  

• Direct Implementation: Oversee the effective rollout and implementation of activities.
  

• Local Representation: Act as the main focal point in Dadaab, representing the project in external meetings, stakeholder forums, coordination mechanisms, and maintain effective relationships with relevant stakeholders.
  

• Consultant Steering: Supervise the activities of a consulting company supporting the project and maintain effective working relationships on the ground.
  

• Grants & Partner Management: Coordinate and steer partner organizations
  implementing activities under grant agreements.

• Operations Management: Oversee daily operations, including logistics, finance, administration, securityand staff coordination.
  

• Liaison Function: Act as the primary liaison with local authorities, partners, and community representatives.
  

• Contextual Expertise: Provide insights and adaptive strategies based on deep understanding of the local context.
  

• Security Focal Point: Coordinate closely with GIZ and UNHCR security officers, follow their updates and recommendations and attend their security roundtables.
  

B. Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in project management, Development Studies, Energy, Business Administration, or a related field.
  

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in project management, preferably with GIZ or similar donor-funded programs.
  

• Strong background in energy access, skills development and private sector engagement is highly desirable.
  

• Proven leadership and team coordination skills.
  

• Experience managing grants and coordinating multi-stakeholder implementation.
  

• Strong knowledge of humanitarian and development settings, especially in Kakuma or Dadaab or similar refugee-hosting areas. Experience working in Kakuma or Dadaab or similar humanitarian/development contexts is an asset.
  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
  

• Proficient in MS Office applications and data analysis software.
  

• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
  

• Ability to work flexibly, independently, and under pressure.
  

• Fluency in English, Kiswahili and Somali.
  

Assignment period:

Duty location

Dadaab

Submission of Application

Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/FDM/05/08/2025

Equal Employment Opportunity

At GIZ Kenya, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a stronger, more impactful global team.

We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status is not tolerated in any of our workplaces.

Ethics

GIZ is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals we interact with, including staff, partners, community members, and program participants. We uphold the highest standards in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Child abuse or any form of misconduct by or toward team members is strictly prohibited.

All staff are expected to behave professionally, respect local laws and customs, and complete mandatory ethics e-learning courses upon hire.

Data Confidentiality

In accordance with GIZ’s data protection policy, all candidate applications are stored in our database for six (6) months and deleted thereafter

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.