Operations Manager

USAID FtF Kenya Private Sector Activity (KPSA)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya    

About Palladium:    
Palladium is a global company working to design, develop and deliver positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the globe; broaden access to health, water, power, and infrastructure; build enduring, sustainable, and transformative institutions and market systems to address global challenges; and conserve the natural world. We operate in over 90 countries and have a workforce of 4,000 talented, motivated, and diverse staff of all religions, races, languages, and gender identities.       

Project Overview and Role:    
The Kenya Feed the Future Private Sector Activity (KPSA) is a $48 million, USAID-funded, Palladium implemented project that will accelerate inclusive economic growth in Kenya through partnerships with large agricultural firms, health firms and other sectors. Using a systems approach, KPSA will provide a suite of customized, high-impact services that increase the productivity of firms such as SMEs, smallholders, Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) and Financial Institutions (FIs), increase market linkages, and mobilize finance to support targeted sectors. From 2024 – 2029, KPSA will use its Inclusive Growth Platform to mobilize $400 million in finance, create new jobs, increase exports and sales, and increase access to healthcare services. 

The Operations Manager will manage KPSA operations tasks, including travel, event planning, office logistics and services, and procurement. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Assist in planning and coordinating regional and international travel for the project staff and consultants Arrange and participate in conferences, training sessions, and meetings Operation of the telephone switchboard to provide and/or oversee telephone and fax communication for all staff Coordinate office logistics and services, including working across Palladium Kenya projects to compete and maintain efficient blanket purchase agreements and service agreements that all projects can tap into Receive clients and visitors, assist and resolve problems and inquiries of visitors Travel to project activities in accordance with the project needs Assist in the organization and execution of training events and seminars to be implemented by the project Complete six-monthly procurement plan in line with USAID and GOK VAT exemption and reimbursement procedures Support the accounting, M&E, and communications personnel in their day-to-day duties Any other tasks as requested by the Director of Finance and Administration, COP, and project leadership  

Position Requirements: 

At least five years of experience working in administration or office management Previous experience working for a USAID project preferred  Strong verbal communication skills in English Attention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities  Professional and mature demeanor and conduct Kenyan nationals preferred.  

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.      

Should you require any adjustments or accommodation to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.     

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse.  All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.