Operations Consultant Resolve to Save Lives

Operations Consultant – Lusaka, Zambia

Resolve to Save Lives, Integrated Surveillance Project

12-months, Independent Contractor

Background

Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is a US-based, global public health organization with a mission to prevent 100 million deaths from heart disease and to make the world safer from epidemics. We are led by Dr Tom Frieden, former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2017, Resolve to Save Lives’ Prevent Epidemics program has worked closely with Ministries of Health and national public health institutes in Africa to strengthen epidemic preparedness capacity, accelerate disease detection and response, and to use data effectively to inform action. To find out more about our work, visit: www.resolvetosavelives.org and preventepidemics.org/

Resolve to Save Lives is embarking on a program for integrated disease surveillance in several African countries, including Zambia. The new initiative will support Zambia to align resources, maximize potential impacts for the effective use of data, and strengthen national capacities for epidemic preparedness and response.

Terms of Reference

The Operations Consultant is an independent contractor who provides discreet operations-related assistance to staff involved in the implementation of RTSL project activities in Zambia. In this role, the Operations Consultant assists with the establishment and execution of operating systems and procedures, including general administration, procurement, IT support, and contract management. The Consultant’s duties and deliverables include:

Essential Duties & Deliverables:

Establishment and Management of Systems, Policies and Procedures

Lead the planning, organization, execution, monitoring and documentation of administrative and operations activities (procurement plans, travel management, safety and security plans, IT, asset management, etc).
Create relevant standard operating procedures and train staff on all operational processes and procedures.

In close consultation with the RTSL Global Operations Team, assist with the adaptation and development of administration and operational guidelines, procedures, training and communication materials.
Serve as a bridge between RTSL Global Operations and Zambia based project team on operational aspects of the project.
Coordinate logistics and operations for meetings, workshops and trainings with colleagues, partner organizations and government counterparts.

Procurement & Logistics

Organize all logistics for project workshops and team meetings including identifying venues, securing accommodations, arranging transportation, etc.
Work with project managers/technical leads in developing and tracking procurement plans for goods and services to share with Global Operations.
Coordinate routine local market survey(s) for goods and services.
Carry out supplier checks and vet them against anti-terror or sanction lists.
Manage operational contracts for Zambia projects.
Lead sourcing of IT equipment for RTSL staff with technical support from Global Office; work with Global Office for renewal of software licenses and report on IT equipment status and maintain functionality including internet, printers and projectors, as applicable.

Travel Management and Staff Safety

In coordination with the Director of Global Operations, implement RTSL’s travel and security policies and procedures for staff traveling within Zambia and to Zambia.
Stay abreast of security developments in the country and communicate travel safety and security alerts to RTSL staff in country and staff traveling to Zambia.
Manage all domestic and international travel plans and bookings, including assisting staff to obtain travel visas.
Research and identify vendors for travel within Zambia, such as car service providers, travel agencies, hotels, visa agencies, etc.
Establish and manage relationships with local travel vendors such as car service providers, hotels, and travel agencies, as needed.
Track travel readiness of staff including mandatory personal security trainings and immunizations and ensure compliance.
Develop and update travel and overall safety plans in compliance with RTSL policies and local recommendations.
Coordinate with RTSL shared services team to ensure administrative support (e.g., travel, workshops, meetings) are effective, efficient and in compliance with RTSL policies.
Support international staff travel and engagements within Zambia (eg, obtaining transportation, accommodations, sim cards/phone, etc).
Regularly attend training offered by security partners in the country, stay informed on the evolving security context, and update team members, as needed.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Provide monthly operation updates/reports to inform Global Operations

Required Experience, Skills and Knowledge:

Experience

At least five years of experience in roles that involve systems and process management and operational coordination

Skills & abilities

Proven track record of establishing effective and efficient organizational operations systems
Resourceful, proactive and with strong problem-solving orientation and capabilities
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Highly effective in working harmoniously with others and across teams
Outstanding communicator, with strong oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills for optimal collaboration
Able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
Skilled at systems thinking and with navigating change
Knowledge of and ability to address a range of organizational process issues and to learn quickly
Comfortable and effective working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and across cultures

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in any field, or equivalent experience

Contract Terms:

The consultant contract will be for a duration of 12 months, starting in November 2023, with the possibility for an extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of project funds. During this period, up to 260 days of work are anticipated.

The service fee for this position shall be commensurate with the job requirements, factoring in the candidate’s skills, qualifications and experience. Please include your fee expectation (daily rate) in your cover letter.

Location:

Working remotely from Lusaka, Zambia, with possible travel to program operations regions.