Job Description

Managing Director, Operations - Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Belize

About MCA

The Government of Belize (GoB), together with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”), is in the process of establishing an independent executing agency called the Millennium Challenge Account – Belize (MCA-B). MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries and is dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. The MCA-B will be created by an act of Parliament to undertake the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the Government of Belize under the Compact, which is expected to be signed in September 2024. The MCA-B is located in Belize City.

Belize compact

In December 2021, MCC’s Board of Directors selected Belize as eligible to develop a five-year grant agreement known as a “compact” that will include two separate projects:

1. The $73.8 million Education Project aims to equitably increase the number of post-primary graduates with the competencies relevant to labor market demands
2. The $21.1 million Energy Project will address the root causes of the high costs of wholesale electricity.

Position Objective

The Managing Director of Operations, under the supervision of the Executive Director, will lead multidisciplinary professionals responsible for supporting the implementation of the Compact. These disciplines include finance, administration, human resources, procurement, and information technology.

Responsibilities

The Managing Director of Operations will be expected to carry out the following among his/her primary responsibilities:

• Lead the overall operations function of MCA-Belize and ensure that cross-functional initiatives across the Operations division sufficiently support the implementation of the Compact’s projects.
• Adapt policies and operating frameworks to the Compact’s statutory and operational requirements.
• Strategically allocate budgets and identify resources aligned to these requirements and consistent with the MCA-Belize's needs.
• Develop and implement technical systems and plans to ensure optimal operations in the Operations division that are consistent with MCA-Belize's objectives and compliant with the requirements of the Compact.
• Build and develop teams of professionals in all areas of the Operations division. Train these new MCA staff and identify and engage technical resources (e.g., external consultants, MCC) to provide external advice and expertise aligned with MCA-Belize's strategic needs. Ensure teams are adequately resourced throughout the life of the Compact.
• Serve as liaison between the MCA Operations division function and MCC and the MCA board, ensuring that the overall status of operations is properly communicated.
• Supervise Operations division Directors and Managers and establish a collaborative environment between the Operations division and other parts of MCA-Belize.
• Represent the MCA-Belize management team in MCA’s relationships with the Government of Belize, the Belizean public, auditors, MCC, and international stakeholders, as well as contractors and consultants.
• Coordinates with units of the Government of Belize involved in implementing the compact on MCC technical guidelines, local regulations, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Introduce streamlined methodologies and policies for documentation, evaluation, monitoring, and reporting to enhance delivery timeframes while remaining responsive to the MCA's needs.
• Organize effective service delivery of the administrative functions of the Operations division team in accordance with established timeframes.
• Organize knowledge management resources and tools to strengthen the quality of services to ensure alignment with MCA Belize and MCC policies and guidelines.
• Deliver on implementation of a cohesive work plan that integrates the different areas of the Operations division.
• Create an environment that allows for interaction amongst other Program teams and staff to successfully implement activities with cross-cutting components.

Required Competencies

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration. Economics or Project Management and related fields are required.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of broad program management experience encompassing cross-program oversight, development, and management of significant resources. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in supervising or managerial positions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance a variety of tasks and demands and demonstrated a history of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
• Fluency and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://belize-jobs.tenderwell.app/. The following documents should accompany applications:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability;
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

If you encounter challenges when applying online, please contact belize@developmentaid.org for assistance. The closing date for receiving applications is September 19th, 2024

Only applications received through the online portal (Tenderwell) will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.