Field Operations Manager - NGO

About the role

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is looking for a Field Operations Manager for its Marsabit sub-office in Kenya. The role provides field-level operational leadership, coordination and representation, supporting timely, high-quality and accountable project implementation. It is a full-time, on-site position based in Marsabit.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day coordination of CRS field operations in Marsabit, covering food distribution, Food for Assets, nutrition, MEAL, supply chain, security and operations, and resolve field-level bottlenecks.
• Coordinate with Caritas Marsabit (DOM) and partner teams, facilitate implementation reviews and follow up on agreed actions.
• Represent CRS with county and sub-county authorities, government departments, communities and humanitarian actors, and represent the project in County Steering Groups and coordination mechanisms.
• Oversee the functioning of the CRS Marsabit sub-office and coordinate administrative and operational support, using delegated financial and administrative authority.
• Monitor commodity movements, storage and distribution readiness, and promote adherence to commodity management controls and donor requirements.
• Act as the field-level focal point for operational security, safeguarding and compliance, and escalate risks, fraud or safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Review implementation data and feedback with MEAL and partner teams, run after-action reviews and promote accountability and learning.
• Supervise direct reports, manage team performance and well-being, and contribute to recruitment, onboarding and capacity strengthening.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Business Administration, International Development, International Relations, Project Management or a related field; additional relevant experience may substitute for some education.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in international development and/or humanitarian response, including project or field operations management.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex field operations with program teams, implementing partners and government stakeholders, and supervising staff.
• Experience with donor-funded humanitarian or development programs; food assistance experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge of administration, budgeting, procurement, logistics, security and resource stewardship.
• Experience in complex, remote or emergency-response environments is strongly preferred.
• Professional proficiency in English and Swahili; proficiency in other languages used in Marsabit County is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strong leadership, coordination, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced field environment and with government, partners and communities.
• Sound judgment on what can be decided within delegated authority versus what requires escalation.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant information management systems.