Operations Manager

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.  

About the Role

We are seeking a highly proactive, mission-driven Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day office operations in our Nairobi office and other Africa regional offices. The ideal candidate will bring a strong hands-on approach, deep experience in vendor and facilities management, and a working knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements. The role holder will play a key role in ensuring operational excellence that enables our teams to deliver impact effectively and efficiently. This role is vital to ensuring that our office remains a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for all staff and partners. It requires flexibility, responsiveness, and a willingness to work beyond standard hours when needed. The role holder with work in close collaboration with HR Manager and IT Manager to to ensure seamless integration of office security, functionality, staff health and safety, and operational functions for the Africa regional offices.  

Accountabilities

Vendor and Contract Management

• Manage procurement and relationships with vendors, including suppliers, service providers, maintenance contractors, landlords and consultants.
• Lead the pre-qualification and onboarding of suppliers, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and due diligence requirements.
• Monitor service-level agreements (SLAs), performance, and contract renewals, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high-quality service delivery.
• Liaise with landlords to manage lease terms, resolve office-related issues, and coordinate office space improvements as needed.

Office Administration and Regional Operations Support

• Oversee administrative staff and outsourced services, including cleaners, security, and other office support personnel.
• Maintain inventory of office supplies, assets, and equipment, ensuring timely replenishment and proper use.
• Provide operational support to other regional offices across Africa, coordinating on common systems, compliance standards, and office needs.
• Support office start-up, scaling, or closure activities in other regional locations as needed in partnership with relevant leads.

Facilities & Health and Safety Management

• Ensure full compliance with occupational health and safety standards in line with local regulations and internal GEAPP policies.
• Lead the implementation and periodic review of health and safety practices; maintain incident logs and conduct safety drills and relevant trainings for staff.
• Coordinate regular office maintenance, equipment servicing, and facility improvements to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.

Travel and Logistics Management

• Review and approve regional travel requests in line with GEAPP’s policies and budget guidelines.
• Work with the travel agency to manage bookings and ensure safe, cost-effective, and compliant travel arrangements for employees.
• Maintain oversight of travel-related risks, insurance, and incident management processes for traveling staff.
• Support coordination of travel logistics for visitors to regional offices, including accommodation and transport.

Team and Cross-functional Support

• Work closely with HR, Finance, IT, and Program teams to ensure smooth onboarding/offboarding, workspace planning, and administrative compliance.
• Act as the point of contact for any office emergencies or facilities-related disruptions, ensuring rapid resolution.
• Provide out-of-hours operational support on occasion, as required.

Required Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in office and operations management, ideally within the non-profit, philanthropic, or international development sector.
• Strong understanding of health and safety standards, office security, and workplace compliance practices, with hands-on experience implementing these policies.
• Demonstrated success managing vendors, contractors, and outsourced staff (e.g., cleaning, security, maintenance) with an ability to negotiate contracts and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Proven experience overseeing office operations across multiple locations or countries, including remote coordination and regional harmonization of systems and procedures.
• Experience managing travel logistics, including travel approvals, policy enforcement, incident resolution, and support for senior leaders and visiting staff.
• Strong budget management skills, including operational budgeting, procurement tracking, and expense monitoring.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and multitasking skills with strong attention to detail and quality assurance.
• High level of comfort with technology, including Microsoft Office, Zoom, and facility management or procurement tools.
• Experience in risk management, emergency response planning, and maintaining business continuity during disruptions.
• Responsive and adaptable mindset, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to work beyond regular office hours when needed.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with diverse, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for GEAPP’s mission and values, with a strong ethical compass, professional maturity, and a service-oriented attitude.

Behavioural Competencies

• Professionalism: Acts with integrity and accountability, consistently delivering quality outcomes.
• Proactivity: Anticipates needs and acts in advance to address potential challenges or opportunities.
• Adaptability: Effectively handles change and adjusts strategies or priorities to meet evolving needs.
• Collaboration: Works well with internal and external stakeholders, promoting teamwork and inclusivity.
• Communication: Communicates clearly, diplomatically, and in a timely manner both orally and in writing.

We operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. We expect all GEAPP employees to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.  

 GEAPP LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the organization ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.  

GEAPP LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.