The role

We are currently looking for Operation Manager based in Vientiane Capital.

Role Purpose

The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) has received a System Transformation Grant (STG) from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to implement the “Foundational Learning Improvement Project” in disadvantaged communities of 9 districts from 5 provinces: Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Salavanh and Saysomboun. The implementation period is 3.5 years, July 2025 to December 2028. The MoES is an implementing agency for the GPE-STG project and Save the Children is the grant agent providing fiduciary and technical oversight of the grant.

The GPE-STG program has been designed within the approved parameters of the Partnership Compact 2024-2028 that reflects extensive dialogue between the Government and its development partners, which is based on a comprehensive analysis of enabling factors and educational data. The priority reform objective of partnership compact is “Improving foundational learning outcomes for all and supporting students in lower secondary”. To achieving this reform objective, the GPE-STG project includes the following components:

1. Expand one-year school readiness programs for five-year-old children
2. Strengthen continuous professional development (CPD) for primary school teachers
3. Support girls at risk of dropping out of lower secondary schools

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures.
• Conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the Child Safeguarding Policy, in their personal and professional lives – which includes reporting suspicions of child abuse.

Key responsibilities:

The Operation Manager is responsible for providing overall operational leadership and support to ensure that the implementation of the GPE System Transformation Grant (STG) is efficient, effective, and fully compliant with SCI and GPE standards. This role oversees finance, logistics, procurement, administration, and human resources functions related to the STG and ensures seamless coordination between SCI, MoES, and implementing Departments at the national and sub-national levels working under guidance of Team Leader of GPE-STG Project, and Director of GPE-STG Project of MoES:

Leadership Role

• Act as th FLIP Team Leader during period of absence, providing overall leadership, decision-making, and coordination to ensre continuity of project implementation.
• Represent the FLIP program in key internal and external meetings as needed, including with MoES senior leadership, the ESSWG, and development partners/donor’s meetings.
• Ensure the cross-departmental coordination continues smoothly and that technical, operational, and financial workstream remain aligned with GPESTGFLIP workplan.

High-level Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

• Support SCI and MoES leadership in High-Level advocacy with the Government of Lao PDR, especially senior officials at MoES, MoF, and other ministries relevant to education financing.
• Prepare briefs, taking points, and data summaries to support advocacy on education financing, budget allocation, and sustainability of GPESTG initiatives,
• Represent the FLIP at strategic dialogues with Government, development partners, and funding agencies to contribute to resource mobilization efforts.
• Coordinate with the SCA-SCI teams, DoF and DoP on opportunities to leverage GPE investments to attract additional funding and partnerships.

Operation Coordination Management

• Lead and coordinate all operational functions supporting the STG implementation, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and timely delivery of the project activities.
• Serve as the key liaison between SCI and MoES operations units to facilitate smooth execution of project logistics, procurement, and administration.
• Develop and implement operational plans, workflows, and timelines aligned with the approved work plan and budget
• Monitor and manage day0-to-day operational challenges, proposing proactive solutions to maintain program momentum.
• Ensure all STG operations are aligned with SCI’s internal policies, GPE requirements, and national regulations.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Oversee all procurement process for STG activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money.
• Lead the development and monitoring of procurement plans in close coordination with DoF at MoES and SCI’s supply chain team.
• Ensure timely delivery of goods, services, and equipment to IDs, PESS, DESBs and Schools in accordance with the project implementation plan.
• Manage contracts, vendor relationships, and inventory tracking for all STG-related assets.
• Provide guidance and capacity building to MoES, PESS, and DESBs on procurement and logistics management as needed.

Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Ensure that the project activities are followed with the workplan and spent accordingly.
• Ensure expenditures are within approved budgets and compliant with SCI and GPE financial policies.
• Support the Finance Manager in overseeing project budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting
• Facilitate smooth administrative operations, including travel arrangements, meetings, and workshop ;logistics.
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic financial forecasts and variance analyses.
• Coordinate with finance and procurement teams to ensure timely payments to vendors and partners.

Human Resources and Team management

• Supervise and support PMU operation team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of PMU operational staff under the STG.
• Ensure PMU staff have access to ongoing capacity-building opportunities and performance feedback.
• Forster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture that promotes inclusion and results.
• Oversee administrative PMU HR functions such as timesheets, leave management, and staff travel for operational team members.

Coordination with MoES and Stakeholders

• Act as a focal point for operational coordination between SCI and the MoES, especially IDs at national and sub-national levels.
• Provide operational guidance to IDs to strengthen their capacity in procurement, logistics, and administrative systems.
• Participate in joint planning, review, and coordination meetings between SCI, MoES, and GPE partners.
• Support the documentation and dissemination of good operational practices, lessons learned, and process improvements.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure operational compliance with SCI policies, GPE grant management standards, donor regulations.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks related to procurement, logistics, or financial management.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and clarifications.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date operational records and ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Promote integrity, accountability, and transparency in all operational aspects of the STGFLIP.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular operational process reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Support the preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports to MoES and GPE, particularly on operational and logistical performance.
• Maintain documentation of all procurement, logistics, and financial transactions related to the STGFLIP for audit and reporting purposes.

Capacity Strengthening and Continuous Improvement

• Identify capacity gaps among MoES implementing Departments and provide targeted training and mentoring in areas such as procurement, logistics, and operational management.
• Develop tools, templates, and standard operating procedures to ensure efficiency and consistency in STGFLIP operations.
• Support MoES in institutionalizing improved operational practices that can be sustained beyond the life of the STGFLIP.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Management, Logistics, Finance, or related field. Lao Nationality only.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations, logistics, or grant management, preferably in the education or development sector.
• Proven experience managing complex donor-funded projects (experience with GPE, USAID, UNICEF, or EU projects is an advantage).
• Strong knowledge of procurement and financial management procedures in international NGOs or UN agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with government partners, particularly ministries or education authorities.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Fluency in Lao and proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Commitment to gender equity, safeguarding and inclusive education.

Contract length: Fixed term (1 year with the possibility of extension)

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.

Save the Children International is a child-rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Save the children is an equal opportunities employer, qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.