Operations Manager

Helen Keller Intl partners with communities striving to overcome longstanding cycles of poverty. By delivering the essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition, and clear vision, we help millions of people create lasting change in their own lives. Working in 20 countries – across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States – and together with a global community of supporters, we ensure every person has the opportunity – as Helen did – to reach their true potential.

Brief Background

In Cameroon, Helen Keller Intl works in eye health, nutrition, and the fight against neglected tropical diseases. To ensure the efficiency, compliance, and smooth functioning of its country office operations, Helen Keller Intl Cameroon is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Operations Manager, based in Yaoundé, with oversight of a team of 11 staff across Yaoundé and the Maroua sub-office. This is a fixed-term position for an initial duration of one (1) year.

Purpose or Scope of Work

This role will help ensure that our Cameroon country office operates efficiently, compliantly, and in service of program impact — upholding the same commitment to integrity and rigor that defines Helen Keller Intl’s work worldwide.

Management/Functional Relationships

This role reports to the Country Director. Internally, the role works closely with the Country Management Team, Program team, Finance team, Human Resources team, and global/HQ Operations counterparts, and directly supervises the Associate Officer, Information Technology. Externally, the role engages with suppliers and vendors, government authorities (tax administration, NGO consortium, local authorities), and international donors and partner organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical/Programmatic: Lead and coordinate the country office’s operational functions — procurement, logistics, information technology, and security — ensuring efficient, compliant, and well-functioning operations in support of program delivery.
• People management: Supervise a team of 11 staff across Operations in Yaoundé and Maroua, including direct oversight of the Associate Officer, Information Technology; conduct compliance checks, identify learning needs, and implement training plans.
• Operations/coordination: Oversee procurement strategy and processes, vehicle fleet management, asset registration and control, and IT infrastructure and systems, while maintaining performance indicators and optimizing the use of existing framework agreements.
• External engagement: Advise the Country Director on operations, security, and compliance matters; liaise with suppliers, government authorities, and donors; and represent Operations within the Country Management Team.

Skills & Experience

• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience supervising, coaching, and managing the performance of multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent knowledge of operations, procurement, ICT, asset management, and safety/security.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in management, business administration, logistics and supply chain management, finance, operations management, or another relevant field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in a similarly responsible role, ideally within an international NGO or development organization.
• Cameroonian nationality required.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based in Yaoundé, with periodic travel to regional and field locations. Willingness to travel regularly to the Maroua sub-office and other project sites within Cameroon, as required.

Application

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to cm.recrutement@hki.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Closing date: September 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.