Potential Operations and Finance Director

Potential Operations and Finance DirectorPosition Summary: Chemonics seeks a potential Operations and Finance Director to lead the business operations of Chemonics newly established office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Operations and Finance Director will oversee core functions including finance, HR & administration, logistics, procurement, and operational compliance, ensuring compliance with UAE regulation and adherence to Chemonics internal controls. The Operations and Finance Director will support operational readiness, ensuring that Chemonics is equipped to pursue client relationships, sign contracts locally, submit proposals, register on relevant procurement portals, and execute UAE-based employment and consulting assignments efficiently and compliantly. Reporting to the Chemonics UAE Principal or her designee, this position will be based in Abu Dhabi, UAE with travel to other target countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region if needed.Responsibilities includeOperational LeadershipEstablish and lead day-to-day operations of Chemonics, including finance, HR & administration, procurement, and logistics functions.Establish, implement and monitor operational frameworks to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with corporate objectives.Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.Ensure operational readiness to deliver projects and partner with international, regional, and local partners.Develop and maintain business continuity and crisis management plans.Finance & ComplianceEnsure accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in line with Chemonics global polices and UAE regulations.Coordinate with external auditors, regulatory authorities, legal counsel, and PRO service provider to maintain full compliance with local laws, including tax, labor, and commercial requirements.Oversee procurement and vendor management processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and adherence to organizational standards.Human ResourcesEnsure smooth execution of HR policies, employee onboarding/offboarding, and payroll compliance in coordination with PRO firm.Ensure adherence to UAE labor laws, government HR systems, and other statutory requirements. Proactively monitor and adapt to evolving UAE and GCC regulations and consult with local counsel and PRO firm as needed.Research local hiring and compensation structures, including salary benchmarks, andassistwith recruitment.Develop andmaintaina checklist and process guide foracquiringresident and employment visas for staffrelocatingto UAE, and support staff in immigration processes.Nurture staff engagement, local talent development, and performance monitoring.Office Management and Administrative SetupEnsure proper facility management and office administration practices.Support office setup in Abu Dhabi, including lease finalization, utilities, IT infrastructure, and vendor agreements.Identify, register, and maintain active status for Chemonics on relevant procurement platforms and donorportals for GCC-funded foreignassistance.Maintain required licenses and documentation for Chemonics UAE business registration in Abu Dhabi or any other GGC countries/regions as assigned.Reporting & CommunicationReport directly to the UAE Principal, providing updates on operational performance, financials, procurement, and compliance.Act as the primary focal point for operational coordination with the Chemonics Washington office-based team and across the GCC and other Chemonics entities.Document lessons learned from UAE setup for replication in other GCC countries.Participate in regional networking events as needed.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferredMinimum 10 years of experience in operations, including at the senior level, ideally within development consulting or professional services.Proven experience managing multi-faceted operations (finance, HR, administration, logistics, procurement) in UAE or GCC countries.Deep understanding of UAE regulatory environment, labor laws, and operational compliance requirements.Strong financial management and analytical skills.Strong vendor and partnership management skills.Exceptional leadership, organizational, change management, crisis leadership, and problem-solving abilities.Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).Fully operational office in Abu Dhabi, including finance, HR, and administrative systems.Compliance with UAE regulations, including licenses, visas, and payroll submissions.Streamlined operational processes, policies, and procedures.Timely financial reporting and operational dashboards.Operational frameworks for market entry and project delivery in UAE.Legally compliant accounting and auditing reporting systems.In coordination with legal counsel, ensure legal, financial, and administrative requirements are met to maintain Chemonics as a foreign-owned entity with legal standing in UAE to bid on and implement consultin