Job location: Gedaref, Sudan. With possible relocation to Khartoum.
Starting date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Competitive (international NGO context)
Duration position: 3 years, with review after 1 year
Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week)
Vacancy closing date: 20 July 2026
We are here for our neighbours in need, who are suffering in this broken world.
ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover; providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.
ZOA is looking for a
Director of Operations
ZOA Sudan
We are looking for a Director of Operations who will lead and strengthen the operational backbone of our Sudan programme. This is a key leadership role within the country team, ensuring that systems, processes, and teams enable effective and accountable operational delivery in a complex environment.
How you will make a difference
You lead and strengthen the operational foundation of ZOA’s Sudan programme, ensuring that systems, processes, and teams enable effective, accountable, and high quality programme delivery in a complex environment. As a key member of the Country Management Team, you work closely with programme leadership and contribute to strategic direction and decision making.
In this role, you are responsible for the effective and efficient management of all operational processes within the country organisation. You oversee finance, human resources, IT, and logistics, ensuring strong internal control, compliance, and risk management. By doing so, you make sure that operational systems fully support programme delivery and meet organisational, donor, and legal requirements.
1. Leadership and team management
In this role, you lead and strengthen the operational teams across finance, human resources, IT, logistics, and administration, creating a strong and supportive environment where people can perform and grow. You guide, coach, and manage team members, ensuring clear expectations, regular feedback, and opportunities for development. As part of the Country Management Team and Local Crisis Team, you contribute actively to strategic direction and decision making, always balancing operational priorities with the broader needs of the country programme.
2. Administration
You ensure that administrative systems and processes are effective, compliant, and aligned with organisational standards. This means you oversee the development and use of policies and procedures, make sure internal controls are in place, and continuously improve systems where needed. You help create a culture of accountability, where colleagues understand and follow donor, legal, and organisational requirements.
3. Human Resources
Within human resources, you ensure that global policies are translated into the local context and applied in a fair and consistent way. You oversee recruitment, performance management, and staff conditions, making sure these meet both organisational standards and local legal requirements. You also support programme teams in developing strong HR components for proposals and promote inclusive and gender sensitive practices across the organisation.
4. Finance
In finance, you lead the overall financial management of the country programme. You contribute to the country strategy and planning processes, oversee budgeting and forecasting, and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. You make sure donor requirements are met, audits are well managed, and recommendations are followed up. At the same time, you support programme teams to develop realistic and compliant budgets for new funding opportunities.
5. IT
You are responsible for ensuring that IT systems and infrastructure support the organisation effectively. This includes the implementation and use of systems such as the ERP, maintaining secure and reliable IT services, and supporting the adoption of new tools and processes.
6. Logistics and Procurement
In logistics and procurement, you ensure that systems and procedures are in place and functioning well, in line with organisational standards. You monitor performance, strengthen compliance, and ensure that teams have the resources they need to operate safely and efficiently.
Finally, you contribute to strengthening the capacity of partner organisations in areas such as finance, HR, IT, and logistics, helping to build sustainable and accountable systems beyond ZOA itself.
What we offer
What you bring
You bring solid experience in operational leadership within an international setting, with strong knowledge of finance, HR, and compliance. You have a relevant academic background and hands on experience with budgeting, reporting, and internal controls. You work in a structured and analytical way, while keeping the bigger picture in mind. You communicate clearly in English, build strong relationships across cultures, and adapt easily to different contexts. You take initiative, improve processes, and stay calm and focused in a dynamic environment. You act with integrity and are motivated by contributing to a mission driven organisation.
You also bring:
Leadership profile:
Do you need more information?
For more information about ZOA, please visit our website: www.zoa-international.com.
If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Nienke Maris, HR Business Partner, email zoa.vacancies@zoa.ngo.
Become our new Director of Operations in Sudan
If you are interested in this position, please apply via the "apply now" button below, at the latest by 20 July 2026. CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Candidates will be selected on a rolling basis.
Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform all other candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. An assessment may be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. Internal candidates will have priority, in case of similar results.
Please note that ZOA carries out background and reference checks (including COTER: check your name on counter-terrorism lists) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).