Job Description
The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) is inviting applications from experienced and motivated professionals for the position of Business Operations Analyst-Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya. This opportunity supports the Africa operations of CIMMYT, an internationally respected agricultural research organization hosted by CIFOR-ICRAF. The successful candidate will contribute to strengthening operational effectiveness across multiple countries by transforming business data into practical insights that support informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence.
This position is ideal for an analytical professional who enjoys working with operational data, coordinating strategic initiatives, and improving organizational performance. The Business Operations Analyst will collaborate closely with regional leadership and operational teams to monitor business activities, evaluate performance indicators, and ensure that critical operational functions continue to deliver efficient and high-quality services. The role combines business intelligence, reporting, governance support, project coordination, compliance monitoring, and operational planning within a dynamic international environment.
The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting departments responsible for procurement, fleet operations, travel coordination, inventory management, warehouse administration, vendor performance, asset management, and related business support functions. Through detailed analysis of operational metrics, the analyst will help identify trends, highlight opportunities for improvement, minimize operational risks, and contribute to stronger organizational performance throughout the African region.
Working within a multicultural and collaborative environment, the successful applicant will prepare executive reports, performance dashboards, management presentations, and strategic updates that enable leadership to monitor progress against organizational objectives. The position also involves coordinating regional projects, maintaining implementation schedules, monitoring action plans, supporting audit recommendations, and assisting with process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and accountability.
The Business Operations Analyst will work extensively with enterprise business systems, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 and other reporting platforms, to validate data accuracy, generate operational reports, and support forecasting, budgeting, and planning activities. Strong analytical thinking, exceptional organizational ability, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are essential for success in this position.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to an internationally recognized institution dedicated to improving agricultural systems, protecting natural resources, strengthening food security, and enhancing sustainable livelihoods across developing countries. Employees benefit from a professional working environment that values integrity, innovation, collaboration, diversity, and continuous learning. The organization encourages employees to develop professionally while contributing meaningful work that supports scientific research and sustainable development throughout Africa.
If you are passionate about operational excellence, business performance analysis, project coordination, and supporting strategic decision-making within an international organization, this position offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career while making a positive impact across multiple countries and operational functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze regional operational data to generate meaningful business insights that support informed decision-making.
- Develop and maintain executive dashboards, scorecards, and operational performance reports.
- Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual business performance summaries.
- Produce management presentations, briefing documents, and executive reporting materials.
- Monitor departmental performance indicators and recommend operational improvements.
- Coordinate implementation of regional business improvement initiatives.
- Maintain project plans, implementation schedules, milestone trackers, and progress reports.
- Monitor strategic action plans and follow up on assigned deliverables.
- Identify operational risks and communicate findings to management.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and business planning activities through data analysis.
- Extract, validate, and analyze information from Microsoft Dynamics 365 and related business systems.
- Evaluate procurement performance, sourcing activities, and purchasing efficiency.
- Analyze supplier performance trends and contract utilization.
- Monitor procurement compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Prepare procurement expenditure reports and operational summaries.
- Review fleet utilization, maintenance records, fuel consumption, and operating costs.
- Support fleet lifecycle planning and replacement recommendations.
- Monitor travel expenditures and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
- Analyze travel management performance and vendor service quality.
- Track inventory movements, warehouse utilization, and stock accuracy.
- Monitor inventory reconciliation activities and asset accountability.
- Identify obsolete, slow-moving, or excess inventory requiring management attention.
- Support warehouse process improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate regional training schedules and monitor completion status.
- Assist with change management activities and operational communication.
- Maintain standard operating procedures and operational documentation.
- Support internal audits and compliance assessments.
- Monitor implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions.
- Maintain departmental risk registers and issue logs.
- Coordinate governance meetings and prepare meeting documentation.
- Facilitate communication between regional offices and headquarters.
- Support leadership with operational analysis and business recommendations.
- Promote standardized reporting practices across regional operations.
- Conduct trend analysis to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
- Monitor key operational service delivery indicators.
- Assist with continuous improvement projects across business support functions.
- Prepare accurate data visualizations and performance summaries.
- Ensure reporting accuracy through regular data validation exercises.
- Support vendor performance monitoring and operational reviews.
- Participate in cross-functional business improvement initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality of organizational information and operational records.
- Contribute to a collaborative, professional, and results-oriented working environment.
- Perform additional operational analysis and reporting assignments as required to support organizational objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Finance, Information Systems, Logistics, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
- Master's degree will be considered an advantage.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Excellent business reporting and presentation skills.
- Experience interpreting operational and financial data.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar ERP platforms.
- Knowledge of business intelligence and reporting tools.
- Strong project coordination capabilities.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Effective stakeholder management and relationship
- building abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments effectively.
- Excellent problem
- solving and decision
- support skills.
- High attention to accuracy and detail.
- Understanding of procurement and supply chain operations.
- Knowledge of inventory and warehouse management principles.
- Ability to prepare executive
- level reports and dashboards.
- Commitment to integrity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official CIFOR-ICRAF online recruitment portal before 24 July 2026. Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae and any additional supporting documents requested during the online application process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Early submission is encouraged, as applications will be reviewed in accordance with the organization's recruitment procedures. Ensure all information provided is complete, accurate, and reflects your professional qualifications and experience relevant to the position.