Interim Office Manager (Abidjan)

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Africa

Reporting To: TBD

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission driven, not for profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context relevant professionals to high impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development - strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialise in fixed term, deliverable driven engagements - from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise - handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High Level Overview

A leading international development finance institution (DFI) is seeking an Interim Office Manager to support its country office in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The assignment is expected to last 3 4 months and will focus on ensuring smooth day to day office operations within a highly bureaucratic and compliance driven institutional environment.

The role will require full in office presence in Abidjan and bilingual fluency (English and French). The client operates within a structured, policy heavy DFI framework, requiring familiarity with institutional governance, reporting, and administrative standards typical of multilateral or development finance environments.

Role: Interim Office Manager

Direct Report: TBD

Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

1. Office Operations & Administration

• Oversee daily office operations and administrative coordination
• Ensure compliance with internal DFI policies, procedures, and reporting standards
• Manage documentation, filing systems, and internal records

2. Governance, Compliance & Bureaucracy Management

• Navigate and manage institutional bureaucracy efficiently
• Liaise with internal compliance, HR, procurement, and finance teams
• Ensure adherence to internal governance protocols

3. Vendor & Facilities Management

• Manage office suppliers, service providers, and contracts
• Oversee facilities, utilities, and office infrastructure
• Ensure operational continuity and issue resolution

4. Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Act as a liaison between the country office and HQ/regional teams
• Support internal communication in both French and English
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, visits, and official engagements

5. Operational Stability During Interim Period

• Maintain business continuity during transition
• Identify operational bottlenecks and propose practical improvements
• Provide handover documentation at the end of the assignment

Experience Required:

• Proven experience as an Office Manager or similar administrative leadership role
• Experience working within a Development Finance Institution (DFI), multilateral, or similarly structured international organisation
• Experience working in Côte d'Ivoire or strong familiarity with the local operating environment
• Experience navigating bureaucratic and compliance heavy institutional frameworks

Technical Requirements:

• Fluency in both English and French (written and spoken)
• Strong knowledge of office administration systems and governance processes
• Familiarity with procurement, budgeting coordination, and reporting standards in institutional environments

Other Skills:

• Strong organisational and coordination skills
• Ability to manage complex administrative processes with attention to detail
• High level of professionalism and discretion
• Strong stakeholder management skills

Additional Information of the ideal candidate:

• Ivorian national or demonstrable prior experience working in Côte d'Ivoire
• Available for full time, in office presence in Abidjan
• Available for 3 4 month interim assignment

Working Arrangement

Location: Abidjan

Language: French and English

Travel: TBD - Likely minimal, unless regional coordination required

Terms of agreement:

Start Date: Immediately

Contracting Period: 3 4 months (potential to extend)