Head of Administration

SEWA Bharat

About Us

About Us Founded by Ela Bhat in 1972, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) works to empower poor women in India’s informal economy by equipping them with the personal confidence, community support, and practical tools necessary to fulfil their needs and exercise their rights. With over 2.9 million active members across firemen states, SEWA is a nationwide movement and one of India’s largest and oldest nonprofit organizations.

SEWA is set apart by its ability to integrate state- and national-level strategies with grassroots values and priorities. Through its close Ties to an extensive, diverse, and multigenerational network of members, SEWA brings women together into a supportive network, tailors its wide range of large-scale development programs to specific community needs at the local level, and provides both capacity[1]building support and a national pallor for women on the ground to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights at the highest levels of policy and industry. Through its philosophy of women’s empowerment and its vision of securing self-reliance and full employment for one of India’s most vulnerable populations, SEWA unifies members across cultural, geographic, and linguistic lines to bring about sustainable, inclusive change from the ground up. Comprising a nationwide network of over 100 autonomous grassroots organizations, SEWA is coordinated by its national office, SEWA Bharat (www.sewabharat.org)

Job Description:

Position: Head of Administration
Location: Delhi
Department: Administration

Role Summary

The Head of Administration will be responsible for overseeing the administrative, procurement, and operational functions of the organization. This includes managing office facilities, procurement, vendor relationships, and ensuring effective operational systems to support the organization’s goals.

The role requires a strategic leader who can ensure cost-efficiency, compliance, and smooth functioning of the organization’s infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

1. Office and Operational Management

• Oversee all office and facility management activities, ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Manage the organization’s physical assets, including office space, equipment, and supplies.
• Supervise housekeeping, maintenance, and security services to ensure a safe and well maintained office environment.
• Ensure efficient internal and external communication channels and systems.

2. Procurement and Vendor Management

• Lead the procurement function, ensuring the Timely and cost-effective purchase of goods and services.
• Develop and implement procurement policies and procedures that ensure compliance with organizational and legal requirements.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality and cost effectiveness.
• Oversee the inventory and stock management systems, ensuring proper tracking and availability of office supplies and resources.

3. Financial and Budgetary Oversight

• Prepare and manage the administrative department’s budget, ensuring that all expenditures are tracked and in line with financial goals.
• Collaborate with the Finance department to ensure transparency and accuracy in procurement-related expenditures.
• Monitor and control costs related to facilities, procurement, and office operations, identifying opportunities for savings.

4. Policy and Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, safety, and environmental regulations related to administrative operations.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures governing office management, procurement, and operational activities.
• Conduct regular audits of procurement, asset management, and office systems to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

5. Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and manage the administration team, ensuring high performance and effective delivery of services.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Ensure proper delegation of tasks within the team to enhance efficiency and accountability.

6. Risk and Crisis Management

• Develop and implement risk management strategies to safeguard the organization’s physical assets, data, and resources.
• Oversee security protocols for both the office environment and the procurement process.
• Implement and manage contingency plans for office disruptions, equipment failures, and emergencies.

7. Strategic Planning and Process Improvement

• Develop long-term strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative functions.
• Lead initiatives to implement new technologies, streamline workflows, and improve procurement and office management systems.
• Coordinate with senior management to align administrative services with the organization’s broader objectives.

8. Stakeholder and Vendor Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams regarding administrative and procurement issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including vendors, service providers, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure Timely and clear communication between departments and administrative teams.

9. Sustainable Practices

• Lead initiatives to promote sustainability within the organization’s office management and procurement functions.
• Implement eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, energy consumption, and adopting green procurement strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related fields.
• Experience:
  a) 8-10 years of experience in administration, office management, or procurement,with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
  b) Proven experience in managing procurement functions and vendor relationships.
• Skills:

a) Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

b) Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

c) Budgeting and financial oversight experience.

d) Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.

e) Knowledge of procurement regulations and compliance standards.

f) Proficiency in Micros Office, ERP systems, and other relevant so ware.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in the non-profit or development sector.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and green procurement strategies.
• Experience with operational systems and process optimization.

Remuneration - Negotiable

Application Process

This job requires frequent travel and women candidates are encouraged to apply.