Opportunity

• We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) to drive the implementation of a new mission-driven strategy and organisational structure, ensure that all programmatic units are achieving their goals, increase the Foundation’s operating capacity and efficiency. This is a new and critical position in our organisation. It will require a high calibre, process-focused, and adept individual with the experience and instincts to drive the Foundation’s transition into our mission-driven, impact-focused era.
• As a member of the executive leadership team reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will work closely with the CFO and CREO (Chief Research and Evaluation Officer) to shape all influential decisions for the Foundation. Specifically, the COO will serve as the direct line manager for all Country Directors (in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland), along with the global HR and IT Directors. As a top manager within the organisational structure, the COO will bear ultimate responsibility for the effective implementation of the Foundation’s programmes towards the mission goals. In addition, the COO will support the CFO in creating, managing, and reviewing the budget of the Foundation. Finally, as part of the executive leadership team, the COO will be responsible for delivering critical and timely intelligence on the Foundation’s performance, opportunities, and outlook to the CEO and Board of Trustees.
• In this exciting role, the ideal candidate will have an opportunity to leverage their experience, leadership, and strategic outlook to influence the path of an ambitious and expanding organisation that is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people across Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy

• Provide effective, inspiring leadership and stewardship through active involvement in all programmes and services.
• Lead a high-performing team to the next level by further developing and implementing talent recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
• Partner with the CEO and other senior leaders to represent the Foundation to external stakeholders, including community, governmental, and private organisations.
• Ensure the continued financial viability of the Foundation’s programme/service units through sound fiscal management.
• Provide leadership and input for all strategic planning processes with the CEO and staff.

Compliance

• Ensure all programme activities operate consistently, legally, and ethically, within the mission and values of the Foundation.
• Collaborate with country-level leadership to ensure compliance with the operating standards of the Foundation and requirements of national and international regulators.

Management and Leadership

• Provide leadership to direct reports, dedicate time to coach and mentor leaders to perform to their full potential and act as a role model for culture and values.
• Work with the HR Director to build a robust talent strategy, leading to a high performing team, high employee retention and an efficient organization with a positive culture.
• Work with the IT Director to develop an effective IT infrastructure that supports operations, reporting, and data collection.

Financial Management

• Budget planning and monitoring for all country offices and programmatic units.
• Work with the CFO to execute effective management systems, internal controls and periodic reviews across the Foundation.

Reporting 

• Performance reporting for all country offices and programmatic units.
• Report relevant country office updates to the executive leadership team and Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of professional experience, with a minimum of five years in senior leadership roles.
• Experience supervising seasoned staff operating multiple activities in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors and across a broad geography.
• An entrepreneurial-leaning and successful private sector experience is strongly preferred.
• A solid academic background and a minimum of a relevant professional master’s degree.
• Strong familiarity with Africa and its diverse needs and cultures, with an emphasis on East Africa.
• Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse work teams, developing an organisation-wide strategy for programme excellence.
• Demonstrates integrity, strives for excellence in her/his work, and has experience of leading others to new levels of effectiveness and programmatic impact.
• Passionate about the Foundation’s vision and mission with the ability to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission, and values of the Foundation to external and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to travel 25 percent of the time to provide on-site leadership.

Personal Attributes

• Great attention to detail and a flexible approach to work.
• Hands on problem solver with a can-do attitude and willingness to roll up her/his sleeves.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Structured and process-oriented.
• Excellent time and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Motivated to learn and perform and not afraid to ask questions.
• Willing to challenge the status quo and add value by introducing positive change.
• Excellent communicator and comfortable to work in a team environment.
• Positive and outgoing personality with solid leadership, interpersonal and diplomatic skills.