Position Overview:

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) will be responsible for hands-on leadership of all day-to-day operations of the Conservancy. The COO will oversee internal management and coordination to ensure that the conservancy runs efficiently. They will also work closely with the Heads of Departments to ensure that the Conservancy’s business needs are supported by the right systems, processes and people

Key responsibilities 

• In collaboration with other function heads, translate the organisation’s strategy into a clear operational plan and budget that ensures all goals are fully met on time and that resources are effectively managed and optimised.
• Collaborating with other function heads, develop mechanisms and manage tools to continuously monitor organisational performance, ensuring service quality, speed, and resource efficiency consistently meet and exceed established targets..
• Oversee effective management of Shared Services and Human Capital departments for effective acquisition and utilisation of resources and employee well-being.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, implement, and track adherence to policies, processes, and systems required to effectively manage the conservancy while recording impact of day to day operations on goal achievement, productivity, and the environment .
• Serve as a key resource to other departmental heads and their teams in providing guidance on all aspects relating to OPC’s operations and policies to ensure effective collaboration across teams and integration of departmental activities.
• Prepare and present monthly and periodic reports on the organisation’s performance against set goals, including weekly incidence reports, monthly management reports, board reports, and any other reports required.
• Facilitate adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements as laid out by sectoral and governmental regulators.
• Build a strong network of allies in the local and national governments, regulatory bodies, neighbouring communities, and other players, as well as in the sector.
• Lead the drive for sustainability practices within the organisation as well as with partners, colleagues, neighbouring communities, and organisations.
• Champion innovation and change in operations management by identifying emerging trends and challenges as well as the most effective methods.

Key result areas

• Maintaining and directing smooth daily operations management through clear policies and robust processes and systems.
• Monitoring and measuring organisational performance against set goals.
• Facilitating effective cross-functional collaboration in order to optimise resources and facilitate effective working.
• Ensuring continuous improvement and effective problem solving across the organisation through the collection and analysis of performance data
• Ensuring compliance to all legal and regulatory requirements
• Growing and maintaining strong relationships with critical stakeholders

Requirements

Qualification:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in business administration or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with 5 years in senior management.
• A background in engineering related field will be an added advantage.

Key skills and qualities: 

• The ability to lead the development and execution of long-term organisational strategies and plans.
• Strong social skills and ability to develop strong relationships with different stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in project management, budgeting, and financial management.
• Proficient in the use of technology platforms to support performance tracking and measurement.
• Proven management and leadership skills, including experience managing large multidisciplinary teams, overseeing large and complex projects, and guiding strategic initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven experience in management reporting.
• A genuine passion for conservation and a deep commitment to the Conservancy’s mission.
• Capable of working as part of a collaborative team and maintaining positive working relationships with staff and other stakeholders.