SUMMARY
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) position at Solid’Africa is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing the organization’s operational functions. The COO will collaborate with senior leaders to develop and implement strategies that drive operational excellence and support the achievement of Solid’Africa’s mission. This
includes managing various departments, establishing operational policies and standards, monitoring performance, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The COO will also build and maintain relationships with external partners and ensure compliance with regulations. Qualified candidates should possess strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management skills, along with a commitment to Solid’Africa’s mission
Key Responsibilities:
MANAGEMENT
• Contribute to the improvement of overall management of day-to-day operations of Solid Africa’s projects.
Introduce smart operational innovations; provide timely, accurate and complete reports on the operating condition of the organization
• Supervise and advise on all fiduciary matters relating to Solid Africa including overseeing payments, working in collaboration with the Chief Finance Officer, forecasting revenues, and surplus and/or deficit situations
• Advise the Board of Directors and President on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, and policy matters; effectively communicate and present critical financial and operating matters at board of directors’ and/or finance committee meetings
• Advise the Leadership Team on key operational and financial issues
• Collaborate with President on legal and compliance matters
OPERATIONS
• Oversee, manage, coordinate, and monitor the implementation and evaluation of all operational initiatives.
• Ensure successful execution of organizational strategies.
• Manage and streamline the systems, processes, policies, procedures, and personnel needed to support rapid growth.
• Lead on development and implementation of timeline plan that support growth.
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress against key objectives and regularly evaluate organizational performance in order to measure success that can be effectively communicated to partners and donors.
• Manage and oversee Operational budget, seeking to optimize expenditure where possible
• Advise on how to better manage and scale operational activities.
• Responsible for overseeing management and verification of all Solid Africa assets.
Required Education & Experience:
• Education: A master’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, management, finance, or a related discipline. Additional certifications or advanced degrees may be beneficial
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge and understanding of the nonprofit sector, particularly in the areas relevant to Solid Africa’s operations. Familiarity with issues related to development, social impact, or humanitarian work would be advantageous
• Leadership Experience: +10 years’ experience in senior leadership positions with a track record of successfully managing and leading teams. This includes strategic planning, decision-making, and inspiring a high-performance culture
• Operations Management Expertise: Proven expertise in overseeing and optimizing operational processes, resource allocation, and performance management. Experience in areas such as project management,
logistics, supply chain, or program implementation would be valuable
• Financial Management Skills: Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation. This includes the ability to interpret financial reports, make data-driven decisions, and ensure financial sustainability
• Strategic Thinking and Execution: A strategic mindset with the ability to develop and execute organizational strategies that align with the mission and goals of Solid Africa. This includes identifying growth opportunities, mitigating risks, and driving operational excellence
• Relationship Building and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and donors. Effective communication across various channels and cultural contexts is important
• Change Management Expertise: Proven experience in leading and managing organizational change initiatives, including driving innovation, adapting to new technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Ethical and Social Responsibility: A strong commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and social responsibility. Experience working with diverse communities and promoting inclusivity would be valuable in Solid Africa’s context
• Language and Cultural Proficiency: Proficiency in the languages and understanding of the cultural dynamics relevant to Solid Africa’s operations would be advantageous, especially if it operates in multilingual and multicultural environments.
Additional Skills and Responsibilities:
• Program Management: Solid Africa may require a COO who has experience in managing complex programs and projects. This includes skills in project planning, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and ensuring programmatic success
• Cross-Cultural Competence: Given Solid Africa’s focus on development work, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in diverse and cross-cultural environments are highly valuable. This includes understanding different cultural norms, communication styles, and adapting to local contexts
• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Knowledge of policy advocacy and engagement can be beneficial for a COO in Solid Africa. This involves understanding relevant policies and regulations, engaging with policymakers and government agencies, and advocating for positive change
• Crisis and Risk Management: Solid Africa may require a COO who can effectively manage crises and risks that may arise during operations. This includes developing contingency plans, ensuring compliance with safety and security protocols, and addressing emergent challenges
• Technology and Digital Transformation: Familiarity with technology trends and the ability to leverage digital tools and platforms for operational efficiency and innovation is increasingly important. This includes digital transformation strategies, data management, and technology-enabled solutions
• Team Development and Mentoring: Solid Africa may benefit from a COO who can foster a culture of learning,growth, and professional development within the organization. This includes coaching and mentoring staff,promoting teamwork, and building leadership capacity
• Sustainability and Impact Measurement: In line with Solid Africa’s goals, a COO with knowledge of sustainability practices and impact measurement methodologies can help assess and improve the organization’s long-term sustainability and social impact.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Purpose-Driven: Solid Africa’s work environment is characterized by a strong sense of purpose and mission.
Employees are motivated by the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact on communities and promoting development
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented: Collaboration is essential at Solid Africa, as teams work together to plan and implement programs, share expertise, and address challenges. The work environment fosters a spirit of teamwork, encouraging open communication and cooperation among colleagues
• Multicultural and Diverse: Given Solid Africa’s focus on international development, the work environment is likely to be multicultural and diverse. Employees from various backgrounds and nationalities bring unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the organization, fostering a rich and inclusive work environment
• Field-Based and Travel: Depending on the nature of Solid Africa’s programs, employees may have opportunities to work in the field, visiting project sites, engaging with local communities, and overseeing program implementation. This may involve travel to remote or rural areas, both domestically and internationally
• Fast-Paced and Dynamic: The development sector often requires a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Solid Africa’s employees may need to adapt to changing circumstances, navigate complex challenges, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and efficiency
• Learning and Growth: Solid Africa recognizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development. The work environment may provide opportunities for employees to enhance their skills, attend relevant workshops or training, and stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in the development field
• Impact-Focused: Solid Africa’s work environment places a strong emphasis on measuring and evaluating impact. Employees are encouraged to contribute to the organization’s impact assessment efforts and align their work with the desired outcomes and indicators of success
• Supportive Management: Solid Africa’s management aims to create a supportive and empowering work environment. They provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship to employees, fostering their professional growth and well-being
• Ethical and Transparent: Solid Africa upholds high ethical standards and promotes transparency in its operations. The work environment encourages open communication, accountability, and adherence to ethical guidelines and practices
• Work-Life Balance: While the nature of development work can be demanding, Solid Africa recognizes the importance of work-life balance. The organization strives to create an environment where employees can maintain a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal well-being.
How to apply:
Send Resume/CV and Motivation letter to hr@solidafrica.org
Cc:info@solidafrica.org
Deadline: June 23rd, 2023. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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