Chief Operating Officer at the People Practice Full Time

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Operations

Job Summary

• The COO will be accountable for all aspects of the planning and analysis including reporting of funds, financial management, statutory reporting and, maintaining efficient and effective financial and operating systems and processes.
• The position will also be responsible for overseeing all teams to ensure that they deliver their objectives and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reports to: Reports to the Executive Director and the Board, coordinates with Board Treasurer, internal and external teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Operations and Administration: Provide support to the Executive Director in the area of forward work planning, strategic financial management, budgetary analysis and reporting.
• Financial Management: Oversee the work of the finance function as a whole to ensure compliance with regulatory and funder requirements; efficient and effective management of the
  finance function; accuracy and reliability of financial information; and the overall management of our funding and expenditure. Oversee directly, Finance Manager.
• Audit, Compliance and Internal Controls: Ensure all renditions, audits and statutory compliance are carried out on time, in line with our regulations and compliance requirements and those of the countries in which it operates. Prepare compliance reports for the Board and the Executive Director as required. Assist in the protection of the organisation, by ensuring it is legally protected
  and by ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
• Management Accounting: Set up and continue to improve effective management accounting systems and processes.
• Grants Accounting: In cooperation with the Programme Managers and grantees, as required, oversee treasuring of grants and financial reports for submission to granting agencies.
• Management of Information Technology (IT): Oversees, and ensures effective use of Information Technology systems to support fundraising and organisational processes, including
  document management, client (stakeholder) relationships management (CRM), event support, and grant management systems. Leverages Information Technology to support core business initiatives. Establishes and maintains budget/cost management for (IT).
• Leadership and Talent Management: Contributes to the Senior Management Team’s efforts to promote an organisational culture of collaboration, open and frequent communication, adaptation, alignment with a common vision, and celebration of success in achieving specific projects and broader organisational objectives.
• Human Resource Management: Work closely with the Executive Director and Board, oversee select human resources activities including: recruitment, selection and hiring; payroll and benefits;
  staff support and engagement; and support for training and development. Evaluate performance by analysing and interpreting data and metrics.
• Communication: Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the Executive Director informed of all critical issues.
• Stakeholder Management: Supports the Executive Director in engaging stakeholders and occasionally representing AfriLabs at partner meetings and negotiations, stakeholder and speaking
  engagements, etc.
• Management: Works with the Executive Director to design, plan and implement organisation strategies, plans and procedures. Oversee daily operations of the organisation and various departments (Programmes, Finance, Operations, Member Services, Events, Communications, etc). Assists the Executive Director in fundraising activities, establishes policies that promote our vision and goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or other quantitative discipline relevant to the position.
• Masters degree or MBA will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 – 7 years of management and team leadership in a non-profit or development organisation.
• Experience working in the African innovation, technology and entrepreneurship space.
• Proficiency in both English and French will be an added advantage.

Specialist Knowledge / Expertise to be Maintained on the Job:

• Strong working knowledge of financial, accounting, cash flow, donor, grant budgeting and investment management.
• Strong working knowledge of audit, consolidated financial reporting and compliance.
• Knowledge of International government grant processes, procedures and auditing requirements.
• Understanding of legal language in all types of business contracts and risk assessment.
• An understanding of the non-profit/development sector, including donor relations and management.
• Continuous knowledge in strategy and programme planning with the proven ability to develop and oversee programme plans, processes and controls to enhance efficiencies and mitigate risk.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, verbal, written and capable of listening.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop high-performing teams.
• Ability to prioritise workload and function effectively within and outside the office in a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work under pressure to complete multiple tasks, meet demands and deadlines with a positive, constructive attitude.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters and respond as required.
• Demonstrate proven ability in organisational development, information technology, business transformation, fundraising, property management, project and asset management.
• Working knowledge of computerized management information systems.
• Adept with information communications technology (ICT) commonly used in office applications, with advanced knowledge of Google Drive and Microsoft Office products, familiarity with relevant accounting software desirable.
• Highly numerate with an ability to create, manage, interpret, and present financial analysis, forecasting and resource management.

Our Perks

• Competitive Salary
• Leave provisions
• Insurance
• Pension and health benefits.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Note: Travel will be expected occasionally.