Chief Operating Officer

Breakthrough (BT) is recruiting for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will be a strategic thought-partner in enhancing and supporting the overall mission of the organization. He/She will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as BT continues to build capacity and enhance its programme quality

The COO will report directly to the CEO and will provide operational and enabling oversight across BT. To ensure quality services and increased operational efficiencies, the COO will manage all the office enabling functions including Administration, Logistics, Legal & Compliance, IT, Human Resource and Accounts & Finance, and will have direct reporting from the heads of these departments. He/Shewill also work with the CEO on BT’s governance.

Responsibilities: 

• Work with the CEO to establish and operationalise Board Committees, especially around Audit and Finance; design and implement a Board engagement strategy – from developing a reporting system to eventually co-opting the Board for strategic decision making; build and implement a policy framework within which the Board would function – from selection to term to obligations and liabilities to exit and handover
• Work with the CEO to build a Board pipeline through Advisory and Co-option.
• Operationalise the leadership team to builda framework to monitor and manage critical institutional functions, especially around finance, risk and compliance and HR and putting the spotlight on costing and budgeting, understanding legal and contractual obligations
• Work directly with the CEO to oversee the enabling functions of Administration, Logistics, Legal & Compliance, IT, Human Resources and Accounts & FinanceManage monthly and annual priorities of the Administrative office
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team of Breakthrough on all issues related to strategic planning, program expansion, and overall organizational growth and strategy
• Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process and participate in the strategic planning process as an integral member of the senior management team
• Improve, upgrade and implement appropriate system of policies, internal controls, and procedures in support of organizations mission
• Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the enabling services through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between them and other BT functions
• Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence
• Ensure smooth running of all the BT offices (center and state), manage and monitor office facilities and assigned support services to ensure their effective and efficient operation as well as maintenance; ensure the safety, supplies and service of equipment
• Provide legal representation to BT and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for BT; Identify, research, and analyze legal issues that may affect BT and its activities at the local, state, central and international levels associated with the BT’s activities, ongoing operations, and strategic initiatives, including but not limited to, revenue diversification, and jurisdictional and programmatic expansion
• Manage and direct the IT function, analyze the current technology infrastructure and scope out the next level of information technology and financial systems that support the growth of specific programs and the organization overall; work to develop infrastructure, purchasing and technology strategy
• Manage and direct the accounts and finance team and develop an accounting system that provides the organization with quick access to financial information and enable strategic budgeting
• Refine financial management infrastructure and plan short and long-term, sustainable strategies including working with resource mobilization team to enable revenue generation
• Ensure best practices for use of analytics, data, and metrics to track and maintain alignment with organizational financial goals
• Drive a timely annual planning and budget process
• Manage and direct the HR team on retention, recruitment, and talent management strategies, organizational policies and assist in resolving employee relations issues
• With the broader operations team it is mostly about adherence to internal norms and systems – so review and resetting of policies, processes and protocols to ensure that these remain relevant in current circumstances. To bridge gaps, if any between different functions, especially what is seen as “support” functions and programs through continuous capacity building and re-affirmation of institutional purpose.
• Capacity Building around finance and operations: Regular interface to ensure functional skill building and updation. From simpler things such as review and resetting of the accounting system and presentation of financial statements to strategic skill building such as program budgeting and project management and common minimum understanding of institutional program design and delivery frameworks.

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Law or Public Policy strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of finance, systems, and HR; broad experience with the full range of business functions and systems, including strategic development and planning, budgeting, business analysis, finance, information systems, human resources, fundraising and marketing; experience in health care reimbursement a plus
• Above 24 years’ experience managing complex administrative and operational functions in non-profit environments
• Strong analytical, administrative, and written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse team
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and developmental issues