SwSS is seeking an experienced, dynamic and results-oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a strong background in international development and donor-funded programme management to support the Executive Director in the overall management, coordination and performance of the institution.
The COO will provide institution-wide operational and management leadership, ensuring effective implementation of SwSS's strategy and multiple donor-funded projects across different sectors and locations, efficient day-to-day operations and strong coordination and accountability across Head Office and field locations.
A key focus of the role will be ensuring that projects deliver agreed results within approved plans, budgets and timelines, and that programme, operational and financial functions provide timely, accurate and complete information and inputs required for donor reporting and compliance, working in close coordination with the Fundraising Director.
Key Responsibilities
The COO will:
• Drive implementation of SwSS's strategy, annual plans, projects and Board-approved priorities.
• Oversee project implementation across all locations against agreed plans, budgets, timelines and deliverables.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and general administration across Head Office and field locations.
• Provide management oversight of finance, HR, administration, procurement, logistics, assets and other support functions.
• Ensure timely provision and coordination of accurate and complete programme, operational and financial inputs required for donor reporting and compliance, and ensure that operational or implementation issues affecting donor commitments are promptly addressed.
• Strengthen coordination, staff accountability and organizational performance across Juba and field locations.
• Oversee financial and resource management, organizational risks, internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor implementation of Board, management and audit actions.
• Provide the Executive Director with timely information and advice on project implementation, finances, operations, staffing, risks and organizational performance.
• Support the Fundraising Director in donor engagement and resource mobilization by ensuring the timely availability of reliable programme, operational and financial information.
Qualifications & Experience
Candidates should have:
• At least a bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, International Development, Development Studies, Public Administration, Finance or a related field. A relevant Master's degree or postgraduate qualification in international development, project/programme management, organizational management, finance or a related discipline is highly desirable. Recognized professional qualifications in project/programme management or equivalent demonstrated expertise would be an advantage.
• At least 9 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 6 years in a senior management or leadership role, with substantial experience in international development cooperation and preferably within an international NGO, faith-based organization or comparable donor-funded organization.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or providing senior oversight of multiple donor-funded projects/programmes simultaneously, preferably across different sectors and/or geographical locations.
• Strong knowledge of Project Cycle Management (PCM), including project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, with familiarity with Logical Framework Approach, results-based management, indicators and monitoring frameworks.
• Strong experience with donor-funded programmes and a solid understanding of institutional donor requirements, donor reporting, grant compliance, budgeting, financial oversight and the operational and financial management of restricted funding.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating operations across multiple locations.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
• Good understanding of governance, internal controls, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating programme, finance, HR, procurement, logistics and administrative functions in support of effective project implementation
• Experience operating in complex, fragile or resource-constrained environments, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa; experience in South Sudan or the wider East African region would be a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational strategy into operational plans, clear responsibilities, timelines, performance indicators and measurable results.
• Strong experience in organizational change, capacity strengthening and the implementation of improved management systems and accountability mechanisms.