JOB DETAILS:
Job purpose
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a B2P C-Suite and Executive Team member responsible for the management of the overall operations of B2P by focusing primarily on developing and executing sustainable scaling strategies while implementing company policies and procedures aligned with the B2P mission and culture. The ideal candidate has an entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry.

The role involves day-to-day management of VP- and Director-level managers heading B2P’s Programs, Engineering, Technical Assistance, and Systems teams. The COO is also responsible for spearheading collaboration across teams in a complex organization that is scaling, to develop functional workflows that drive operational excellence and strategic cohesion.

Duties and responsibilities
Strategic Operations and Implementation 50%
• Design and implement organizational strategies, plans, and procedures with other C-suite team members
• Ensure that all business processes align with the organizational strategy and own the process through which strategy achievement is managed, evaluated, monitored, and reported internally

• Provide creative thought leadership for org-wide talent management policies to ensure compliant and people-centric policies are developed that optimize recruitment, retainment, collaboration, safety, and performance in accordance with strategic goals
• Collaborate with senior leaders to understand the business needs and priorities to set comprehensive goals for performance and growth
• Identify appropriate technology opportunities that support operational efficiency and assess their potential impact on the business
• Lead the implementation of all program growth and expansion opportunities
• Represent B2P programs with the Board of Directors and Board Committees, as necessary
• Mentor and lead senior executives and directors across the organization in order to create a value-aligned, collaborative, and dynamic team environment
• Develop and implement change management strategies and plans that maximize employee adoption
• Develop and enhance company culture, brand, and compliance

Financial Management and Oversight 20%
• Enhance operational efficiency; balancing expenditure, revenue forecasts, and strategic objectives
• Ensure financial oversight of program work including, but not limited to, office and field operations, procurement, logistics, and staffing and technology needs across departments
• Work with the finance and partnerships teams to ensure financial policies are context-appropriate and compliant for all programs, donor requirements, and local laws. Take responsibility for their implementation and review, as necessary.

Partnerships and Advocacy 20%
• Develop and maintain partnerships with clients, implementers, and stakeholders to assist the Fundraising, Advocacy, and Partnerships teams in fundraising initiatives and establishing B2P as a leader in rural access delivery
• Build long-term, trusted relationships with partners and local authorities
• Foster collaboration between external partnerships and internal implementation teams to drive programmatic success

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 10%
• In accordance with ERM best practice, maintain and update B2P’s risk management framework (ERM Playbook) and ensure rollout and adoption organization-wide
• Manage and facilitate ERM internal and external oversight groups and committees
• Develop and implement business continuity plans to ensure that the company can respond to operational and financial risks
• Evaluate organizational performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics
• Advise and report on strategic- and risk-related issues
• Own all organizational insurance policies

Qualifications
• Knowledge of and passion for rural development
• Ideally 5+ years experience as a COO, or similar role
• Professional experience working for a multi-geographic non-profit, social enterprise or similar private-sector business
• Experience with infrastructure and/or engineering preferred but not required
• Experience in the development sector and on systems change programs preferred but not required
• Bachelor's Degree in a Business, International Development, Engineering, or related field
• Experience working in East Africa
• Strong team player and the ability to mentor teams and build collaborative relationships, proactively resolve problems, and support team members as needed
• Flexibility in work style to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Self-motivated, capable of seeking quality solutions and continuously focusing on process improvements, while keeping the needs of the business in the forefront
• High proficiency in Project and Program Management
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Financial acumen with working knowledge of accounting, and financial data management and analysis

Working conditions
• The position supports global operations, and as such, the candidate will be expected to ensure sufficient overlap with all B2P verticals to create a successful team environment
• The ideal candidate preferably resides in, or would be willing to relocate to, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, or Kenya
• Regular travel will be required for site visits, training, or other job-related tasks. This role may also require the candidate to visit remote bridge sites that would involve walking in hilly terrain.
• Travel requirements for the position are 10-25%
• We have seen firsthand the benefits of a diverse team, and the strength that comes with diversity in experience, background, and perspective. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who would bring a unique or underrepresented perspective to our organization. Bridges to Prosperity works to create a high-energy and team-oriented environment.
• We function under hybrid working conditions and there will be an opportunity to work in a B2P office.

Direct reports
• Director of Technical Advisory Services
• East Africa Director of Programs
• Director of Business Operations
• Director of Engineering
• Director of Talent (indirect)
• Director of Strategic Partnerships (indirect)
• VP of Finance (indirect)