Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Nairobi, Kenya – CIFOR-ICRAF
Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Company: CIFOR-ICRAF
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full-time, Global Position
Reporting to: CEO
Application Deadline: 07 November 2024
Introduction
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are renowned non-profit science institutions with a vision of creating a more equitable world through the enhancement of the environment and well-being for all. With over 65 years of combined experience, these organizations specialize in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and energy insecurity. CIFOR-ICRAF focuses on forests, trees, and agroforestry systems, using innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to research and development. Our mission is to improve lives and restore ecosystems, working towards a sustainable and food-secure future in alignment with CGIAR’s global research partnership.
As part of our ongoing mission, CIFOR-ICRAF is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee operational excellence, ensuring the seamless execution of our strategic objectives. This is a globally recruited role based in Nairobi, Kenya, designed for a seasoned leader with a passion for driving impactful change across the organization’s functions.
Overview of the Role
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for optimizing strategic resource management, enhancing organizational structures, and driving operational effectiveness. This high-level leadership position plays a pivotal role in collaborating with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to shape and execute organizational strategy. The COO will ensure that the organization’s day-to-day operations support CIFOR-ICRAF’s mission, integrating various departments and leading initiatives that turn strategic goals into actionable steps.
This position will also involve talent management, risk management, and relationship building with key stakeholders. The COO will be expected to provide expert leadership in areas such as operational planning, workforce optimization, and external partnerships while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. In addition, the COO will help drive resource mobilization efforts, ensuring the organization continues to grow sustainably.
Key Responsibilities
1. Collaborate with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
- Partner closely with the CEO and senior leaders to sharpen the organizational strategy, operational plans, and talent management initiatives.
- Lead the design and implementation of processes, systems, and structures that align with CIFOR-ICRAF’s strategic goals, ensuring operational excellence across functions such as HR and finance.
- Develop long-term multi-year plans in collaboration with key stakeholders to meet the organization’s vision for sustainable growth.
2. Strategic Redesign and Optimization
- Continuously assess and redesign operational processes to ensure they are seamlessly integrated across departments, with an emphasis on maintaining high performance standards.
- Guide and support department leads in implementing operational improvements, ensuring that they align with organizational objectives.
- Drive HR and workforce planning efforts to build a thriving workplace culture and ensure that organizational needs are met.
- Develop and implement systems for performance monitoring, goal setting, and talent development to ensure ongoing improvement.
3. Translate Strategy into Action
- Convert strategic plans into actionable steps to promote growth and achieve long-term goals.
- Oversee the alignment of organizational goals with performance management systems and operational planning.
- Manage talent development programs and monitor progress to ensure that CIFOR-ICRAF is delivering high-quality results on its strategic objectives.
4. Risk Management
- Collaborate with Internal Audit and team leads to ensure that risk controls are effectively embedded in daily operations.
- Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring compliance with internal policies and local regulations.
- Foster a culture of risk awareness, enabling teams to proactively identify and manage risks within their work areas.
Qualifications and Skills
Education
- PhD in a relevant field such as natural resources management, business administration, or organizational leadership.
Experience
- A minimum of 10 years of experience working within research or development organizations, with a focus on international settings.
- 5+ years of executive leadership experience, preferably in international research or development organizations.
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional leadership abilities, with a demonstrated commitment to organizational success, teamwork, and personal integrity.
- Strong strategic planning and business acumen, with an ability to diagnose issues and foresee operational challenges.
- Expertise in data analysis, performance metrics, and the use of predictive models to support effective decision-making.
- A proven track record of building high-performance teams and overseeing key aspects of talent development, onboarding, and employee retention.
Company Culture and Values
At CIFOR-ICRAF, we are deeply committed to sustainability, equity, and the promotion of diversity in the workplace. Our team works collaboratively to achieve impactful research and development outcomes that benefit both people and the planet. We believe that a strong workplace culture is key to achieving excellence in our scientific research and policy advocacy efforts.
By joining CIFOR-ICRAF, you will be a part of an inclusive team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. We offer opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects, interact with global stakeholders, and help shape policies that directly impact environmental sustainability and food security.
How to Apply for the Role of Chief Operating Officer (COO)
We invite qualified candidates to apply for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at CIFOR-ICRAF. If you are passionate about driving organizational change and contributing to solutions for global environmental challenges, we encourage you to submit your application.
To apply, please visit our website and upload your CV along with a detailed cover letter that highlights your qualifications and experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To apply for this job please visit www.cifor-icraf.org.