Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for operational excellence in the implementation of CIFOR-ICRAF’s strategic objectives, fostering harmony and flow across units to enable high-quality program delivery. This role includes optimizing strategic resource management and embedding key competencies to effectively deliver science into impactful action across all function

Main roles:

• Collaborate with CEO: Partner with the CEO and the senior leadership team to sharpen and drive the organizational strategy and related operational and talent management plans.
• Ensure operational excellence and strategic redesign: Guiding the development and review of processes, systems and structures strategically for seamless integration across various functions, including HR to maintain high standards of operational performance. 
• Translate strategy into action: Convert strategic objectives into actionable steps for growth, encompassing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, talent development and operational planning.
• Providing support and advice in the running of CIFOR-ICRAF HQ on Nairobi campus, including managing relationships with the host country and hosted institutions.
• Risk Management: Liaise with Internal Audit and team leads to ensure risk controls are embedded in daily operations.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the organization’s operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and that organizational goals are met.
• Oversee HR and strategic workforce planning to ensure policies and practices support a thriving workplace and align with long-term organizational objectives.
• Develop and implement business strategies in collaboration with the CEO and members of the Senior Leadership Team, including multi-year plans.
• Ensure high-quality talent management, including recruiting, onboarding, talent development, performance management, and employee retention to build a strong, skilled team.
• Oversee host country relations and Nairobi campus operations, ensuring compliance with national and local laws and regulations, in line with the provisions of the host country agreement.
• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for process enhancement and optimization.
• Guide the development and review of systems to support operational excellence in HR and units key to strategic plan implementation. This includes utilizing predictive models, forecasts and analyses to support effective decision making and reporting.
• Oversee resource mobilization processes and plans, ensuring a continued transition to sustainable fundraising models and long-term growth.
• Represent CIFOR-ICRAF, when needed, in forums and build partnerships needed to advance strategic objectives, including public and private donors, governments, and other key stakeholders.

Education, knowledge and experience

• PhD degree in relevant area of study
• Ten or more years of experience in a research or development organization
• Five or more years of executive leadership roles, preferably in an international research or development organization setting.
• Excellent leadership skills, with steadfast resolve, diplomacy and personal integrity
• Understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues
• Solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics
• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues.