Head of Operations and Risk - Africa at Adam Smith International

Key Relationships

Internal

• ASI Head of Africa: Direct reporting line and collaboration on strategic operational initiatives.
• Country Leads, Regional Teams, Technical Team Heads of Programmes: Close interaction to ensure operational consistency and risk mitigation across projects.
• Finance, Risk, and Security Teams: Working closely with the Global Head of Risk and Security and the Finance Director to ensure compliance, cost efficiency and smooth financial administration.
• Legal, Ethics & Compliance Team: work closely with ASI’s LEC team to support local compliance across Africa
• Executive Team (ET): Regular updates on risk and operational challenges, especially with the Director of Geographies and Group Director of Operations.

External

• Clients (Donors and Governments): Collaborate to ensure compliance and address operational challenges.
• Local Legal and Compliance Partners: Ensure that local laws are adhered to in each country of operation.
• Consultants and sub-Contractors:  Manage relationships to ensure effective support for ASI’s operations.
• Security and Health & Safety Providers: Ensure robust duty-of-care frameworks are maintained.

Key Tasks

Operational Leadership

• Ensure operational structures are aligned with ASI’s strategic objectives across all African countries.
• Provide support to country teams for the smooth execution of operational tasks, including office management, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Regularly review and enhance operational systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Risk Management

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to the challenges faced in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Monitor and address key operational and programme risks, escalating issues to the Head of Africa and the Global Head of Risk as necessary.
• Lead the implementation of duty-of-care measures, ensuring health, safety, and security protocols are followed in all African offices.

Compliance & Legal Oversight

• Ensure compliance with local legal and regulatory requirements in all countries, including tax, labour laws, and corporate governance.
• Collaborate with the internal audit team to address compliance issues and mitigate risks.
• Maintain oversight of corporate financial management and ensure adherence to ASI’s global standards.

Financial & Resource Management

• Work closely with the Regional Finance Lead to manage country-level operational budgets.
• Oversee cost efficiency in country operations, ensuring resources are effectively allocated and utilised
• Track operational expenditures and maintain timely cash requirement forecasts, sharing these with the centre as often as required.

Programme Support

• Support the delivery of major programmes by ensuring that operational challenges are addressed in a timely manner.
• Provide operational and risk-related advice to project managers and teams.
• Ensure projects have the operational resources required for successful delivery, including logistical and administrative support.

Crisis Management & Business Continuity

• Develop and implement business continuity plans to address potential disruptions in country operations.
• Lead the response to operational crises, ensuring that the company recovers quickly and maintains project delivery momentum

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the regional operations and risk teams, ensuring high levels of motivation, professionalism, and accountability.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, high performance, and collaboration within the operations teams.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to operational staff, helping them to develop skills and advance within the organisation.

Key Accountabilities

• Efficient and cost-effective operational systems in place across all country offices and shared service platforms.
• Robust risk management frameworks established and regularly reviewed.
• Compliance with all local and international laws, regulations, and ASI’s internal policies.
• High-performing, motivated operations and risk teams that support programme delivery.
• Timely escalation of major operational and risk-related issues to senior management.
• Improved operational efficiency, resulting in cost savings and enhanced project outcomes.
• Effective business continuity plans that mitigate operational disruptions.

Job requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant field, such as operations management, risk management, business administration, or international development.

Experience Required

• A proven track record in managing complex operations across multiple countries, particularly in Africa or fragile/conflict-affected regions.
• Extensive experience in risk management, health and safety, and compliance.
• Experience in leading large teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Familiarity with business continuity planning and crisis management.

Attitude

• High level of emotional intelligence, particularly in self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship management.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Resilience and adaptability in challenging environments.
• Strong commitment to ethical behaviour, inclusivity, and maintaining a high standard of care for staff.

Knowledge

• Familiarity with the tax, legal and regulatory compliance environment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of operational best practices, including health and safety regulations and compliance.
• Knowledge of duty-of-care standards and how to apply them in complex operational environments.

Competencies

• Strong operational management skills with the ability to lead and implement efficient systems.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Advanced risk management expertise, including the ability to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

• Advanced project management and operational oversight skills.
• Strong financial and budget management abilities.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving abilities.