The Chief of Operations & Programs will serve as the strategic and operational backbone of Seismic Consulting Group, acting as the CEO’s principal deputy and providing leadership across internal operations, business development, proposal quality assurance, and external partnerships.
This role is responsible for ensuring organizational efficiency, growth, delivery excellence, and compliance with donor and client standards. The Chief of Operations will oversee staff performance, manage deadlines, coordinate with external consultants, and lead the development and quality control of proposals, Expressions of Interest (EOIs), and bids.
1. Operations & Organizational Management
• Oversee day -to -day internal operations to ensure efficiency, accountability, and alignment with organizational objectives
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, workflows, and internal controls
• Supervise staff performance, workload allocation, and delivery timelines to ensure deadlines are consistently met
• Coordinate cross -functional teams to ensure smooth execution of consulting assignments and projects
• Support HR functions including performance management, staff development, and operational discipline
2. Business Development & Strategic Growth
• Lead business development initiatives, including market scanning, opportunity identification, and partner engagement
• Build and manage strategic relationships with donors, development partners, NGOs, government agencies, and private -sector clients
• Represent the organization in meetings, negotiations, and partnership discussions
• Support the CEO in defining and executing growth strategies aligned with Seismic Consults’ mission and expertise
Lead business development initiatives, including market scanning, opportunity identification, and partner engagement
3. Proposal Development & Quality Assurance
• Oversee the end -to -end development of proposals, EOIs, and bids in line with donor requirements and compliance standards
• Ensure high -quality technical content, logical frameworks, budgets, and supporting documentation
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants during proposal development processes
• Review and approve final submissions to ensure accuracy, coherence, competitiveness, and compliance
4. External Consultant & Partner Coordination
• Liaise with external consultants, subject -matter experts, and partners to support project delivery and proposal development
• Ensure consultants meet agreed timelines, deliverables, and quality standards
• Manage contractual and operational aspects of consultant engagements in collaboration with management
5. Leadership, Governance & CEO Support
• Act as the CEO’s representative when required, including during meetings, negotiations, and operational decision -making
• Provide strategic advice and operational insights to the CEO and leadership team
• Support organizational governance, compliance, and risk management practices
• Contribute to internal planning, reporting, and performance reviews
Requirements
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field
• A postgraduate degree (MBA, MSc, MA) is MANDATORY
Experience
• Minimum of 7–10 years progressive experience in development consulting, donor -funded projects, or professional services
• Proven experience in operations management, business development, and proposal leadership
• Demonstrated track record of managing teams and meeting tight deadlines
• Experience working with donor -funded programmes (e.g. World Bank, DFID/FCDO, USAID, UN agencies, AfDB, EU, foundations) is highly desirable
Core Competencies & Skills
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent proposal writing, review, and quality assurance capability
• Deep understanding of donor compliance and consulting standards
• Strong organizational, planning, and deadline management skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and accountability
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the CEO’s absence
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Timely and compliant submission of proposals and EOIs
• Win rate and quality of business development opportunities
• Operational efficiency and adherence to internal timelines
• Staff performance, coordination, and delivery effectiveness
• Strength and sustainability of external partnerships
Values & Professional Conduct
The Chief of Operations is expected to uphold the organization’s values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professionalism, ensuring Seismic Consults maintains a strong reputation with donors, partners, and clients.
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