Role Description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) sits on EPAfrica’s Board of Directors, who lead and manage the charity’s day-to-day operations. Director roles are some of the most challenging and rewarding in the charity,  as well as a fantastic opportunity to leave your mark on the organisation.

The COO optimises EPAfrica’s operating capabilities, spearheading the Business Operations Committee to steer the company’s IT, Finance, HR and Communications strategies in a positive direction. You will build a team of managers within your purview whose delivery against charity objectives will need to be set, monitored, and supported. This includes organising regular Committee meetings, ad hoc task sessions and one-to-one supervision. You will liaise with Trustees and Directors to ensure that the Business Operations Committee is offering effective support to all stakeholders.

To ensure success you should have a clear understanding of our charity’s core values and culture, however candidates are not expected to have a detailed understanding of all aspects of operations. Rather, they will need to be a good leader, able to recruit and build a team of motivated individuals, whilst fostering good working relationships within your committee and those in the wider organisation. You will guide and support those in your committee to develop their skills, empowering and enabling them to deliver to a high standard. A proactive can-do attitude is a must as you will be researching, facilitating and implementing new processes that can enable the charity to work more effectively.

Portfolio of Responsibilities

 

COO Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leading Operations

Contributing to the overall strategy of the charity and attending regular meetings with the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees

Championing project management best-practice across EPAfrica and acting as the custodian of policies, including but not limited to Data Protection, Equal Opportunities and Finance Operations

Supporting the development and delivery of a communications strategy

Ensuring Robust and Transparent Finances

Overseeing the annual budget processes, money handling procedures, accounting and bank processes as per Finance Manager and Vice Presidents’ responsibilities, and ensuring operations are policy compliant

Preparing timely and accurate financial performance reports together with the Finance Manager

Building Opportunities for Volunteers in the UK

Recruiting and developing a team of volunteers within the Business Operations Committee, supporting and coaching them to develop their skills

Delegating responsibilities to ensure your team members grow as engaged and capable participants

Supporting Managers to recruit volunteers and utilise their skills effectively

Overseeing the development of an HR strategy including various initiatives to foster volunteers’ skills and satisfaction

Managing Knowledge and Data

Setting comprehensive goals and tracking progress of annual plans in collaboration with your Committee Managers

Supporting the IT Manager in the integration of Salesforce and other IT tools at all levels of operations

Person Specification

This is a voluntary position and the majority of work is undertaken remotely (though there may be some in person meetings or events). You would need to have reliable internet connectivity in order to undertake the role. The expected time commitment is approximately 10 hours a week, which is largely flexible but with some pre-arranged meetings (virtual or in person) including weekends and evenings.

We are looking to recruit someone with the following skills and experience:

  • Experience working with volunteers 
  • Ability to recruit, build and motivate a team of volunteers
  • Ability to supervise a varied portfolio of projects operating at different timescales and prioritise as needed
  • A positive problem solving and decision making attitude
  • Attention to detail to ensure scrutiny and oversight of the key policies of the charity
  • Ability to identify new opportunities for improving Business Operations, evaluate new strategies and willingness to follow up on their implementation
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Outstanding verbal and written skills and the ability to perform whilst working remotely
  • Willingness to learn and step up where required, especially at busy times

COO in the new organisation structure

As Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for leading the Business Ops Committee and establishing its working norms. Read more about the Business Ops Committee.

Business Ops Committee members

(who you would manage)