The Chief of Operations & Programs will serve as the strategic and operational backbone of Seismic Consulting Group acting as the CEOs 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 CEOs 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
Bachelors 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 710 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 CEOs 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 organizations values of integrity excellence collaboration accountability and professionalism ensuring Seismic Consults maintains a strong reputation with donors partners and clients.