Job Advert
Job Title - Operations Manager
Job Type - Full Time
Location - Abuja, Nigeria
Company Overview
Our client is a data-driven platform dedicated to creating a more equitable Africa by ensuring that humanitarian aid and development funding are effectively and transparently channelled to the populations that need them most. Our client connects donors with innovative, sustainable projects across Africa. Operating at the intersection of technology, social impact, and development finance, they address the fragmented service delivery ecosystems that continue to hold African communities back.
Role Summary
The Operations Manager will be the operational backbone of the organization, ensuring that the organization runs efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with its mission. This is a hands-on role responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, optimizing internal processes, managing cross-functional teams, and supporting the delivery of programs and partnerships. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and mission-driven professional with experience in nonprofit or social enterprise operations, a deep understanding of the African development landscape, and a passion for data-driven social change.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Strategy and Planning
Design and implement operational frameworks, policies, and procedures to support organizational growth and program delivery.
Translate the strategic vision of the CEO into actionable operational plans with clear milestones and KPIs.
Identify operational gaps and develop solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance impact.
Lead annual operational planning cycles, including budgeting, resource allocation, and capacity assessments.
Program and Project Management
Oversee the end-to-end operational delivery of all programs and initiatives, ensuring they are executed on time, within scope, and on budget.
Coordinate with program teams to monitor project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements for donors and partners.
Ensure proper documentation, record-keeping, and organizational filing systems are in place.
Champion the use of data and technology to enhance internal operations, donor transparency, and program accountability.
Drive the adoption of digital tools and workflows across the organization.
Maintain organizational compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements across operating geographies.
Maintain an up-to-date project management system that provides real-time visibility into program progress across the organization.
Financial Oversight, Compliance and Risk Management
Support the finance team in budget preparation, expenditure tracking, financial reporting, and cost optimization.
Ensure compliance with all relevant organizational, donor, and regulatory financial requirements.
Review and approve operational expenditures within delegated authority levels.
Provide financial analysis and operational insights to senior leadership for informed decision-making.
Develop and maintain a risk register, implementing mitigation strategies for key operational, financial, and reputational risks.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain relationships with donors, NGO partners, government agencies, technology vendors, and community stakeholders.
Support the development of partnership agreements, MoUs, and grant contracts with key collaborators.
Support board-level reporting by preparing operational updates, dashboards, and briefing materials.
Represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and stakeholder forums as required.
Manage vendor and supplier relationships, including contract negotiation and performance reviews.
Education, Qualification and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years of progressive operations or project management experience, ideally in a startup, nonprofit, social enterprise, or development sector organization
Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, donor reporting and managing donor-funded projects
Proven track record of designing and implementing operational systems, processes, and policies
Strong use and knowledge of AI and Project management tools (ClickUp, Asana, Claude, for example) is strongly preferred
Ability to analyse complex problems and develop practical, scalable solutions aligned with organizational mission
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Policy, Development Studies, or related field
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive operations or project management experience
- Experience in nonprofit, social enterprise, startup, or development sector operations
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, donor reporting and managing donor-funded projects
- Proven track record of designing and implementing operational systems, processes, and policies
- Strong use and knowledge of AI and project management tools (e.g., ClickUp, Asana, Claude)
- Ability to analyze complex problems and develop practical, scalable solutions aligned with mission
What We Do
DesignThink Advisory is a consultancy that helps startups in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and beyond, build resilient and compliant teams. They specialize in talent acquisition, HR policy design, and ongoing people management, using a human-centered, people-focused creative approach to help founders hire, pay, and retain the talent necessary for strategic growth and success.
