Head of Operations (HOD)

NGO description

Founded in 1950, Doctors with Africa CUAMM was the first NGO focused on healthcare to be recognized by the Italian government. It is now one of the leading organization working to protect and improve the well-being and health of vulnerable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The NGO promotes long-term health cooperation projects, intervening also in emergencies to ensure that services are available to all.

Doctors with Africa CUAMM is currently active in 8 Sub-Saharan countries: Angola, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.

The NGO supports public and non-profit hospitals, local districts, schools of nursing and midwifery, university faculties of medicine.

CUAMM’s action focuses on health system strengthening and targets the weakest population groups, particularly women and children. Interventions include prevention, screening and treatment programmes; development or strengthening of referral systems at community level; training of health staff; management support and technical assistance to local health institutions; field research.

CUAMM’s international and national staff work together on the front line to strengthen local health systems, in resource-limited contexts where the commitment and contribution of the individual can make a real difference.

Which is why we always need skilled and motivated people who are ready to join us to collaborate on our projects ‘with Africa’.

Purpose of the role

The Head of Operations (HoO) plays a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating operational aspects of the NGO’s health-focused interventions across the country.

This position requires a highly skilled expatriate professional with advanced proficiency in Italian, as the role involves extensive liaison with Italian-speaking stakeholders, including donors, headquarters, and Italian institutions.

The HoO ensures efficient program implementation, operational support, and adherence to the NGO values and mission..

 

Key duties:

Operational Oversight:

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise field activities to ensure alignment with organizational and donor objectives.
• Oversee logistics, procurement, and resource allocation, ensuring compliance with internal and donor regulations.
• Coordinate with the Country Director, Deputy Country Director and Coordination teams to address operational challenges and adapt plans as needed.

Financial and Budget Management:

• Work closely with the finance team to monitor budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting.
• Provide input for the development of project budgets and operational plans.

Human Resource Management:

• Supervise field operations staff, ensuring proper training, performance monitoring, and capacity building.
• Promote a collaborative and effective working environment.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a key liaison between CUAMM headquarters in Italy and field operations, ensuring smooth communication and reporting in Italian.
• Engage with local authorities, UN agencies, donors, and partners to foster collaboration and advocate for CUAMM’s work.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and CUAMM policies in all operations.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with field activities.

 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, business administration, or related fields. A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Previous experience in operational roles within international NGOs, preferably in Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in health-focused programs is an asset.

Language Skills:

• Italian: Native-level proficiency is required for effective communication with headquarters and Italian-speaking stakeholders.
• English: Strong verbal and written skills for local and international collaboration.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in logistics, procurement, and resource management.
• Familiarity with donor regulations and operational compliance (e.g., EU, UN, Italian Cooperation-AICS).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent intercultural communication and leadership abilities.
• Strong adaptability and resilience in dynamic operational contexts.

 

The selection process is based on non-discrimination criteria and candidates are taken into consideration without distinction of ethnicity, gender, political orientation, religion, personal opinions, sexual orientation.

Doctors with Africa CUAMM does not tolerate any abuse, exploitation or violence against vulnerable children and adults, nor other behaviour that does not respect human dignity from its own staff, partner staff or other staff associated with the NGO.

All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to the mission and values of the organization, nondiscrimination policies and safeguarding principles.