Madam Sirleaf founded the EJS Center in 2018 to catalyze social change across Africa by helping to unleash the continent’s most abundant, latent power – its women. Through a unique blend of programming, advocacy, research, and exhibitions, the EJS Center seeks to become one of the premier institutions dedicated to advancing and sustaining women’s political and social development.

The EJS Center is currently seeking to hire its inauguralChief Operating Officer (COO)to support the Founder and Board Chair (Madam Sirleaf) and the Executive Director (Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks) in the establishment and management of the EJS Center’s financial, reporting, administrative and operational processes, and systems.

The ideal candidate should be an ambitious, experienced executive who is passionate about the EJS Center’s mission and dedicated to building a world-class organization. The candidate must be familiar with financial management, charitable compliance, and organizational development; should have the experience and poise to engage with global leaders; and must be comfortable working in both a pan-African context and with the EJS Center’s partner institutions around the world.

The COO will be responsible for managing high-level undertakings, including the oversight of a major capital campaign and construction initiative; regular interactions with the Board and prominent individuals; and participation in ongoing strategy and organizational discussions with the executive team.

Position Title:Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Report to:Executive Director
Job Location:Monrovia, Liberia, with international travel
Salary Range:Based on experience

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The COO, reporting to the Executive Director and the Chair, will have primary responsibility for the EJS Center’s financial, legal, administrative, and organizational systems. As the EJS Center is a new organization, this will include establishing and then overseeing reliable budgeting, audit and financial reporting systems; working with the management team to develop an organizational structure that advances the EJS Center’s mission and programmatic goals; establishing and maintaining internal policies and processes (HR, travel, etc.); working with the program team on contracting, budgeting, and logistics for the EJS Center’s programs; working with the management team and the Board to develop a targeted fundraising and asset/investment management plan; and overseeing the EJS Center’s physical plant, which initially will include construction management of the EJS Center’s campus.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and oversee the EJS Center’s finance team
• Develop and supervise the EJS Center’s budgeting, audit, and financial reporting
• Ensure appropriate compliance systems are in place under Liberian law, and pursuant to the terms of grants received
• Advise the Chair and Executive Director on organizational structure and performance management
• Build and manage the EJS Center’s organizational structure, policies, systems, and technological resources
• Oversee contracts management and seek outside legal advice as appropriate
• Oversee grants management in tandem with the program team
• Work with the Executive Director and the program team on the development of programmatic initiatives
• Take primary responsibility for the management of the EJS Center’s physical plant, including day-to-day contracts management and quality control during construction
• Build strong working relationships with the EJS Center’s funding partners intercontinentally
• Work with the Executive Director and the Board to develop a targeted, achievable fundraising plan for the EJS Center
• Interface with global leaders in government, philanthropy and advocacy to advance the EJS Center’s mission and reputation
• Supervise the EJS Center’s financial, administrative and organizational staff
• Meet regularly with the Chair, Executive Director and Head of Programs to advance effective management of the organization
• Assume day-to-day management responsibility of staff and facilities when the Executive Director is traveling

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Advanced degree in law, finance, or management
• Sustained executive-level management experience
• Fluency in budgeting, financial reporting, and financial management
• Familiarity with contract management and basic contract negotiation and terms
• Charitable or NGO experience strongly preferred
• Pan-African work experience
• Passion for the EJS Center’s mission and demonstrable dedication to the advancement of women
• Experience working with global leaders from the public and private sectors
• Willingness to develop skills in areas outside of core competence
• Excellent writing and presentation abilities
• Fluency in English mandatory; additional language proficiency highly preferred

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, electronically submit (1) a cover letter highlighting your appropriateness for the role and the reasons you are applying, (2) a current CV, and (3) the names of at least two references.Click the apply button below.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further instructions, within one week after the deadline.