Chief Operations Officer

Position:Chief Operations Officer
Contract duration:Open-ended
Start Date:15 June 2025
Location:Geneva, Switzerland

POSITION PROFILE

As a core member of IMPACT’s leadership team, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) will spearhead a new exciting phase of organizational development.

The COO will guide IMPACT’s next chapter by leading the organization’s support functions – including finance, human resources, grants, projects and partnerships, logistics, travel, audit, transparency and compliance, IS and IT – while fostering a culture of collaboration and shared vision. S/He will oversee operations at both global and country levels, ensuring that IMPACT’s objectives are met efficiently, driving transformative solutions, strengthening partnerships with ACTED and other key stakeholders, and promoting the efficient use of resources to maximize impact.

The COO will develop and implement systems to identify and mitigate risks at all levels, from individual projects to the broader organizational strategy. By nurturing leadership across teams and driving continuous improvement of processes, the COO will play a pivotal role in enhancing IMPACT’s effectiveness and sustainability.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will ensure agile decision-making and strategic alignment, keeping the CEO regularly updated and flagging key concerns and opportunities early during this dynamic period of transformation and innovation.

REQUIREMENTS

• Years of work experience:At least 15 years of proven experience and progressive managerial responsibilities in operations.
• Work experience:Previous successful experience as COO/equivalent or overseeing multiple support departments at organizational level. This has to include familiarity with finance, grants management and HR.
• Management experience:Previous successful senior management experience in international not-for-profit entity, in the field and at head office. Previous experience in management in organization also producing research preferred.
• External engagement:Proven experience in nurturing, coordinating and operationalizing partnerships with other actors.
• Experience in managing organizational change:Proven experience in leading crosscutting organizational change dossiers.
• Experience in managing risks:Proven experience in risk identification and mitigation, and in problem resolution.
• Travel:Ability to travel regularly, including in challenging contexts.
• Level of independence:A self-starter with a proven ability to work independently.
• Cross-cultural work environment:Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility.
• Academic qualifications:Excellent academic qualifications, preferably including a University degree in a relevant discipline.
• Language skills:Fluency in English and French required.