CHIEF OF OPERATIONS & PROGRAMS AT SEISMIC CONSULTING GROUP

About Company:

Seismic Consulting Group Limited is a multidisciplinary advisory and innovation firm committed to delivering data-driven, tech-enabled, and impact-focused solutions to global development challenges. With core competencies spanning consultancy, technology, vocational education, infrastructure, fintech, and artificial intelligence, Seismic operates at the intersection of innovation and development to serve governments, donor agencies, and the private sector.

Our flagship innovation hub, the Seismic AI Lab, pioneers applied research and digital tools that enhance decision-making and service delivery in sectors such as education, governance, health, and financial inclusion. As a mission-driven company, Seismic combines the operational rigor of international consulting firms with the agility of a tech startup, ensuring quality, compliance, and client satisfaction across all engagements.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Description:

• The Chief of Operations & Programs will serve as the strategic and operational backbone of Seismic Consulting Group, acting as the CEO’s 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.

Responsibilities 
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

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

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

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

Leadership, Governance & CEO Support

• Act as the CEO’s 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

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

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field
• A postgraduate degree (MBA, MSc, MA) is MANDATORY

Experience:

• 7–10 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 CEO’s absence.

Salary

Application Closing Date: 07th February, 2026

Application Instructions:

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO APPLY