Chief Operating Officer

Feed the Future Senegal Project Dundël SuufWashington, DC, United States

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About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead IFDC’s global operational infrastructure with a focus on excellence in operations, ensuring standardized processes, compliance, and operational excellence across all Regional Service Hubs and Country Representations. The COO will work closely with the CEO and the other Global Management Team (GMT) members to drive operational alignment, strengthen regional capacities, and optimize the effectiveness of Operations & Facilities, Office Registration, IT, and Security.

This position balances strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership, fostering consistency across regions while enabling local adaptation to ensure organizational impact.

Responsibilities

Partner with Regional Service Hubs to ensure operational structures are compliant, efficient, and impact-driven;
Support Country Representatives in implementing standardized operational processes, tools, and policies;
Oversee the establishment of new regional offices and responsible wind-downs when necessary;
Lead initiatives to optimize regional operational structures, workflows, and service delivery across hubs.

Operational Leadership

Serve as the global focal point for Operations & Facilities, Office Registration, IT, and Security;

Drive the development and adoption of standardized processes, systems, and best practices across regions;

Promote cross-regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Risk Management & Compliance

Ensure proactive identification and mitigation of operational and security risks across all regions;

Maintain regional risk registers through Country Representatives and Regional Hubs.

Lead or support crisis response and business continuity planning;

Conduct regular compliance checks and operational audits to safeguard organizational integrity.

Institutional Leadership

Represent operations within the GMT;

Advise the CEO and leadership team on operational readiness, compliance, and efficiency opportunities;

Drive cross-functional projects that enhance organizational effectiveness and global standards;

Mentor and guide senior regional leaders to ensure consistency in leadership, decision-making, and operational execution.

Business Development & Client Engagement Support

Collaborate with regional teams to ensure operational support for the continuous development of existing contracts and the pursuit of new opportunities;

Enable service delivery excellence that enhances client confidence, organizational reputation, and operational sustainability.

Profile

Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate across regions, hubs, and corporate services;

Strategic thinker with operational expertise and the ability to balance global standards with local adaptation;

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and impact;

High integrity, proactive mindset, and results-oriented approach;

Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and flexibility in dynamic, resource-constrained environments.

Requirements

Minimum 15 years of senior leadership experience in multi-country operations or corporate services, preferably in international development or agriculture sectors;

Proven expertise in operations & facilities management, IT, communications, and security across multiple countries;

Demonstrated success in operational standardization, risk management, and crisis response;

Experience in matrix organizations and multi-region coordination;

Master's degree in business administration, International Development, Operations Management, or related field; additional certifications in operations, project management, or risk management are desirable;

Fluency in English; proficiency in French highly preferred;

Willingness to travel internationally (25%+).

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports directly to the CEO and works closely with Regional Service Hubs, Country Representatives, and operation teams. The COO collaborates with external partners, donors, and stakeholders to ensure operational excellence and standardization.

Location

The is an international position with duty at one of the IFDC offices.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 13.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.

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Chief Operating Officer • Washington, DC, United States