Operations Officer
Organization: Adeso – www.adesoafrica.org
Position Title: Operations Officer
Reporting to: Operations and Admin Coordinator
Working with: Adeso Subsidiaries Staff and Adeso Operations Team
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 12 Months with possibility of renewal
Starting date : As soon as possible
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Adeso is a pioneering African social enterprise with global influence. Rooted in Africa for over 30 years, we are working toward a decolonized world where people thrive through their own resourcefulness and tenacity. Adeso is part of the global movement to shift power to local leaders who are closest to the problem and, by consequence, closest to the solution. We are working with allies all over the world to reimagine and build a better system that is based on the principles of solidarity, humility, self-determination, and equality. We are committed to this work. Committed to proving it is possible. Ready to partner, ready to overcome barriers, and ready to evolve to create a blueprint for change.
Adeso has successfully launched social enterprises and subsidiaries, such as Ladhan Investment Ltd, Libin Investment Ltd, and Kuja, each with the aim of building the ecosystem needed to confront the legacy of colonialism. These entities all fall under the private sector arm of Adeso, while Adeso’s humanitarian programs and internal operations fall under the non-profit arm of Adeso and are led by Program Leads and Departmental Heads. Through this portfolio of solutions, we work to connect, design, launch, and scale the most promising innovations that will be a catalyst for community-led change. As a recognized leader in the global effort to decolonize the humanitarian and
development aid system, Adeso leads coalitions working with civil society leaders, funders, INGOs, and aid agencies that are designed to shift power and resources to those most proximate to the world’s most urgent challenges.
Join us as we continue to build a better, more equitable, future for communities across Africa and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Operations Officer main role is to provide cross-cutting operational support across Adeso’s full portfolio, including both nonprofit programs and for-profit enterprises. The officer will contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization by coordinating procurement, logistics, administration, compliance tracking, and oversee procurement processes and related documentation. Working closely with the Operations, Programs, Finance, and Subsidiary teams, the Operations Officer will ensure that internal systems are efficient, compliant, and adaptable to the needs of a dynamic and growing organization. The ideal candidate will bring strong coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate diverse operational contexts from field-level logistics to enterprise support.
SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Operations Coordination
- Coordinate daily operational activities for Adeso’s programs, departments, and subsidiaries.
- Ensure timely processing of procurement, logistics, and administrative requests in line with internal procedures.
- Maintain organized records for operational processes, contracts, licenses, and regulatory submissions.
2. Procurement & Vendor Management
- Lead procurement of goods and services, ensuring transparency, compliance, and value for money.
- Manage vendor relations, contract execution, and delivery tracking.
- Support development and enforcement of procurement policies and guidelines.
- Reinforce a tracking system for all local and HQ procurements on behalf of the subsidiaries and Adeso.
- Ensure framework agreements are in place for major and high-value items procurements.
- Receive, review, and process vendor and contractor documentation including invoices, delivery notes, and contracts, ensuring completeness and compliance with internal procedures.
- Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely processing of vendor and contractor payments.
- Develop a supplier lists, review and update regularly.
- In collaboration with the units team leaders and managers, Officer will develop and regularly update the procurement plan.
3. Logistics & Supply Chain Support
- Coordinate logistics for product/service delivery, inventory movement, and warehousing.
- Monitor inventory and ensure proper asset tracking across offices and field sites.
- Oversee event and workshop logistics, including resource planning and follow-up.
4. Administrative, Compliance & Legal Support
- Manage routine administrative tasks, including office coordination, travel logistics, and documentation.
- Track compliance with statutory requirements such as licenses, tax filings, and insurance.
- Contribute to policy development and periodic review of operational SOPs.
- Support drafting, review, and filing of contracts, agreements, and SLAs.
- Maintain records of legal and compliance documents for audits and reviews.
5. Systems Strengthening & Innovation
- Identify operational inefficiencies and propose improvements.
- Support adoption of tools and platforms that enhance workflow automation.
- Participate in the documentation and rollout of new SOPs.
6. Coordination & Reporting
- Serve as a liaison between operations and other departments to ensure cross-functional alignment.
- Provide regular updates on operational status, challenges, and compliance needs.
- Contribute to internal reporting and audit preparations.
EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, administration, or compliance support within a private sector, startup, or social enterprise environment.
- Experience in drafting or reviewing contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs).
- Familiarity with compliance standards and regulatory filings for business entities (e.g., licensing, tax, vendor agreements).
- Previous exposure to procurement, asset management, and enterprise operations.
- Experience in both nonprofit and private sector operations is required; strong private sector experience will be considered an added advantage.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; familiarity with document management or procurement platforms is a plus.
- Strong ability to prepare, organize, and maintain accurate documentation.
- Knowledge of contract terms, business documentation, and compliance tracking tools is an added advantage.
Personal Attributes:
- Detail-oriented with strong accuracy in managing documentation and research.
- Proactive and solution-oriented, with a collaborative mindset.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Discretion is an absolute must
Additional Requirements:
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organized.
- Strong communication skills and professional discretion, especially when handling confidential agreements.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, multi-entity environments.
- Willingness to travel to field locations and support remote teams.
- Fluency in English required; Somali is an added advantage.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications should be sent to Jobs@adesoafrica.org by the 1st of June 2025 with Operations Officer on the subject line. The selection committee will review all applications as they arrive. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered.
Each application package should include the following:
- An application letter addressing the selection criteria including how the candidate’s previous experience matches the jobs objectives as well as the interest for the position. It should also indicate the candidate’s availability and salary expectation. The letter should be no longer than 1 page.
- Updated CV including relevant work experience and qualifications.
- Contact details of 3 references.
Applications not including all the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.