Department: Operations
Reports To: Country Director
Direct Reports: Finance Officer, Accountant, Human Resources Officer, Product Manager
Location: Harare (with national oversight)
Closing Date: 21 November, 2025
Summary
The Head of Operations is a senior leadership role in the organization and oversees the day-to-day internal operations of Uncommon as the organization scales across Zimbabwe. The role is focused on budget development and financial operations, executing business strategy, recruitment and hiring, and managing the physical spaces of the organization. The Head of Operations will sit on the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate is a systems thinker who combines operational discipline with a passion for social impact, capable of translating vision into scalable processes that empower teams to perform at their best that includes standardizing systems and processes and automating reporting across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Operations & Organizational Alignment
- Translate Uncommon's strategic plan into clear annual and quarterly goals, using organization frameworks.
- Drive accountability, transparency, and data-informed decision-making across the organization and ensure teams and systems are aligned.
- Oversee the product team and ensure it aligns with the organization and achieves goals as set by leadership.
2. Financial Management & Budgeting
- Oversee monthly accounting close process and ensure books are accurate with all appropriate documentation and provide reports to the Country Director and Board.
- Lead annual budget process with Country Director and provide monthly reports including variance and trend analysis.
- Execute internal business strategy from Country Director, including improving cost efficiency of business operations through resource allocation.
3. HR Oversight
- Oversee recruitment and hiring processes for new personnel.
- Create and manage employee evaluation metrics and methods, including employee satisfaction and retention.
- Implement, review, and modify operational policies and procedures.
4. Facilities & Office Management
- Manage the physical office space in person and the hubs virtually to ensure needs are met, including equipment supplies, and a safe and supportive work environment.
- Lead procurement for the organization across all departments, ensuring both cost effectiveness and compliance with policies.
- Lead communications with vendors and lessors regarding office space and oversee all permitting and local government requirements for programmatic spaces and hubs.
5. Operations Team Management & Leadership
- Review administrative requests, complete and perform reviews and weekly check-ins.
- Identify and support career development opportunities.
- Ensure the team is meeting company and departmental goals.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, preferably within nonprofit or social enterprise settings.
- Proven success in building and managing cross-functional teams.
- Strong financial management, analytical, and systems-thinking skills.
- Experience implementing digital tools for workflow, reporting, and collaboration.
- Excellent communication and people management skills.
- Commitment to Uncommon.org's mission and values.
Performance Metrics (KPIs)
- Annual goals achieved across departments (≥80% completion).
- Timely and accurate monthly financial and performance reports.
- Improved operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Employee retention and satisfaction rates.
- Program and product delivery timelines met.
- CD, CEO, and Board satisfaction with organizational alignment and reporting.
90-Day Success Plan
By the end of 90 days, the Head of Operations will have:
- Conducted a full review of all operational systems, team structures, and workflows.
- Developed a 12-month operational roadmap with clear KPIs and ownership per department.
- Established a monthly reporting rhythm with financial and impact dashboards.
- Strengthened leadership team alignment and accountability through regular check-ins.
