The Wits RHI is the largest research institute in the University of the Witwatersrand, with a major national, regional and global footprint. It is a high growth, mission-driven organisation led by a dynamic leadership team. The size and scope of RHI now requires the creation of the new position of Chief Operating Officer (COO)
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
Wits RHI - Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as an integral member of the Executive Committee (ExCo) and Steering Committee (SteerCo), the COO will be responsible for the development of RHI’s overall administrative management strategy and contribute to the development and realisation of the organisation’s strategic goals. In addition to the strategic components, the COO will be charged with developing and implementing RHI’s policies and procedures both in the finance and general operational realms. This is an outstanding opportunity for an executive with operational experience and a proven track record of creative problem solving and change management to join in a high-growth, mission-driven organisation.
Responsibilities:
Strategy, Vision and Leadership:
• Advise the ED and other key members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting and policy matters
• Serve as the management liaison to the Wits Health Consortium in matters related to finance, HR and legal matters
• Contribute to the development of RHI’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organisation
• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the ED informed of all critical issues
• Represent the organisation externally, as necessary, particularly in operational contract negotiations
• Provide strategic and operational support to RHI’s space planning processes, including the ongoing review and development of new space.
Team Development/Leadership:
• Oversee, direct, and organise the work of the finance (grant management), communications and operations teams
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Information Systems and Technology (IT/IS) portfolio
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities and conduct annual performance appraisals
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: Assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
Operations:
• Implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls and procedures
• Plan, coordinate and execute the annual budget process
• Ensure that RHI is adhering to the strategic plan, delivering status reports to the ExCo
• Provide analytical support to all RHI governance structures including the Executive Committee and the Steering Committee
• Develop internal management reporting capabilities including the RHI risk register and balanced scorecard.
Minimum requirements:
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior management role ideally with both external audit and in-house financial management experience gained in a high-growth organisation
• Experience as an employee of a related (public health/research) organisation
• Experience in US federal finance and accounting regulations is highly recommended
• A proven track record of facilitating progressive organisational change and development within a growing organisation
• Excellent judgement and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong experience in mentoring and coaching a team with diverse levels of expertise
• An entrepreneurial team player who can multitask
• Superior management skills with the ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-orientated
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive - a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior and RHI staff
• The ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Passion for RHI’s vision and mission.
In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998, and subsequent amendments thereto.
Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, forward your detailed CV and contact details of 3 referees
The closing date for all applications is 13 November 2015.
Wits RHI will only respond to short-listed candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful.
