Chief Operating Officer (COO)-Nairobi at Flexi-Personnel

Flexi Personnel Ltd is a HR Company that was founded in 2008. It is currently the fastest growing HR firm in Kenya offering a wide range of services including Headhunting and Executive selection, Outsourced Labor management, HR Outsourcing, Outsourced Payroll Management, HR consultancy, Psychometric Assessments and Expatriate Services and relocation support.... Chief Operating Officer (COO)-Nairobi JOB PURPOSE: The COO will provide strategic and operational leadership for LSTM Kenya’s rapidly growing, multi-site health research portfolio, ensuring effective delivery aligned with LSTM’s global mission and with LSTM Kenya’s partnerships with KEMRI, the Ministry of Health, and others in Kenya.

The role carries overarching responsibility for operational excellence, financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational performance across the Kisumu and Nairobi offices. The COO will translate the research strategy into efficient, compliant, and resilient operations; harmonise systems and culture across both offices; nurture new and existing partnerships; and ensure LSTM Kenya is well positioned as a trusted partner in global health research.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic leadership: - Deliver the strategic vision and plan for LSTM’s research in Kenya, working closely with Research Group Leaders. Lead continuous improvement across research programme operations, infrastructure, and support services. Drive operational excellence across field, lab and community-based activities. Represent LSTM Kenya externally, strengthening relationships with funders, government agencies, regulators, academic partners, and strategic suppliers.

Develop, monitor and report on operational, regulatory, economic and geopolitical KPI’s, covering financial sustainability, operational efficiency, resilience, compliance and staff engagement. Undertake horizon scanning on operational, regulatory, economic, and geopolitical developments relevant to Kenya operations. Operational oversight: - Provide executive oversight of all operational, administrative, and support functions across LSTM Kenya.

Ensure robust logistics, procurement, and supply chain systems that comply with Kenyan law, donor requirements, and LSTM group policies. Lead the development, review, and implementation of Kenya-specific policies and SOPs aligned with LSTM group frameworks (e.g. Financial Regulations, Code of Conduct, Safeguarding, Anti-Bribery. Act as Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) for LSTM Kenya, ensuring effective information governance and data protection.

Provide assurance to the Board on operational, financial, safeguarding, and security risks. Oversee and maintain the LSTM Kenya risk register, including development of a risk appetite statement and proactive mitigation strategies. Lead crisis management, incident response, and business continuity planning; represent Kenya in relevant LSTM global preparedness forums. Financial Management: - Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, accurate reporting, and effective budgeting.

Lead the annual financial reporting and external audit process. Oversee procurement and contract management in line with Kenyan law, donor rules, and LSTM UK regulations. Support long-term financial sustainability through income diversification, cost control, and efficient resource allocation. Optimise use of staff, facilities, and equipment to maximise value for money while maintaining research quality.

Work with LSTM UK to agree research overheads and oversee delivery of services under the LSTM Kenya–LSTM UK Service Level Agreement. People Leadership & Organisational Culture Line-manage the senior management team, currently the Head of Programmes, Senior Accountant, and HR/Compliance Officer. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture across all sites. Oversee performance management, staff wellbeing, talent development, and succession planning.

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