Chief Operating Officer at Welcome 2 Africa International

Welcome2Africa International is a trade and investment facilitation company specializing in Nigeria’s Agricultural and Maritime Sectors. Our mission is to become a center of excellence for facilitating and deploying investments and trade across Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Wuse 2, Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• We are seeking an accomplished, visionary, and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) with extensive leadership, strategic, and operational expertise to propel the organization’s mission forward.
• Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will serve as the linchpin of the executive leadership team, ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and scalable growth across all business units.
• The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with a proven track record in optimizing business operations, driving cross-functional synergies, and executing high-impact strategies in trade, investment, and economic development. 
• As a key strategic advisor to the CEO, the COO will oversee Investment & Trade, Research & Policy, Programs & Events, Growth, and Corporate Governance, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while fostering innovation, efficiency, and stakeholder confidence.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organizational Development:

• Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to refine and execute the company’s long-term vision, ensuring alignment with global market trends and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead the development and implementation of multi-year strategic plans, translating high-level objectives into actionable operational roadmaps.
• Drive organizational transformation initiatives, ensuring agility, scalability, and resilience in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
• Champion a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability, embedding best practices in corporate governance and ethical leadership.

Operational Excellence & Process Optimization:

• Design and implement robust, scalable operational frameworks to enhance efficiency, reduce redundancies, and maximize productivity across all divisions.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational dashboards to monitor business performance, ensuring continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee enterprise-wide risk management, compliance, and internal controls, ensuring adherence to regulatory and corporate governance standards.
• Spearhead digital transformation initiatives, leveraging technology to streamline workflows, enhance reporting, and drive automation.

Financial & Performance Oversight:

• Partner with the CFO to develop annual budgets, long-term financial models, and investment strategies that ensure fiscal sustainability.
• Monitor financial health, including revenue growth, cost optimization, cash flow management, and profitability, providing strategic recommendations to the CEO.
• Lead quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with department heads, assessing performance against targets and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure transparent financial reporting and compliance with investor, donor, and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Mentor and lead a high-performing executive team, fostering leadership development, succession planning, and talent retention strategies.
• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring seamless coordination between Investment & Trade, Research & Policy, Programs & Events, and Growth divisions.
• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, multilateral organizations, investors, and private sector partners.
• Represent the organization in high-level negotiations, policy dialogues, and international forums, articulating Welcome2Africa’s vision and operational strategy.

Business Development & Market Expansion:

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams to drive sustainable growth and market penetration.
• Oversee the development and execution of market expansion strategies, including entry into new geographies and sectors.
• Lead due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of strategic investments, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
• Enhance brand positioning and thought leadership through innovative programs, research publications, and high-impact events.

Corporate Governance & ESG Leadership:

• Ensure compliance with corporate governance best practices, including board reporting, risk management, and ethical business conduct.
• Champion Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, integrating sustainability into core business operations.
• Oversee legal and regulatory affairs, ensuring alignment with international trade laws, investment regulations, and corporate policies.

Job Requirements
Education & Experience:

• Advanced Degree (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, International Development, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 10 years in an executive role (COO, MD, or equivalent) within trade, investment, economic development, or related sectors.
• Proven track recordin operational leadership, financial management, and strategic execution in a multinational or high-growth environment.
• Experience working withgovernment agencies, DFIs, private equity, and multilateral organizationsis highly desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Vision & Execution:Ability to translate long-term objectives into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
• Financial & Investment Acumen:Strong expertise in financial modeling, investment analysis, and portfolio management.
• Leadership & Influence:Exceptional people management skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and drive high-performance cultures.
• Stakeholder & Diplomatic Engagement:Adept at navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, including governments, investors, and international partners.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving:Forward-thinking mindset with a track record of driving operational excellence and business transformation.
• Communication & Negotiation:Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization at the highest levels.

What We Offer

• Competitive Executive Compensation: Attractive salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity incentives aligned with long-term success.
• Work-Life Balance: 24 days of annual leave, flexible work arrangements, and hybrid/remote options.
• Leadership & Development:
  • Structured leadership development programs, including executive coaching and mentorship.
  • Secondment opportunitiesfor cross-functional or international experience.
  • Access to global networking forums, industry conferences, and thought leadership events.
• Career Growth: Accelerated progression paths, stretch assignments, and sponsorship for high-potential leaders.
• Culture & Wellbeing:
  • Annual company retreats and team-building initiatives to strengthen collaboration.
  • Wellness programs such as mental health support, fitness subsidies, and mindfulness sessions.
  • A mission-driven workplace that values innovation, impact, and inclusivity.

Application Closing Date
23rd April, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: careers@welcome2africaint.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.