Chief Operations And Development

Reporting to the Director General, the Chief Operations and Development (COD) will provide high- level guidance and advice on all the operational aspects of the Center. The COD is expected to lead the finance and operational activities of the Center to position ICBA as the center of excellence in marginal environments. The Chief Operation and Development is responsible for leading the corporate services team to manage resources effectively and efficiently, advising the DG on strategies to improve financial sustainability, collaboration strategies, and organizational growth. Also, maintain governance and updated policies for an enabling environment which is conducive to growth in research and development. The Chief Operations and Development is expected to play a major role in the Center’s resource mobilization effort through Capacity Development, productization, Non-scientific program development and cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and donor agencies.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership and Services Development

• Advise and support ICBA’s board and Director General on all Finance, Operations, and development aspects in line with the center’s strategies
• Provide support and leadership in the center’s activities related to Capacity Development through outreach e.g., seminars, workshops; and lectures
• Represent the center in relevant international forums, committees, events, and conferences
• Collaborate with ICBA’s Partnership and Resource Mobilization to Review and analyze grants, donations, inventory, and general operating procedures to assure maximum return on financial and human resources in consultation with the DG
• Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit regarding impact reports and external reviews of the center’s R&D activities
• Ensure effective communication to promote the Center’s research and activities
• Perform other tasks and projects as requested by the Director General
• Ensure accountability and transparency are fulfilled and financial compliance is outlined in donor agreements
• Serve as a financial advisor, and strategic advisor to the DG anticipating issues and reporting directly to the DG
• Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member ICBA’s Management Committee
• Provide positive and professional leadership to the staff of Corporate Services
• Serve as a member of the ICBA Management Committee
• Ensure that the Center meets all legal, Audit, and Government requirements
• Ensure effective implementation and monitoring to ensure excellent customer service, audit requirements, and quality assurance
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to Corporate Services & Development and lead a continuous improvement approach to service delivery and operations
• Oversee the implementation of ICBA’s policies and procedures as well as review, update and develop the policies and procedures periodically

Finance and Facility Operations

• Oversee the Finance and Facility Section and provide strategic directions and support
• Advise the Director General on all matters affecting financial controls
• Implement all financial policies and procedures documented in the Finance manual and recommends update or improvement
• Lead the preparation of the Center’s annual budget in collaboration with budget holders. Develop and manage a project budgeting system, providing appropriate information and support to project managers
• Provide financial, analytical, and interpretive reports for the Director General and Board of Directors, including the interim and annual financial reports, and information required for long-term financial analysis and projections
• Ensure that financial reporting and accounting operations requirements of the donors and others are met
• Maintain effective financial control over the assets and liabilities, income, and disbursements of the Center, including land, property, capital, inventories
• Serve as the Center’s liaison with the independent auditors
• Oversee the implementation of the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), and Facility Management policies and procedures and monitor compliance thereof
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery
• Develop short- and long-term maintenance plans and programs

Human Resources and Procurement

• Oversee the Human Resources and Procurement Section and provide oversight and strategic guidance in its operations
• Formulate, recommend, and implement Human Resources policies and procedures, including recruitment, staff development, and welfare, and be responsible for communicating them to the staff
• Manage the staff performance evaluation process: ensure that the process is followed correctly, and forms are appropriately completed and signed; review and compile all staff performance plans to ensure adherence to the standard performance curve; submit the performance plan to the management for final approval
• Prepare in coordination with Division Directors, the annual staff training needs and ensure timely implementation of a training program
• Ensure efficient administration of staff salary and benefits, recruitment process, and staff records
• Develop, update, and implement Procurement and Inventory policies and procedures
• Streamline and strengthen the efficiencies in Procurement and inventory processes
• Develop and implement Service Level Agreements for people resources and procurement
• Oversee negotiations of contracts (employment and vendor)

Knowledge Management and Communications

• Oversee the Knowledge Management and Communication Section and provide strategic directions on its operations in Capacity Development, Information Technology, Emirates Soil Museum, and Communications
• Develop and update Communication Strategy and ensure to strengthen the Center’s reputation through effective communications and outreach
• Develop, and update policies, procedures, and service level agreements to efficiently implement the operations of the section

Financial Investment, Growth, and Innovation of Services

• Lead the design and execution of financial investment strategies to diversify and grow ICBA’s revenue base through sustainable, innovative mechanisms
• Identify and evaluate strategic investment opportunities, including endowments, blended finance, public-private partnerships, and commercialization pathways for ICBA products and services
• Establish robust financial planning, risk analysis, and growth modeling frameworks to ensure optimal return on investment and long-term organizational sustainability
• Drive service innovation across corporate and scientific operations, including the development of value-added offerings such as knowledge-based products, digital services, training programs, and technical consultancy
• Promote cross-functional integration between finance, innovation, and capacity development to align growth priorities with emerging global challenges and market opportunities
• Partner with the Resource Mobilization team to expand fundraising and investment networks with donors, philanthropies, and development finance institutions
• Institutionalize impact-driven financial management systems, focusing on transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes from investment and innovation initiatives
• Oversee strategic development of non-research income streams by innovating new service models and enhancing revenue-generating assets, such as training academies, exhibitions, or data platforms

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 15 years of experience of which 5 spent in management or leadership of corporate services or administration management
• A minimum of master’s degree in management sciences or equivalent
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic
• Highly developed interpersonal and cultural sensitivity skills
• Computer literacy
• Strategic and operational management skills

Desirable

• Previous experience in a non-profit or research organization

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