Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO)                            

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

Supervision of: Global, Regional and National Analysis Teams/Hubs, and Operational units 

Duty Station: The Hague, Netherlands 

Duration & contract type: 12 months, to be renewed

Starting date: 01.01.2025       

About ACAPS

Who we are

ACAPS is an independent analysis provider. We are an independent analytical voice helping humanitarian workers, influencers, fundraisers, and donors make better-informed decisions and respond more effectively to disasters.

What we do 

We inform crisis response: We aim towards reshaping the humanitarian narrative by providing timely and independent needs analysis, data, training, and methodological tools while advocating for a more evidence-based response to crises.

We collaborate with honesty and Creativity: ACAPS maximises synergies with humanitarian responders, specialised analytical organisations, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society and encourages them to implement a collaborative approach.

As humanitarian needs continue to rise steeply, there is an increasing parallel demand in the sector for high-quality, independent analysis to guide resource prioritisation and programmatic responses. ACAPS is uniquely positioned in the humanitarian architecture to respond to these challenges, operating as a global public good to the humanitarian sector by providing independent, multi-sectoral analysis to enable humanitarian stakeholders to better understand and address the needs of crisis affected populations across the globe.

ACAPS is currently at an exciting stage of its growth trajectory, with a fast-expanding decentralised global team. Due to an increased awareness of ACAPS value add to the humanitarian sector, ACAPS conducts analysis on crises in Afghanistan, Colombia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen with team members working within many of these countries. This is in addition to global teams providing analysis spanning over 150 countries and 100 active crises worldwide. ACAPS donor portfolio is also expanding, with current active funding from key institutional donors such as BHA, FCDO, SDC, GFFO, GAC, SDC, NMFA and others.

Initially hosted by the Norwegian Refugee Council, ACAPS is transitioning to an independent entity, registered in The Hague, Netherlands. The transition will be completed by December 2025. 

General Position Summary

In response to ACAPS recent team and portfolio expansion, and to support the transition towards independence, ACAPS is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Chief Operations Officer (COO) to oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions for this exciting global project. This is a new role and as such will require a significant element of change management to establish this new function and guide the transition process. The successful candidate must be a seasoned professional who can hit the ground running, quickly see where organizational effectiveness can be improved and, where needed, support change management initiatives. We’re looking for a leader with skills across strategy and delivery, and a solid ability to build highly effective relationships across functional areas.

With a strong background in running business operations and deep passion for humanitarian analysis, the Interim COO will work closely across ACAPS teams, ensuring effective connections between support teams, our country level operations and our global analysis initiatives.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior executive with operational experience, a proven track record of creative problem-solving and change management to join a high-growth, mission-driven organization.

ACAPS values

ACAPS is a dynamic and independent organisation. We share and strive to maintain the values of agency, candour, integrity, diversity, evolution, ambition, and collaboration in everything we do. The post holder is expected to develop the position in line with these values. The ACAPS values live in the way we manage our teams, create our content and engage with stakeholders.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.

Essential Job Responsibilities 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer is a member of the 5-person Senior Management Team. This team has overall responsibility for leading, planning and managing the work and development of ACAPS.

The COO will have a key role in supporting and driving change management initiatives to support the establishment of this new COO role, and any relevant adjustments to ACAPS team structure and approach. Alongside the establishment of the COO Function, this role will lead and supervise ACAPS global, regional and country teams, as well as operational units, consisting of admin and procurement, partnerships and donors, and grant management teams. The COO will work in close coordination with the Chief Analyst, who is the leading function ensuring technical oversight on analysis vision, projects and quality assurance. The COO will ensure the teams set up and processes are fit for purpose.
Leadership

• As a core member of the Senior Management Team,
• ensure effective leadership of ACAPS to plan, deliver and track its strategic objectives.
• Ensure that ACAPS continues to evolve as a high performing and resilient organisation with a cohesive culture.
• Continuously promote and champion humanitarian analysis.
• Lead the establishment and running of the COO function.

Strategy delivery, monitoring, reporting, and compliance

• Support the development, implementation and evaluation of ACAPS’s Strategy 2020-2025 and contribute to the development of the new strategy.
• Direct and coordinate relevant operational activities in order to achieve the goals of the strategic plan.
• Prepare regular reports on operational performance and key performance indicators for the Director, and the ACAPS Consortium.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, donor requirements, and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Support the development and implementation of ACAPS’s mission, vision and values.

Change Management

• Lead selected internal ACAPS change management initiatives to facilitate smooth transitions and acceptance of new processes and strategies.
• Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and adaptability within the organization.

Team Management

• Supervise and support Global, Regional, and National Team Leaders, as well as admin and procurement, partnerships and donors, and grant management teams.
• Build and lead high-performing teams under the COO direct line management, providing guidance, mentorship, and direction to line reports, using a performance management system.
• Provide leadership and support to team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance and reach short, medium and long-term professional objectives.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/S or equivalent in international development, business administration or other relevant field.
• More than 12 years’ field experience in senior management. Previous experience as a COO or running diverse business functions is essential. Experience, either leading or participating in a major organizational change process is preferred.
• Experience leading teams and operations in humanitarian operations is preferred.
• Ability to lead diverse teams, handle negotiations and facilitate planning processes, including delicate transitions. Proven experience managing remote and dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of translating strategy into actionable business planning processes.
• Understanding of business functions and experience of identifying and implementing business change with proven decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills required. Strong emotional intelligence and coaching/mentoring skills.
• Experience with a wide range of donors including institutional donors particularly USAID, FCDO and ECHO. Familiarity with other donors a plus.
• Fluency in English required.

Success Factors 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership and diplomacy skills and be a superior communicator. S/he will have strong problem-solving skills, a robust ability to quickly assess operational and structural performance and identify areas for improvement/adjustment. The successful candidate will have strong emotional intelligence and, given the scale of change ACAPS is experiencing, will be a supportive leader with strong communication and coaching skills. S/he will be able to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work environment.