Chief Operating Officer (COO)

LSTM Kenya is a rapidly expanding, multi-site health research organization dedicated to its global mission and collaborating with key partners like KEMRI and the Ministry of Health in Kenya.

This executive role involves translating the research strategy into efficient, compliant, and resilient operations. The Chief Operating Officer will harmonize systems and culture across both offices, cultivate new and existing partnerships, and position LSTM Kenya as a trusted leader in global health research. The role encompasses overarching responsibility for operational excellence, financial stability, risk mitigation, and overall organizational performance across the Kisumu and Nairobi offices, ensuring effective delivery aligned with LSTM’s global mission and its partnerships in Kenya.

1. Deliver the strategic vision and plan for LSTM's research in Kenya, collaborating closely with Research Group Leaders.
2. Lead continuous improvement across research program operations, infrastructure, and support services.
3. Drive operational excellence in field, lab, and community-based activities.
4. Represent LSTM Kenya externally, strengthening relationships with funders, government agencies, regulators, academic partners, and strategic suppliers.
5. Develop, monitor, and report on operational, regulatory, economic, and geopolitical KPIs, covering financial sustainability, operational efficiency, resilience, compliance, and staff engagement.
6. Conduct horizon scanning for relevant operational, regulatory, economic, and geopolitical developments impacting Kenyan operations.
7. Provide executive oversight for all operational, administrative, and support functions across LSTM Kenya.
8. Ensure robust logistics, procurement, and supply chain systems comply with Kenyan law, donor requirements, and LSTM group policies.
9. 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).
10. Act as Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) for LSTM Kenya, ensuring effective information governance and data protection.
11. Provide assurance to the Board on operational, financial, safeguarding, and security risks.
12. Oversee and maintain the LSTM Kenya risk register, including developing a risk appetite statement and proactive mitigation strategies.
13. Lead crisis management, incident response, and business continuity planning, representing Kenya in relevant LSTM global preparedness forums.
14. Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, accurate reporting, and effective budgeting.
15. Lead the annual financial reporting and external audit process.
16. Oversee procurement and contract management in line with Kenyan law, donor rules, and LSTM UK regulations.
17. Support long-term financial sustainability through income diversification, cost control, and efficient resource allocation.
18. Optimize the use of staff, facilities, and equipment to maximize value for money while maintaining research quality.
19. Collaborate with LSTM UK to agree on research overheads and oversee service delivery under the LSTM Kenya–LSTM UK Service Level Agreement.
20. Line-manage the senior management team, including the Head of Programmes, Senior Accountant, and HR/Compliance Officer.
21. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture across all sites.
22. Oversee performance management, staff wellbeing, talent development, and succession planning.
23. Partner with LSTM UK on major HR initiatives, policy development, and organizational change programs.
24. Act as a role model for LSTM values, ethical leadership, and accountability.
25. Ensure LSTM Kenya meets all duty-of-care obligations, including health, safety, and security.
26. Ensure systems are in place for reporting, investigating, and learning from incidents and near misses.
27. Perform any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the role.
28. Act in a manner that safeguards children and at-risk adults, including LSTM staff and students, in accordance with safeguarding policies, reporting any concerns using the LSTM reporting system.

1. A Master’s degree in business administration or a similar field, or equivalent work experience.
2. Significant senior leadership experience in an operational role within a research institute, NGO in the health sector, or global health organization (e.g., COO, Country Director, Programme Director).
3. Certified Accounting professional (e.g., CA, ACCA, CIMA) is an added advantage.
4. Significant experience working with a Board of Directors.
5. Experience managing large health research programs.
6. Strategic partnership experience and direct engagement with country health authorities, national institutes, and international partners.
7. Demonstrable experience leading multi-site, multidisciplinary teams.
8. Strong track record in talent development, leadership coaching, and organizational strengthening.
9. Experience operating in complex, resource-constrained environments.
10. Experience managing large donor-funded grant portfolios.
11. Experience in global health, infectious disease, or vector-borne disease programs is an added advantage.
12. Ability to uphold the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
13. Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into delivery.
14. Excellent financial, operational, and risk management capability.
15. Proven judgment and decision-making skills in high-uncertainty environments.
16. Strong understanding of duty of care, safeguarding, and compliance.
17. Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
18. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
19. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive leadership.