Chief Operating Officer (COO)/HR

Company overview

The Company is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the effective management, coordination and execution of the Firm’s support functions. Reporting to the Managing Partner, the COO will translate the Firm’s strategy, policies and management decisions into efficient day-to-day operations.

The COO will play a key role in strengthening operational discipline, people management, financial management, technology, administration, business development support and organizational development.

Key Responsibilities

General and Firm Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight of Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Administration, Facilities, Procurement, Knowledge/Library Management, Business Development support and other non-legal operational functions.
• Support the Managing Partner and Partners in strategic planning, implementation and monitoring.
• Translate management decisions into clear implementation plans, responsibilities, timelines and follow-up mechanisms.
• Develop and review standard operating procedures for key administrative and support processes.
• Coordinate implementation of approved policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Establish effective management reporting and provide timely reports on operations, people, finance, risks and key initiatives.
• Identify operational risks, inefficiencies and control weaknesses and recommend corrective measures.
• Drive continuous improvement, efficiency, accountability and scalability across the Firm.
• Ensure operational activities comply with applicable Ethiopian laws, regulatory requirements and Firm policies.

Human Resources and People Management

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, probation, performance appraisal, career progression, employee relations, disciplinary processes and exits.
• Drive effective performance-management processes.
• Lead human-capital development, learning and career-planning initiatives.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Monitor employee engagement, retention, attendance, leave and benefits.
• Ensure accurate and confidential personnel records and compliance with applicable employment, pension and payroll requirements.

Finance and Financial Management

• Oversee the finance and accounts function and work closely with the Finance lead, accountant, external auditor and advisers.
• Coordinate annual budgeting and monitor actual performance against approved budgets.
• Support cash-flow planning, billing, collections, expense control and management reporting.
• Ensure appropriate financial, procurement, payment and banking controls.
• Support compliance with tax, payroll, pension, audit and other financial reporting obligations.

Information Technology, Systems and Knowledge Management

• Ensure effective use of technology across the Firm.
• Coordinate with IT providers to maintain system availability, security, reliability, backup and business continuity.
• Promote effective use of practice-management and related systems.
• Support approved technology and AI initiatives with appropriate attention to confidentiality and information security.
• Coordinate knowledge-management and library resources.

Administration, Facilities and Procurement

• Oversee office administration, premises, facilities, equipment, security, utilities and office services.
• Ensure effective procurement, vendor selection, contracting and service monitoring.
• Maintain appropriate asset, inventory, contract and service-provider records.
• Ensure the office environment supports professional client service, productivity, confidentiality and business continuity.

Business Development and Client Support

• Coordinate implementation of approved business-development and marketing plans.
• Track business-development initiatives, pitches, proposals, client events and agreed activities.
• Support client-relationship initiatives and approved visibility activities.
• Maintain systems for tracking opportunities, referrals, proposals and follow-up actions.
• Support consistent application of the Taza brand.

Organization Development and Change Management

• Support organizational-development initiatives aligned with Taza’s vision, values, culture and strategic priorities.
• Act as a change catalyst and support the implementation of approved change initiatives.
• Promote continuous improvement and a learning-organization culture.
• Coordinate external consultants engaged for organizational and operational initiatives.
• Monitor implementation of recommendations arising from organizational reviews, audits and consultancy assignments.