Job Description

Chief Mission Operations and Infrastructure Officer

Volunteer role*
Homebased/Remote*
10hrs per week*

About Project Yananai

Project Yananai is a global, non-profit organisation with Christian values, committed to empowering underserved communities through adult education, sustainable skills development, and humanitarian aid. As we expand our impact across multiple countries and regions, operational excellence, security and innovative infrastructure are critical to fulfilling our mission effectively and sustainably.

Role Purpose

The Chief Mission Operations & Infrastructure Officer (CMOIO) will lead a division responsible for ensuring the organisation's operational integrity, security, and technical infrastructure across all program and support functions worldwide. This includes overseeing Relief Operations, Education & Training Services, Special Projects & Innovation, Technology & Digital Solutions, Risk & Security Management, and Logistics, Mechanical, and Engineering Services.

The post holder will be a seasoned senior leader with extensive experience managing complex international operations in humanitarian, development, or similar sectors. They will be responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving a global Mission Operations and Technical Infrastructure Framework that is efficient, secure, adaptable, and aligned with Project Yananai's strategic objectives. They will also develop leaders within the organisation, fostering operational excellence and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Framework Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive Global Mission Operations and Technical Infrastructure Framework, including policies, SOPs, standards, and best practices to ensure operational excellence across all regions. Lead the design of agile, scalable, and secure operational systems that support Project Yananai's mission objectives globally. Establish and maintain infrastructure that ensures the effective delivery of humanitarian aid, educational programs, and innovative projects, ensuring they are cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality.

2. Operational Management & Oversight

Oversee the management of Relief Operations, Education & Training Services, Special Projects & Innovation, and Technical Infrastructure, ensuring they are aligned with organisational goals. Provide strategic guidance and support to regional and country-level operational teams, including India, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the UK, and beyond. Ensure operational readiness and resilience in humanitarian contexts, including supply chain management, logistics, and aid delivery.

3. Security & Risk Management

Lead broad security measures, including physical security, cybersecurity, and operational risk mitigation, viewing security as a critical infrastructure supporting the mission. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for all operational activities, safeguarding staff, beneficiaries, assets, and information. Foster a culture of safety, security awareness, and risk mitigation integrated into organisational processes.

4. Technology & Digital Solutions

Oversee the deployment and management of digital tools, cybersecurity protocols, and technological infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and security. Promote innovative use of technology and data analytics to improve operational decision-making, program delivery, and impact assessment.

5. Capacity Building & Leadership Development

Lead the training, development, and mentorship of National Management Team members and regional operational leaders. Foster a high-performance operational culture, emphasising best practices, continuous improvement, and leadership development.

6. Program & Infrastructure Innovation

Lead or support special projects designed to advance operational efficiency, security, or innovative program delivery. Incorporate emerging best practices and technologies into organisational infrastructure to ensure Project Yananai remains at the forefront of operational excellence.

7. Policy, SOPs & Governance

Draft, review, and implement global policies, SOPs, and standards related to mission operations, security, and technical infrastructure. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and donor requirements across all operational regions.

8. Collaboration & External Engagement

Collaborate with external partners, vendors, and technical advisors to ensure operational and infrastructural excellence. Represent Project Yananai at relevant forums, conferences, and working groups to promote best practices and learn from sector innovations.

Qualifications & Experience

Proven senior leadership experience managing international operations, ideally within humanitarian, development, or similarly complex sectors. Extensive background in operational management, logistics, security, and infrastructure development. Demonstrated ability to design and implement global frameworks, policies, and SOPs. Strong understanding of security management, cybersecurity, and risk mitigation in operational settings. Experience leading or mentoring senior teams, fostering organisational learning and leadership capacity. Exceptional strategic thinking, operational planning, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to innovate and adapt in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or certifications in management, security, or technology highly desirable. Fluency in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Core Competencies

Strategic & Systems Thinking

Operational Excellence & Resilience

Security & Risk Management

Innovation & Technology Adoption

Leadership Development & Mentoring

Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Integrity & Ethical Leadership

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a purpose-driven organization making a transformative difference in communities around the world.

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060 and an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

Store discount
Application question(s):

Do you hold a degree or professional certification in a field relevant to this role? Have you previously led or managed multi-departmental teams, including operations, logistics, security, or technical infrastructure? Do you have experience designing or managing staff security protocols, cybersecurity measures, or broad risk mitigation strategies in high risk environments? Have you developed and implemented operational frameworks, policies, or SOPs in an international organisation? Our teams are based across multiple global time zones. Do you have the flexibility to arrange and manage virtual international meetings and use universal communication platforms such as whatsapp as needed? This is a voluntary role. Do you have the availability (+/-10hrs/week) to attend to matters and tasks associated with the role or delegate responsibilities for professional execution of obligations?
Work Location: Remote