Chief of Staff

Title: Chief of Staff 

Reporting to: COO

Location: Nairobi 

About Food 4 Education 

Food4Education (F4E) is an African-led, women-led social enterprise that uses technology, smart operations, and logistics to provide low-cost, high-quality meals that improve nutrition and education outcomes for primary school children in Kenya. 

We are growing quickly. Our mission is to scale models that prioritise efficient supply chain management and sustainable sourcing, so we can continue lowering the cost of school lunches. We have delivered over 100 million meals since 2012 and are scaling our solution to feed 1 million children daily in Kenya, extend our expertise through technical advisory support to at least two other African countries enabling them to feed an additional 2 million children and leading a global Center of Excellence, sharing our knowledge and empowering others around the world to adopt and scale the Food 4 Education model.

Our Values 

At Food 4 Education, our values are guiding principles that provide us with purpose and direction and set the tone for our interactions with all stakeholders: 

• Build with excellence and curiosity - We’re not afraid to try new things and iterate as much as we can to find the best and most efficient way to get results; 
• Be the change you seek - We acknowledge that continuous improvement is a shared responsibility; 
• We do what we say; and say what we do - We embrace an ownership mentality;
• Ask why; and commit- Share openly and question respectfully and commit fully. When we understand the why, we are able to work with a purpose. 

About the role

The Chief of Staff to the COO will serve as a strategic partner and right-hand to the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring the seamless execution of operational priorities and strategic initiatives. This role requires a combination of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. The Chief of Staff will act as a force multiplier for the COO, driving cross-functional collaboration, managing key projects, and ensuring alignment across the organization. This role is ideal for someone who aspires to become a COO or seeks hands-on experience in high-level operational and strategic decision-making within a fast-growing organization. The role is about driving impact, not managing calendars.

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Strategic Support

• Partner with the COO to develop, execute, and prioritize operational strategies that align with the organization’s strategic goals and the departments within Operations (expansion, business operations, business intelligence, technical operations, utilization, technology).
• Provide data-driven insights, analysis, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Monitor progress toward operational objectives and ensure accountability across teams.

Operational Excellence

• Streamline processes and improve efficiency across the Operations department and sub-functions, including better ways of working and communications methods and flows.
• Oversee the execution of high-priority projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage key meetings, including agenda preparation and presentations, follow-up, and action item tracking.
• Drive results on key initiatives and projects on behalf of the COO through the internal consulting unit, acting as a right hand and proxy for the COO.

Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between the COO and all other departments, ensuring clear, timely, and consistent communication.
• Draft and review internal and external communications on behalf of the COO.
• Prepare COO for external events, including talking points and deck preparation, in collaboration with external communications partners, the Communications team, and the Development team.

Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

• Anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them.
• Support the COO in navigating high-pressure situations and crises.
• Act as a sounding board for the COO, offering solutions and alternative perspectives.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including members of F4E’s SLT and key managers in the Operations and other functions.
• Represent the COO in meetings and events as needed.
• Support the COO in managing relationships with board members, partners, and key stakeholders.

Desired Candidate Profile 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership, consulting, or operations role, preferably in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects and driving organizational change.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office, project management software, data analysis tools.
• Highly adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Strong sense of integrity and commitment to the organization’s mission and values.

We are an equal-opportunity employer 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. 

Career Growth and Development 

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You will have weekly check-ins with your manager, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You will have the opportunity to shape a growing organisation and build a rewarding, long-term career.