Foundation Lead – Abidjan (Full Time)

About ESPartners

ESPartners (Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners) is a leading consultancy founded in 2010 in Washington DC, dedicated to fostering sustainable enterprise development across Africa. With regional offices in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) and Kigali (Rwanda), we serve West, Central, East, and Southern Africa.

Our mission is to empower African entrepreneurs with the tools for sustainable success. We deliver “Intelligent Capital™” – a unique combination of insights and funding – through two key practice areas:

• SCALE: Supporting entrepreneurs from ideation to acceleration, with access to diverse financing solutions
• INSIGHTS: Providing innovative consulting services for sustainable development through value chain optimization and business strategy

ESPartners has four core values expressed via P.A.C.E.: Passion, Agility, Collaboration and Equity.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Foundation Lead to oversee and optimize the company’s operations. The Foundation Lead will be responsible for managing and coordinating several key departments, ensuring overall operational efficiency and achieving ESP’s strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Leadership:

• Oversee and coordinate the activities of the following departments: Project Management Office (PMO), Delivery, Finance, IT, and Operations;
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance ESP’s efficiency and profitability;
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and other leadership members to align operations with ESP’s vision and goals;
• Identify and implement process improvement and cost reduction opportunities;
• Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management across all operational areas;
• Lead and develop a team of senior executives and managers;
• Oversee ESP’s “Scale” and “Insights” programs, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission;
• Manage the company’s financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis;
• Oversee and drive the efficient management of office operations and general expenses;
• Establish and optimize the company’s procurement strategy to ensure cost-efficiency and effectiveness;
• Oversee and lead the digital transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and foster innovation.

Financial Leadership:

• Oversee cash flow, liquidity, and capital structure management to ensure financial stability and sustainability;
• Develop and implement financial strategies that support the company’s growth objectives, including profitability improvement and cost optimization;
• Lead the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the board and executive leadership team;
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and internal financial policies;
• Lead the financial planning process, providing strategic advice to the CEO and board on financial matters;
• Supervise the implementation and continuous improvement of operational processes and information systems.

Team & Stakeholder Leadership:

• Build and manage high-performing teams across finance, operations, and other support functions, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence;
• Mentor and develop leaders across the organization to ensure succession planning and talent development;
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, auditors, legal advisors, and regulators;
• Act as the firm’s representative in key business dealings, client engagements, and industry forums.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least 8 years in operational leadership roles
• Strong expertise in finance and accounting, with a proven ability to manage a company’s financial aspects
• Successful experience in managing multiple departments, including PMO, project delivery, finance, IT, and operations
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills
• Ability to make strategic decisions and solve complex problems
• Proficiency in project management tools and management information systems
• Deep knowledge of best practices in operational and financial management
• Experience in implementing organizational changes and continuous process improvement
• Significant experience in entrepreneurial development in Africa would be a major asset

Personal Skills

• Strong results orientation and ability to work under pressure
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-changing environment
• Ability to manage stress effectively, and leads with calmness during tough times.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Unwavering integrity and professional ethics
• Passion for entrepreneurial development in Africa and alignment with ESP’s mission

We offer

• A key leadership role within a growing company with strong social impact
• The opportunity to shape and influence ESP’s operational strategy
• The chance to contribute directly to Africa’s economic development
• A competitive compensation package, including an attractive base salary and performance-related bonuses
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous training
• The chance to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment

How to apply

Please send your CV, cover letter and two (02) references to the following email address, specifying the job title:

esptalent@espartners.co