Operations Coordinator, Pan-Africa

Operations Coordinator, Pan-Africa

Start date:
March 1st, 2026 (contingent on signing of project agreement) 

Supervisor:
Head of Operations 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a leading Canadian international development organization driving positive education and economic change for young people around the world. Our vision is a world where every young person thrives and belongs. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations and create their own futures. To help achieve this goal, we develop initiatives that: deliver lasting, measurable impact; are powered by partnerships across the globe; stay true to our core programming principles; and respond to the priorities and aspirations of the people with whom we work.

WUSC is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. Our global team of development professionals bring deep expertise and open minds to identify new solutions to old problems and create a better world together. WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference for youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in the communities they serve.

Project Description

Pending approval, WUSC is launching the second phase (2026-2031) of an exciting initiative, which aims to significantly expand efforts to help refugee, displaced, and host community (RDP) youth, particularly young women, secure dignified and fulfilling work and access education opportunities across Africa. Building on prior successes, this Phase II will deepen engagement in new geographies, strengthen local ecosystems, and equip partners with necessary knowledge and tools for lasting change. A core strategy is emphasizing the engagement and strengthening of Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) to provide sustainable, locally-led technical assistance.

Over the next five years, Phase II’s ambitious goals include indirectly enabling one million RDP youth to secure dignified work and 35,000 to access education through the provision of expert technical assistance to a broad ecosystem of actors. Key implementation strategies involve working closely with RLOs through three pathways: providing financial access via an RLO Opportunity Fund, strengthening their capacity to provide technical assistance to partners, and embedding them across Phase II’s functional areas. WUSC will serve as a network orchestrator, facilitating connections for scale and training partners and other stakeholders on RDP inclusion. The initiative will achieve its targets by increasing knowledge among partners, enhancing capacity to develop innovative 

Role Description

The Operations Coordinator, Pan-Africa, provides day-to-day, hands-on operational support and horizontal coordination across procurement, contracting, and logistics. The role actively tracks actions, follows up on deliverables, and maintains accurate, complete, and audit-ready documentation, working across the Operations team to ensure timely, responsive, and well-coordinated operational delivery. The Operations Coordinator, Pan-Africa reports to the Head of Operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Contract Management

• Support the contracting lifecycle for consultants and service providers, ensuring rapid mobilization and smooth execution from initial documentation through to final signatures.
• Prepare and process complex procurement files ensuring all documentation is technically sound, compliant, and ready for senior-level approval.
• Serve as a primary coordination link for contractors and vendors, facilitating clear communication and timely follow-up.
• Coordinate the preparation of accurate and compliant payment documentation to support timely disbursements

Logistics & Event Operations

• Support the delivery of workshops, training's, and regional meetings by coordinating venues, accommodation, and logistical arrangements;
• Coordinate travel logistics for staff and partners, prioritizing safety, cost-effectiveness, and smooth end-to-end execution;

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Support office management functions, including service provision to facilities, administrative processes,office budget management and co working spaces to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, program teams, and compliance functions to ensure operational activities are aligned, efficient, and audit-ready

Collaboration & Thought Partnership

• Engage as a supportive and collaborative partner for the entire operations team to solve administrative challenges and streamline unit-wide processes.
• Work alongside SRO and Officers to co-create practical, compliant solutions that improve service delivery;
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by providing technical feedback on administrative workflows to ensure they remain lean, transparent, and aligned with project goals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years demonstrated experience in operations coordination, including support across procurement, contracting, and/or logistics functions.
• Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in operations, procurement, logistics, business administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience supporting operations functions, including coordination across procurement, contracting, and logistics.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with experience maintaining accurate, complete, and audit-ready records in regulated or donor-funded environments.
• Working knowledge of compliance requirements, internal controls, and operational processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, track actions, and support teams to meet operational timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong coordination, planning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work hands-on, independently, and collaboratively within a team.
• High attention to detail, sound judgement, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Experience working in multi-country or partnership-based programmes and familiarity with digital tracking or document management systems is an advantage.
• Complete fluency in English is essential, with the ability to write clearly and edit to a high standard; fluency or professional working proficiency in French is an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to WUSC’s mission of building a better world for all young people, particularly displaced and refugee youth.

Other requirements:

• The headquarters of this initiative is located in Nairobi, Kenya; 

• Based on the African continent, and must already possess the relevant work authorizations in the country they are/will be residing in.
• The role may require travel 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
  
  

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

WUSC’s office in Kenya is located in Westlands, off Waiyaki Way. Here’s some of what you can expect working with us:

• 40-hour workweek, some ability to work flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement
• 21 days annual leave
• Health insurance coverage
• Free access to an e-learning platform with 350+ courses on various topics
• Get to know and exchange with people from all over the world
• Being part of a friendly, caring and enthusiastic team!

APPLICATIONS

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form. 

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [email protected].

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please note that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

If you are interested in this position, please follow this link to apply through our website.