Head of Operations (full-time, fixed term)

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of Operations to join SolidarMed Lesotho. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across key support functions, ensuring that strong systems, processes, and resources are in place to enable high-quality programme delivery across Lesotho.

Contract Type
Fixed term appointment (3 years and subject to extension)

Place of Assignment
Maseru, Lesotho

Eligibility
Open to Basotho citizens and candidates who already possess the legal right to reside and work in Lesotho. Work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.

Start of Contract
September 2026

The Role

The Head of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for SolidarMed Lesotho’s support functions, including finance, human resources, administration, procurement, logistics, IT, compliance, risk management, and asset management. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Operations contributes to organisational development, strategic and operational planning, institutional strengthening, and continuous improvement of internal systems and processes. The position also serves as Deputy Country Director and assumes delegated leadership responsibilities during the absence of the Country Director.

SolidarMed Lesotho

SolidarMed Lesotho works in partnership with the Ministry of Health, district health authorities, health facilities, and communities to strengthen the health system and improve equitable access to quality healthcare services. The programme focuses on addressing key public health challenges across the life course, with particular emphasis on maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, HIV and TB, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and community-based health services. Through evidence-based interventions and strong partnerships, SolidarMed supports the delivery of integrated, people-centred healthcare services particularly in remote rural areas.

Key responsibilities as Head of Operations

• Operational Management
• Strategic Development
• Procurement and Logistics
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Financial and Human Resources oversight
• Integrity, Safeguarding, Organisational Values

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented professional with strong leadership, management, and organisational skills. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with a hands-on, service-oriented approach and is able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Fluency in English and Sesotho is required.

Requirements

The successful candidate should possess at a minimum:

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive professional experience in operations, administration, organisational management, or support services, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing key operational functions, including finance, human resources, procurement, logistics, administration, compliance, risk management, and asset management.
• Experience working in the health, development, or non-governmental sector, preferably within donor-funded programmes.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, foster collaboration, and promote a positive organisational culture.
• Excellent planning, budgeting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, government stakeholders, donors, and partner organisations.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, discretion, and professionalism.

Benefits

• A meaningful senior leadership role in a values-driven international health NGO.
• The opportunity to strengthen operational systems that directly enable high-quality health programming in Lesotho.
• A collaborative working environment with links to national and international partners, research institutions, and technical networks.
• An attractive benefit package and opportunities for professional development.