Chemonics seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the business operations of Chemonics Arabia and ensure efficient execution of the company’s expansion in Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) countries anchored in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The COO will oversee core functions including finance, HR & administration, logistics, procurement, and operational compliance, ensuring compliance with Saudi regulation, adherence to Chemonics internal controls, and alignment with Vision 2030 priorities. Reporting to the Chemonics Arabia Managing Director, this position will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with travel to other target countries in the GCC.
Responsibilities include:
- Operational Leadership and Strategy:
- Establish and lead day-to-day operations of Chemonics Arabia, including coordination of finance, HR & administration, procurement, and logistics functions.
- Establish, implement and monitor operational frameworks to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with corporate objectives.
- Collaborate with the Managing Director to define regional strategy and operational goals; contribute to ongoing market intelligence and sector trends.
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Support business development initiatives – including alliances with preferred network of international, regional, and local partners – and ensure operational readiness to deliver projects.
- Contribute to raising Chemonics profile and brand recognition in the GCC by supporting participation in local forums and thought leadership initiatives.
- Develop and maintain business continuity and crisis management plants.
- Finance & Compliance Oversight:
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in line with Chemonics global polices and Saudi regulations.
- Coordinate with external auditors, regulatory authorities, and legal counsel to maintain full compliance with local laws, including tax, labor, and commercial requirements.
- Oversee procurement and vendor management processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and adherence to organizational standards.
- Human Resources & Administration Management:
- Supervise HR & Admin Specialist and ensure smooth execution of HR policies, employee onboarding/offboarding, and payroll compliance.
- Ensure adherence to Saudi labor laws, government HR systems (HRSD, GOSI, Qiwa, Mudad, Muqeem), and other statutory requirements. Proactively monitor and adapt to evolving Saudi and GCC regulations.
- Nurture staff engagement, local talent development, and performance monitoring.
- Ensure proper facility management and office administration practices.
- Operations Reporting & Communication:
- Report directly to the Managing Director, providing updates on operational performance, financials, and compliance.
- Prepare and present operational reports, dashboards, and performance metrics for senior leadership. Drive digital transformation of operational processes.
- Act as the primary focal point for operational coordination across the GCC region.
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent)
- Minimum 10 years of experience in senior operations leadership, ideally within development consulting or professional services.
- Proven experience managing multi-functional teams (finance, HR, administration, logistics, procurement) in Saudi Arabia or GCC countries.
- Deep understanding of Saudi regulatory environment, labor laws, and operational compliance requirements.
- Strong financial management and analytical skills.
- Strong vendor and partnership management skills.
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, change management, crisis leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
- Fluency in Arabic an English (written and spoken).
- Digital transformation experience.
Sample Deliverables:
- Fully operational office in Riyadh, including finance, HR, and administrative systems.
- Compliance with Saudi regulations, including licenses, visas, and payroll submissions.
- Streamlined operational processes, policies, and procedures.
- Timely financial reporting and operational dashboards.
- Smooth coordination across departments ensuring readiness for project delivery.
Application Instructions:
Please submit your application, including a CV, through this Google Form, linked here, by November 30, 2025. Chemonics will contact finalists.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
