Special Projects Lead (Chief of Staff to the COO)

About the role

Are you passionate about building systems, improving processes, and enabling teams to execute effectively? Would you describe yourself as highly organised, analytical, and quick to learn? Do you thrive in cross-functional environments where coordination, accountability, and attention to detail are critical? Does the opportunity to support operational excellence at ALX excite you? About ALX Africa ALX Africa, a non-profit organisation under the ALX Foundation, is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Africa's digital future. Formerly part of Sand Tech Holdings, we've embarked on an independent journey to provide world-class tech skills training and career acceleration programmes. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide, upskill and reskill talent, and create a generation of innovative leaders. By 2030, we aim to empower 2 million Africans to secure sustainable tech careers. With hubs in 8 cities across Africa and counting, we provide safe access to quality learning and a dedicated network of expert instructors. Our innovative programmes equip learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving tech industry. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects, we prepare our students for in-demand roles in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. We achieve this by: Providing young professionals with access to the most in-demand tech skills that will power the future. Empowering the next generation of technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders through challenging, real-world coursework. Building a lifelong, impactful community of tech professionals that supports them at all stages of their career journey. Our impact thus far: 347k+ graduates since 2020 257k youth in work 31k youth starting own ventures 60k youth in jobs created by entrepreneurs Visit our website www.alxafrica.com to learn more about our digital revolution. Role Summary The Special Projects Lead will serve as a high-trust strategic and operational partner to the Chief Operating Officer (similar to a Chief of Staff). This person will help drive the COO's highest-priority initiatives, ensuring that critical cross-functional work moves from idea to execution with clarity, pace, and accountability. This is a role for a structured, highly resourceful operator who can move fluidly between strategy, execution, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and follow-through. The Special Projects Lead will work across all business functions and with Executive Leadership to keep business operations moving. This role will function as a Chief of Staff-type partner to the COO, with a strong focus on strategic execution, cross-functional coordination, and delivery of ALX's high-priority initiatives. Specific Responsibilities Drive strategic projects for the COO Lead or support cross-functional projects across ALX. Translate strategic priorities into clear project plans, owners, milestones, risks, and decision points. Drive execution of special projects that cut across multiple teams or regions. Identify bottlenecks, escalate risks, and ensure timely resolution. Prepare project updates, decision memos, and executive briefings. Ensure priority initiatives maintain momentum and do not get stuck between functions. Strengthen organisational execution and accountability Support the design and management of org-level dashboards, operating reviews, and performance routines. Track progress against key strategic priorities and surface risks early. Coordinate follow-ups from leadership meetings and ensure clear ownership of next steps. Help teams move from discussion to decision to delivery. Support quarterly and sprint planning, retrospectives, and execution reviews. Support revenue and sustainability priorities Support workstreams connected to fundraising, partnerships, Corporate Training and other emerging revenue priorities. Coordinate cross-functional inputs needed to unlock revenue opportunities. Prepare materials for internal decision-making, partner conversations, and funder engagement. Track execution against priority revenue initiatives and ensure dependencies are clear. Enable COO communications and decision-making Prepare briefing notes, talking points, leadership updates, and presentation materials. Synthesise complex information into clear recommendations. Conduct research, analysis, and problem-solving on ambiguous business questions. Help the COO prepare for key internal and external meetings. Capture decisions and ensure follow-through after leadership discussions. Act as a cross-functional connector Build strong relationships with functional and regional leaders. Facilitate alignment across teams with different priorities, constraints, and timelines. Clarify roles, responsibilities, decision rights, and escalation paths. Support sensitive or high-priority initiatives that require discretion,

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