Head of operations : African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AIBST)
Accounting & Finance Jobs
- Expires 30 Sep 2025
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Job title: Head of operations
Reporting to: Chief of staff
Employment status: Full time
Location: Zimbabwe, Harare. This is a national call limited to Zimbabweans only
About the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AIBST)
The African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, AiBST, is the main beneficiary of this intervention. AiBST is research and tertiary education institute with a mission to discover, develop, and deploy innovative healthcare solutions for Africa. AiBST is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. AiBST was founded in 2002 by Professor Collen Masimirembwa and was registered in 2008 with the Ministry of Higher and tertiary Education, Zimbabwe. AiBST, is a biotechnology company established with the objective to come up with life-saving healthcare solutions for Africa. To deliver on its mandate, it is active in three areas: Education and training, Drug and diagnostics research and innovation, and Product development and service delivery. These activities require highly specialised laboratories and highly skilled manpower. AiBST has therefore established the most advanced laboratories in genomics and therapeutics in Zimbabwe for this purpose.
Job Purpose
The Head of operations will lead and coordinate the development and implementation of efficient and integrated systems for human resource management, manage the HR function including and not limited to development of HR policies, talent management, oversee the administration unit, to provide robust, efficient, and effective compliance and support services with specific focus on, staff development, training and capacity building. This role will also lead and manage a high performing financial management function and provide a comprehensive financial management, costing and advisory service, and transparency to support excellent client services delivery. The role will also provide support on basic procurement. The position ensures compliance with institutional policies and national regulations and supports the operational effectiveness of the Institute’s mission in biomedical science and technology research and innovation.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Duties and Responsibilities
A. Human Resource Management and Implementation
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, employee relations, and offboarding.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and national labor laws.
• Provide proactive HR Advice to senior management
• Strengthen line managers capacity for quality performance management
• Assist with end-to-end recruitment processes, including drafting of Job descriptions, positing advertisements screening applications, conducting interviews, and coordinating with hiring managers
• Support workforce planning and capacity development to ensure the Institute attracts and retains top scientific and support talent.
• Coordinate staff performance appraisal systems and professional development plans.
• Support a result focused organisational culture by promoting a positive and inclusive work environment
• Identify training needs and assistant in coordinating and facilitating employee training programs
• Maintain accurate and up to date employee records (digital and physical)
• Administer and manage employee benefits programs such as medical retirement benefit, leave etc)
• Working very closely with finance on payroll data.
B. Administration
• Lead administrative functions including office management, records management, logistics, and support services.
• Ensure efficient institutional systems for travel, facility management, utilities, and asset tracking.
• Supervise administrative staff and foster a culture of service excellence and professionalism.
C. Procurement and Supply Chain Management
• Lead procurement planning, sourcing, contract management, and supplier relations in line with public procurement laws and donor requirements.
• Ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods, equipment, and services to support scientific programs.
• Maintain proper documentation, transparency, and accountability in procurement transactions.
• Oversee stock and inventory management systems.
D. Financial Management
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organization's overall objectives.
• Lead annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processes.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the executive team and board
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor cash flow, expenditures, and financial forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and donor reporting requirements.
• Manage banking relationships and optimize liquidity management.
• Oversee investment and asset management in line with policy
• Monitor restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Ensure donor compliance and timely financial reporting.
• Support proposal development with budgeting inputs
Qualifications and Experience
2. Qualifications and Experience
• Master’s degree in Accountancy, Banking and finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification in HR, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role in Finance and operations.
• Proven experience in overseeing HR operations, including recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws.
• Strong background in procurement and supply chain management, including vendor sourcing, contract negotiation, and cost optimization
• Hands-on experience in managing administrative functions such as facilities, office management, logistics, and policy implementation to support organizational efficiency.
• Experience in financial oversight, including budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, reporting, and ensuring adherence to internal controls and compliance standards.
3. Key Competencies
• Excellent financial reporting and analysis
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of labor law, HR best practices, and procurement regulations in Zimbabwe and beyond.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and report writing skills in English. Working knowledge in French is added advantage
• Proficiency in office and HR/procurement software systems (e.g., SAP, ERP platforms).
• Strong written and verbal communication in English
How to Apply
How to apply
To apply for this position please submit in confidence a resume and a cover letter that details why you are a good fit for this career position to gmudzingwa@aibst.edu.zw and copy EKah@theacbf.org with the subject : Head of operations
The date line for the application is September 30th ,2025 at 17:00 CAT
African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer
