Position: Head of Operations
Location: Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa District
Organisation: Kuza Refugee Business Platform (KUZA)
Position Background
The Head of Operations will provide overall operational leadership for KUZA, with direct responsibility for the Solar On Loan project, the company’s loan portfolio, and the effective functioning of key support areas, including IT and communications. The role requires a qualified, results-oriented professional who can strengthen systems, coordinate teams, and ensure that KUZA’s services are delivered efficiently and accountably.
About KUZA
Kuza Refugee Business Platform (KUZA) is a private microfinance company that is supporting refugee and host-community entrepreneurs and microbusinesses through access to finance, business financial literacy, and market-based livelihood solutions. KUZA works through a business-driven approach, distinct from traditional humanitarian programming, to support sustainable enterprise growth and practical solutions for refugees and host communities through provision of financial services.
Role Purpose
The purpose of the Head of Operations role is to ensure that KUZA’s programmes, financial services, operational systems, and support functions run effectively. The position will oversee implementation of the Solar On Loan project, supervise loan portfolio performance, strengthen internal coordination, and support the company’s growth as a private microfinance platform serving refugees and host communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational leadership – Lead day-to-day operations across KUZA and ensure that programmes, systems, staff, and resources are coordinated effectively.
- Solar On Loan project management – Oversee planning, implementation, customer mobilisation, sales tracking, payment collection, reporting, and follow-up for the Solar On Loan project.
- Loan portfolio oversight – Monitor loan disbursement, repayment performance, portfolio quality, customer follow-up, and compliance with KUZA’s approved procedures.
- Systems and process improvement – Strengthen operational procedures, documentation, controls, and reporting systems to improve efficiency, accountability, and decision-making.
- Team coordination and supervision – Support, guide, and coordinate staff responsible for finance, field operations, marketing, customer engagement, IT, and communications.
- IT and communications support – Ensure that KUZA’s technology tools, data systems, communication channels, and public-facing information are functional, accurate, and professionally managed.
- Stakeholder engagement – Represent KUZA professionally with customers, community leaders, partners, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Reporting and accountability – Prepare regular updates on project progress, loan portfolio performance, operational challenges, risks, and recommended actions for management review.
Expected Deliverables
- An operational workplan for KUZA’s core functions, including the Solar On Loan project, loan portfolio management, IT, and communications.
- Regular management reports on project implementation, customer uptake, sales, payments, portfolio performance, risks, and corrective actions.
- Updated loan and customer records show sales status, repayment progress, follow-up actions, and portfolio quality.
- Improved operational procedures, reporting templates, and coordination mechanisms for KUZA staff and field activities.
- Documented customer feedback, field observations, and operational recommendations to guide project and service improvements.
Performance Indicators
- Solar On Loan project activities implemented on time and in line with approved plans and procedures.
- Improved quality, accuracy, and timeliness of loan portfolio, sales, payment, and customer records.
- Clear evidence of effective repayment follow-up, portfolio monitoring, and issue resolution.
- Operational systems, IT tools, and communication channels function reliably and support programme delivery.
- Timely submission of clear management reports with practical recommendations and follow-up actions.
- Positive coordination with staff, customers, community leaders, and stakeholders, demonstrated through responsive and professional engagement.
Qualifications and Experience
- A degree or diploma in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, Accounting, Project Management, Development Studies, Information Systems, Communications, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in operations management, microfinance, loan portfolio supervision, project coordination, business services, or organisational administration.
- Experience managing teams, coordinating field-based activities, and improving organisational systems or processes.
- Strong understanding of loan processes, repayment follow-up, customer records, financial accountability, and basic portfolio monitoring.
- Good working knowledge of digital tools, data management, reporting systems, and communication platforms.
- Excellent communication, coordination, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- High level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and professionalism when handling customer information, payments, and organisational records.
- Applicants do not need to be members of the refugee community; however, they must be qualified for the role and able to work effectively with refugee and host-community clients.
Reporting Structure
The Head of Operations will report to KUZA management and will coordinate closely with staff responsible for finance, field operations, marketing, IT, communications, and customer engagement. He/She will report to the Managing Director/CEO of KUZA.
Duration of Assignment
The assignment will run for six months, from October 2026 to March 2027.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to info@refugeebusiness.org no later than 30 September 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.