Operations and Safeguarding Manager

KOSSA Vision

From grassroots to greatness, KOSSA envisions a future where every African child's path is defined by promise, not circumstance. We aim to level the playing field by creating equal opportunities for youth to grow as athletes and human beings - empowered, dignified, and recognized on a global stage.

KOSSA Mission

KOSSA is committed to unlocking the full potential of Africa's next generation through ethical, safeguarded, and world-class development. We nurture talent with care and character, build sustainable training infrastructures, and tell stories that resonate beyond the pitch - empowering youth to lead with excellence on and off the field.

Kossa Academy – Port Harcourt

A residential academy programme for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 15.  The Academy currently has an initial cohort of 10 student-athletes (6 boys and 4 girls) from PHC and surrounding communities, who have been offered scholarships to attend the academy based on their football talent.  They reside at the Academy building in Old GRA during school term time; attend a nearby private school; and have daily football training sessions.

Purpose of the Role

The Operations and Safeguarding Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of operations, logistics, welfare,safeguarding and financial compliance for the Kossa Academy Programme in Port Harcourt.

The role ensures that all participants live, train, and learn in a safe, well-managed environment that promotes holistic development and complies with KOSSA's child safeguarding standards, code-of-conduct, and anti-corruption guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of the residential programme, including accommodation, meals, transport, and facility maintenance.
• Develop and implement operational policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate logistics for the student-athletes daily and weekly schedule; including attending school and training sessions
• Manage vendor relationships (e.g. catering, laundry, transport, medical providers) and conduct vendor due diligence and maintain transparent records in line with KOSSA's anti-bribery and conflict-of-interest policy.
• Supervise and support Guardians, drivers, and support staff.
• Ensure health, safety, and security standards across all facilities.
• Prepare and monitor operational budgets and expenditures, ensuring all operational expenditures comply with KOSSA's approved financial procedures, procurement policy, and Nigerian tax laws.
• Maintain proper documentation for expenditures, reimbursements, and procurement in coordination with the Finance Officer.
• Support in ensuring PAYE, pension, withholding tax, and VAT filings, where applicable, are accurate and timely.

Safeguarding and Welfare

• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the programme.
• Ensure all staff, volunteers, and contractors are trained and vetted (including background checks and references).
• Maintain reporting and referral mechanisms for safeguarding concerns, working within the stipulated incident referral timeframes of the KOSSA Academy Programme
• Conduct risk assessments for all programme activities (training, travel, events, online engagements).
• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios and curfew enforcement within residential facilities.
• Liaise with parents, guardians, social services, and local authorities on welfare and safeguarding matters.
• Liaise with KOSSA Head of Safeguarding and KOSSA ESG Board as required
• Implement and promote KOSSA's safeguarding, whistleblowing, and harassment reporting channels.

Staff Development and Capacity Building

• Coordinate the delivery of safeguarding and welfare training sessions for all staff, through liaison with KOSSA Head of Safeguarding
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and continuous professional development of residential and operational staff.
• Promote a positive and gender-responsive safeguarding culture based on respect, inclusion, and accountability.
• Coordinate mandatory annual training for staff on child protection, anti-bribery, ethics, first aid, and financial accountability.
• Track and report staff completion of required certifications to the KOSSA Head of Safeguarding and KOSSA ESG Board.

Finance and Compliance

• Support in preparing and tracking operational budgets.
• Ensure all financial transactions comply with KOSSA finance policy and Nigerian tax regulations (PAYE, VAT, Withholding Tax, Pension).
• Maintain transparent and auditable records of all operational expenses.
• Facilitate vendor registration and ensure tax-compliant invoicing and receipts.
• Monitor compliance with KOSSA's anti-bribery, conflict-of-interest, and procurement policies.
• Coordinate financial risk assessments for vendors, staff allowances, and travel reimbursements.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records.
• Report incidents promptly to the Programme Director and relevant authorities where required.
• Conduct regular safeguarding audits and operational reviews.
• Support periodic internal audits and ensure timely submission of finance and tax compliance reports.

Prepare monthly and quarterly operational and safeguarding reports and submit to the Programme Director and KOSSA Head of Safeguarding.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in operations or safeguarding within a residential, educational, or sports environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of child protection principles and Nigerian child rights legislation.
• Proven experience managing teams and operational systems.
• First Aid and Child Protection certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Demonstrated understanding of financial procedures, budgeting, and tax compliance within LLCs, non-profit or sports organizations.

Desirable:

• Experience working in sports academies or youth development programmes.
• Understanding of gender-sensitive approaches and inclusive safeguarding.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to manage crises calmly and effectively.
• Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to identify and mitigate operational and financial risks.

Working Conditions

• Based in the residential facility in Port Harcourt, core hours of 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, with flexibility for evening and weekend duties.
• On-call responsibility for safeguarding or emergency issues.
• Periodic travel for tournaments, training, or outreach events.
• Expected to uphold strict confidentiality regarding financial, safeguarding, and personnel information.
• May be required to travel for compliance audits, vendor inspections, or tax-related documentation.

Performance Indicators

• Maintenance of a safe, secure environment for the KOSSA Academy Programme students to develop and progress
• Compliance with KOSSA Code and of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy
• Operational efficiency
• Staff adherence to KOSSA Academy policies and protocols
• Quality of reporting and communication with senior leadership and stakeholders
• Continuous improvement in welfare and risk management practices.

• Successful completion of quarterly operational and tax compliance reviews.

• Timely renewal of vendor and staff certifications, including first aid and child protection.