Operations Lead

About Onja

Onja is a social enterprise training underprivileged youth into world-class software developers. 

We find the brightest students in Madagascar who can't afford to continue their education and train them in English language and software development. After two-and-a-half years they are ready to work as remote front-end software developers in international tech teams. 

Once in a job, our developers earn a good salary that helps them support their families and pay forward the opportunity to a new wave of students. They unlock exciting careers that fulfil their potential, and accelerate the development of their nation (see "How Onja Works" below). 

Our first cohort, "Wave 1", consists of nineteen talented and committed graduates who are now working remotely for our partner companies in Europe and the US. With this immensely successful first cohort, and a proven social model, our goal is now to scale our impact: we aim to take on 360 new students over the next four years. 

Our fast-growing team is very united, committed to the mission, and hardworking, but we also maintain a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere that you'll find everywhere in Madagascar. 

Onja is in Toamasina, a lively city with beautiful beaches, nice restaurants and plenty to do and see. Toamasina is Madagascar's second-largest city (population 300,000) yet is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty and even has a national park nearby. 

About the role

The Operations Lead will have direct oversight of internal operations, including administration, procurement and logistics, ensuring efficiency and smooth coordination with various departments.

We believe in hiring based on skills, attitude and cultural fit rather than specific qualifications.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with the Director and Operations Manager to develop and execute short-term priorities and long-term strategy. 
• Supervising and leading Operations Officers and Assistants, ensuring high performance and development. 
• Overseeing and ensuring all operations are carried out efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with regulations. 
• Collaborating with other departments to achieve company-wide goals and streamline processes. 
• Leading crisis management and problem resolution, ensuring minimal disruption. 
• Managing Operations key areas such as: 
  • Streamlining administrative processes and task coordination.
  • Supplier selection, negotiation, and cost-effective procurement. 
  • Equipment and inventory management. 
  • Facility management, maintenance and office logistics for a safe and efficient workspace. 

• Do impactful work: Working with Onja gives you the ability to make a real tangible difference with your work, and have a deep sense of purpose in your everyday. Our mission is to nurture talented, underprivileged youth to lead impactful careers in tech, unlock opportunities for others and accelerate Madagascar's development. 
• Grow your skills fast: As a young fast-growing startup we are all in "over our heads" and this is a great place to grow. You will be challenged but you'll also be a part of a very supportive team and caring environment. Our social model is innovative with exciting potential to scale, so there is a great opportunity for you to grow your career along with us. 
• Work with very talented individuals who are very socially inclined: At Onja, you'll join a community of talented and passionate people from around Madagascar and the world. 

1. Search for brilliant minds who would otherwise be limited to low-paid, unfulfilling careers. 
2. Students receive two years of English and software development instruction. Meet a developer here: https://onja.org/blog
3. Graduates earn (and continue learning) at our outsourcing enterprise. 
4. All profits are used to train the next wave of students and the cycle begins again.