Requirements: English
Company: River Cleanup
Region: Antwerp , Flanders
CONTEXT
Every day 10 million kg of plastics end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics. As Head of Operations & Programs, you play a central role in realizing this vision by overseeing the development, implementation and validation of our Clean River Model, scaling our impact, and building a strong, efficient organization.
OUR STORY
Founded in 2019, River Cleanup is a Belgian-based nonprofit organization that has activated over 300.000 people in 101 countries and removed 3.7 million kilograms of plastic waste from nature.
Our Clean River Modelbased on 3 pillars (Empowering people, Preventing pollution, Accelerating change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation)provides a scalable framework to tackle plastic pollution across the lifecycle of plastic. By 2026, we aim to validate this model in three action zones; by 2030, we will scale to 100 rivers worldwide and 1000 rivers by 2050.
YOUR ROLE
As Head of Operations & Programs, you are responsible for turning vision into execution. You lead the implementation of our Clean River Model in key action zones, ensure internal systems and operations run smoothly, and guide our country teams to success. You work in close collaboration with the CEO and other leadership team members to scale impact and professionalize the organization.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the implementation of the Clean River Model in 3 action zones by 2026, 5 action zones by 2028, and 30 action zones by 2030.
- Ensure validation of the model, including tracking and refining relevant KPIs and outcome indicators.
- Oversee the design and testing of core program components across all pillars and enablers.
- Play a key role in shaping and executing the organizations operational strategy to achieve our mission of clean, plastic-free rivers
- Be part of the Management Team.
Operational excellence
- Take responsibility for day-to-day operational processes across programs and countries.
- Optimize internal systems and workflows to increase efficiency and impact.
- Monitor progress, risks, and budget performance across all projects.
- Ensure timely and quality delivery in line with River Cleanups standards.
Program Optimization
- Lead the development, iteration, and optimization of program content across the 3 pillars (Empower, Prevent, Accelerate) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation).
- Translate strategy into clear and practical program guidance: templates, tools, methodologies, and playbooks.
- Ensure program components are field-tested in action zones and refined based on local feedback and results.
- Align program development with scaling ambitions and ensure consistency across countries and teams.
- Collaborate closely with country leads and thematic staff to identify gaps, best practices, and opportunities for innovation.
Team & People Management
- Coach and manage country leads in Belgium, Indonesia, Cameroon, and future countries.
- Coach and manage project & program managers at HQ level
- Support the recruitment and onboarding of key staff in local action zones.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement.
Finance & Reporting
- Monitor budgets at the project, country, and organizational levels.
- Collaborate with the CEO and Finance team on financial oversight and CAPEX planning.
- Contribute to building financially sustainable business cases and fundraising efforts.
- Report regularly to the CEO and Board of Directors on operational performance and strategic priorities.
External Relations
- Represent River Cleanup in meetings with authorities, corporate partners, and stakeholders.
- Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and implementation partners.
- Support strategic partnerships and partner onboarding when operationally relevant.
WHO YOU ARE
- 7+ years of experience as COO or similar positions and in expanding organizations.
- Experience in international program management, ideally in nonprofits.
- A natural leader and coach with strong people management skills and cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Structured, solution-driven, and hands-onyou enjoy both planning and executing.
- Experienced with budget planning & monitoring, scaling strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
- Native or near-native proficiency in Dutch or French, plus strong English skills