FuelTree Operations Manager / Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location
Lagos or Abuja, Nigeria (with flexibility for travel across Nigeria and occasionally internationally). Remote
Employment Type
Full-Time
About FuelTree
FuelTree is a climate technology and clean energy company focused on accelerating clean cooking adoption, carbon market participation, digital MRV solutions, and last-mile energy access across Africa. Through innovative technology, strategic partnerships and ecosystem development, FuelTree seeks to unlock climate finance while improving livelihoods and environmental outcomes.
As we enter an exciting growth phase, we are seeking an entrepreneurial and highly motivated Operations Manager / Chief Operating Officer to help build and scale the organisation.
The Opportunity
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building things from the ground up.
The successful candidate will work closely with the leadership team to drive execution across operations, partnerships, business development, stakeholder engagement, project implementation and organisational growth.
This is not a traditional corporate management role. We are looking for someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves, solve problems, take initiative and help build a high-impact African business.
Key Responsibilities
Operations and Execution
- Support the day-to-day management and growth of FuelTree’s operations.
- Coordinate implementation of projects, pilots and partnerships.
- Track deliverables, timelines and stakeholder commitments.
- Establish practical systems and processes to support growth.
- Ensure operational efficiency across teams and projects.
Business Development and Partnerships
- Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities.
- Support engagement with government agencies, development organisations, investors, cooperatives, LPG operators, carbon market participants and technology partners.
- Prepare proposals, concept notes, presentations and partnership documentation.
- Support fundraising, sponsorship and investor engagement efforts.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a relationship manager for key partners and stakeholders.
- Represent FuelTree at meetings, workshops, conferences and industry events where required.
- Help coordinate strategic relationships across the clean cooking, carbon market and energy sectors.
Project and Team Management
- Coordinate consultants, vendors, field teams and project partners.
- Ensure effective communication across all project stakeholders.
- Monitor performance and help maintain accountability across projects.
- Support recruitment and team-building activities as the company grows.
Strategy and Growth
- Contribute ideas and recommendations to strengthen FuelTree’s business model and market position.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency and expansion.
- Assist leadership in translating strategy into execution.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for someone who:
- is entrepreneurial and self-motivated.
- has strong business development instincts.
- possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- is comfortable engaging senior executives, regulators, investors and community stakeholders.
- is organized and execution-focused.
- takes initiative without needing constant supervision.
- is willing to get involved in both strategic and operational tasks.
- is adaptable and thrives in fast-moving environments.
- is passionate about innovation, sustainability, climate solutions, energy access or development.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Communications, Sustainability, Energy, Development Studies or a related field, preferably.
- Minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience in operations, business development, consulting, project management, energy, sustainability, technology or related sectors.
- Experience working with government, development partners, investors or corporate stakeholders is an advantage.
- Experience in start-ups, growth-stage businesses or entrepreneurial environments is highly desirable.
What Success Looks Like
Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will have helped:
- expand FuelTree’s partnership network.
- support the implementation of pilot projects and commercial partnerships.
- improve operational systems and organisational efficiency.
- strengthen stakeholder engagement and market visibility.
- position FuelTree for scale across Nigeria and beyond.
Compensation
Competitive remuneration package based on experience.
For exceptional candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with FuelTree’s long-term vision, a pathway to stock options participation may be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a brief statement explaining why they believe they are the right person to help build FuelTree into a leading African climate technology and clean energy company.