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We are looking for an experienced, capable, calm, communicativeDirector of Operations to take responsibility for translating our vision, mission and values in to day-to-day operations.
About us
The Magpie Project is a fast-growing, Newham-based charity working to create a better world for mums with under fives who are at risk of homelessness, and subject to the hostile immigration environment. Our Vision is one of powerful mums building a world of equity, opportunity and kindness in which all our children thrive. We do this by providing mums and minis – together – with emotional and social support and the essentials they need at all stages of their journeys towards secure status, suitable homes and good health, we work through, trust, love, endurance, hope, and joy. We deliver services under one roof, where play is centred, information flows, and the whole person matters. We concentrate on building relationships of trust and community where each Magpie Mums’ and minis’ voice is heard.
Overview
Since our establishment in 2017 many funders, community members, professional partners – not to mention mums and minis - have bought in to our vision and seen our project grow to a staff team that hovers around the 15, and a turnover well above £500k. Our success means that we are now looking to recruit to a new and vital role of director of operations. This critical role will work alongside the CEO to make sure that our ideas and ambitions are matched by sure-footed implementation, safe structures, and workable policies.
You will ensure efficiency, compliance, clarity, reporting and calm in the running of our fast-moving, multi-faceted grassroots charity. You will be the unwavering back-stop behind the exciting innovation, and the busy front-line. Your organisational skills and operational expertise will create and maintain a structure which is safe, sustainable, efficient and transparent - while being agile enough to allow our volunteers and staff to pivot when necessary in order to meet the ever-evolving needs of our mums and minis.
This leadership role includes line management of project leads, staff and volunteer recruitment, reporting and budget management, HR responsibilities the development of policies and procedures, as well as occasionally deputising for the CEO
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Work within the charity’s mission, vision and values, and strategic plan to ensure and oversee the smooth running of all day to day activities of the charity.
- Work to create, maintain and deepen our culturally competent, anti-racist, decolonised, psychologically-safe environment for all mums and minis, staff, volunteers and visitors.
- Ensure that – as a charity – we are always ambitious but operating within our means in remain fully accountable for every penny and hour that we spend.
- Centre Management
- Provide strategic oversight and support for project leads in their delivery of projects and programmes at the centre, ensuring alignment with charity objectives.
- Provide line-management support to Play, Resources, Kitchen, Finance and Fundraising leads.
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- Foster a collaborative environment in which shared decision making is embedded, where all staff members and volunteers feel valued and where projects are well-integrated into the charity’s overall operations.
- Staff & Volunteer Recruitment
- Lead on all recruitment to attract skilled staff and committed volunteers.
- Create, update, and implement onboarding, training, and retention strategies.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in hiring practices.
- Work to further enable our ‘community first’ recruitment policy.
- Work to create a ‘staff handbook’ and a ‘volunteer handbook’ to aid with onboarding and induction.
- HR Oversight
- Work with external HR support provider to oversee employment contracts, benefits, for all staff, and support and supervision for staff that you manage.
- Work with HR to review and create fair, compliant and benchmarked employment contracts for all staff.
- Oversee and record holiday, sick, maternity and bereavement leave in line with charity policies.
- Ensure compliance with all employment laws and best practice.
- Work with our Finance Director to ensure smooth running of payroll, SSP and other contractual arrangements that are compliant and transparent.
- Policies & Procedures
- Develop and implement policies to ensure clarity, fairness, compliance, consistency and efficiency.
- Regularly review and update policies in line with best practices and legal requirements to a timetable in agreement with the board of trustees.
- Keep abreast of governance regulations and report to the CEO and on Trustee Board on GDPR, financial, safeguarding, and risk assessment policies.
- Financial & Resource Management
- Oversee and assist the Finance manager in creating annual and multi-year budgets,monthly management accounts, financial planning, resource allocation, reporting to funders and trustees to ensure transparency and sustainability throughout the charity.
- Implementing strategies to delegate budget-holding to project leads, and to ensure operational efficiency at all times.
- Facilities & IT Management
o Ensure smooth operations across physical assets and digital infrastructure.
o Oversee health and safety compliance within the charity’s building and off-site delivery.
o Manage external providers of HR, Salesforce and H&S functions.
o Liaise with co-tenants and freeholder as well on all building matters.
- Board Liaison
o Prepare for, attend and play a leadership role in quarterly Finance and Risk meetings as well as attending termly Board meetings
o Prepare Board meeting papers on operational and financial matters
o Oversee, maintain and ensure adherence to a schedule of delegated authority across the organisation
Skills & Qualifications
- Proven leadership experience in charity operations, non-profit management, early years setting, or a related field.
- Management qualification a bonus but not essential.
- Strong HR expertise, including staff recruitment, salary benchmarking, and compliance.
- Experience in line management of project leads, with a track record of strategic oversight and performance development.
- Ability to develop and implement policies and operational procedures effectively.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, management accounts, and resource allocation.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, Xero accounting software, Payroll protocols, Salesforce or other CRM systems.
Person Specification
- We are looking for a leader with a proven track record as Director of Operations, COO or Operations Manager in a similar sized organisation. .
- In this role, you will be able to gain the trust of the team by balancing kindness, care and compassion with competence and decisiveness gained from your years of prior experience in similar work. Above all, you will bring integrity and commitment to this role, in service of the mums and minis who make up our community.
- You will be confident in taking the lead on all your works streams while remaining in constant – daily, even hourly - communication and collaboration with staff, CEO, Finance, and Fundraising leads.
- You will unflinchingly interrogate our systems, policies and practices, while be extremely gentle with our people – creating psychological safety not only for all of our mums and minis, but also our staff and volunteers.
- Your attitude will be pragmatic and ‘can do’ as you carve a realistic path between confidence and caution when planning projects and delivery.
- You will understand that structure creates safety, but too much could be stifling – you will be emotionally and socially aware enough to walk this line.
- You will have experience of in line-managing project leads, with a track record of strategic oversight and performance development
- You will be able to develop and implement policies and operational procedures and report on them to the board
Reporting Structure
Reports directly to the CEO, and - on occasion - the board of Trustees, working closely with Finance and Fundraising leads, Project managers, and external HR and H&S provider.
Application process
Please send us your CV with a three-minute or less video explaining to us:
1. What makes you our perfect director of operations
2. What you would look to put in place do in your first 100 days
3. What your favourite colleague would say about you
You will not be judged on your production values – a talking head to camera on a shakey phone is fine.
Closing date for applications Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Please be available for interview week commencing July 7th.
Applicants will be asked to two interviews, one with a practical skills test, and then invited to spend a paid day at the project as part of the appointment process.
We believe all children have the right to a secure, safe place to play, healthy food, engaged, informed parents, and access to support



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
WLIC is seeking to appoint an inspiring, highly motivated, and enthusiastic Head of Education, with a clear and compelling vision to enable every future student from our brand new education faculty, Islamic supplementary school and adult education programmes, to fulfil their potential. The Centre has recently undergone a £9.5million redevelopment which includes a dedicated floor with multiple classroom, staff and modern library facilities. The ideal candidate will have the energy and ability to lead and motivate others and will hold a deep belief in the vital role of Islamic and curricular education in young people’s lives, within a caring, respectful and co-operative environment.
This is an excellent opportunity to build on WLIC’s educational service record and to provide a stimulating and enjoyable education for students of all ages. The Head of Education will work with us to create and maintain a positive learning environment through effective school and course management, staff recruitment, financial administration, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, curriculum implementation, policy enforcement, and exemplary leadership.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting senior policy role in our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development of a UK-wide child poverty strategy in government means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.
We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will enjoy working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions, working closely with colleagues across the organisation as well as externally.
The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the development and implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, sharing analysis and expertise as part of the DWP’s review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of the green paper on the changes to disability benefits, and the white paper on employment.
We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.
For more information about this post and to apply download the Senior Policy and Research Officer job pack.
Closing date for applications: Monday 7 July (midnight)
Interviews will be held in London on Monday 14 July
Child Poverty Action Group works to prevent and end child poverty – for good.
Managing Director
UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA)
Location: Remote/Home-based
Salary: Circa £65,000 FTE plus benefits
Contract: Permanent, Part Time – Flexible 21- 28 hours per week 3-5 days
Closing Date: 11th July 2025
Interview Dates: First interviews w/c 21st July 2025, Second interviews w/c 28th July 2025
About Us
UKATA is a charity and company limited by guarantee dedicated to advancing Transactional Analysis (TA) training, qualifications, and practice across the UK. We support our members through professional development, accreditation, and promoting TA as a valuable approach in therapy, counselling, education, and organisational contexts.
The Opportunity
We're seeking a dynamic and hands-on Managing Director to lead our small but dedicated team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives in an environment where you can make a direct impact and see the tangible results of your work.
As our MD, you'll work closely with the Trustee Board to shape our future direction while taking personal responsibility for the day-to-day operations. You'll lead a small team of employees, contractors, and volunteers, translating our strategic aims into practical outcomes that deliver real value to our members.
What You'll Do
- Work with Trustees to develop and execute strategic plans that align with our mission
- Take direct responsibility for financial management, including budgeting, investment strategy, and fundraising
- Oversee and personally contribute to the development of membership systems and website improvements
- Build relationships with key stakeholders including members, committees, and international TA organisations
- Lead the delivery of our annual National Conference and quarterly magazine
- Recruit, develop, and manage our small team, fostering a positive work culture
- Ensure compliance with charity regulations and governing organisational policies and procedures
- Function as Company Secretary, handling legal requirements and annual reporting
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved in practical delivery. You'll be:
- An experienced senior leader with understanding of the non-profit sector
- A strategic thinker who also excels at practical implementation
- Financially astute with proven budget management experience
- An excellent communicator with the ability to build effective relationships
- Self-motivated and comfortable working from home
- Knowledgeable about the mental health sector (desirable)
- Familiar with Transactional Analysis or willing to undertake training (desirable)
- Educated to degree level (desirable)
Why Join Us?
This role offers the chance to lead a respected organisation while making a genuine difference to our members and the wider TA community. You'll have:
- The autonomy to shape both strategy and operations
- The satisfaction of seeing your ideas implemented directly
- The opportunity to work with dedicated professionals passionate about TA
- Flexible remote working arrangements
- Employer Sick Pay Scheme
- 33 days annual leave per annum FTE
- Access to private healthcare benefits
UKATA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
We look forward to hearing from you.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets our requirements via Charity Job.
UKATA is an association and professional body for people interested in, studying and practicing Transactional Analysis within the United Kingdom.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trauma Treatment International (TTI) is a registered charity in the UK. We focus on providing evidence-based psychological treatment and support to victims of collective violence around the world. As well as providing treatment for victims directly, we work with organisations and communities to manage, mitigate and prevent the impact of trauma.
This is an exciting time for the charity, as we move into our next phase of development. We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead us in the implementation of our Strategy 2025-2030 and our vision for change.
The CEO role is a highly rewarding one, offering the opportunity to join and lead our small, yet experienced and impactful team. The post offers the platform to work creatively and flexibly internationally, network with fantastic organisations and help to influence, shape and sustain TTI’s strategy and activities in this pivotal time in the organisation’s development.
This is a remote working role, with attendance at events or locations as required throughout the year. We offer a permanent employment contract and are looking for a minimum time commitment of 3 days per week – we are open to consider other flexible arrangements or up to 80% hours (within budget); Salary is based on full-time equivalent of £75,000pa. Opportunity for increase with securing of successful financial growth.
Key Areas of Responsibility include:
Leadership:
- Embedding and implementing through the team our 2025-2023 Strategy;
- Providing charity expertise and governance oversight;
- Providing leadership to the remote team following trauma-informed principles;
- Building organisational sustainability through existing donor relationship management and appropriate diversification in fundraising/income generation/donor relationships;
- Building strategic partnerships and alliances.
Strategy
- Provide leadership and direction, reporting to the Board of Directors, on all aspects of the ongoing refinement and implementation of TTIs Strategy, Theory of Change and annual delivery plans;
- Lead a robust culture of evaluation of our impact.
Organisational and finance
- Oversee TTI’s operational and fiscal function and performance, ensuring best practice in all we do.
Stakeholder management
- Publicly represent the organisation, enhancing visibility, developing brand awareness, and demonstrating the impact and value delivered by TTI.
- Engage continuously with donors and funders to build strong relationships and seek new and diverse funding and investment partnerships.
Key experience and attributes you will need to bring:
- Minimum six years’ experience at senior leadership/management level, ideally gained in non-profit organisation or other humanitarian setting.
- Some prior experience of interacting with a Board of Directors.
- Experience of financial compliance including demonstrable experience of actively setting and managing budgets, preparing cashflow projections and working with financial reports – this experience is likely to have been gained over at least 3 years’ active, first-hand participation.
- Prior experience of working in a growth environment, ideally having gained involvement in income generation/fundraising.
- Experience working with external funders, partners, and collaborators
- Demonstrate clear understanding of Charity Code and governance obligations including Charity Commission requirements and charity law.
- Possess and demonstrate strong leadership experience and ability to lead with a coaching / mentoring/ trauma-informed style in order to maintain organisational culture, valuing the people of the organisation.
What we can offer you:
- 33 days' annual leave, pro rata to reflect contractual hours (including bank holidays and three mandatory days over the Christmas period)
- 3% Employer Pension contribution
- Commitment to staff wellbeing as a trauma informed organisation
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Flexible working to fit your personal circumstances
- Opportunity to lead the organisation and make your mark as the organisation grows
SAFEGUARDING and SAFER RECRUITMENT
TTI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks for all roles within the organisation, and for our roles working directly with our beneficiaries, at an enhanced level.
Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. All employees are expected to have a knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures and to comply with and have a commitment to best safeguarding practice at all times, immediately reporting any concerns regarding Safeguarding and Child Protection or the protection of Vulnerable Adults to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
All offers are subject to satisfactory completion of the pre-employment screening process including disclosure checks, right to work and references.
How to apply
To apply for this position please submit a full CV and supporting statement of no more than one side of A4 outlining your suitability and motivation for the role.
Closing date: 5pm on June 30th 2025
Trauma Treatment International (TTI) is committed to supporting you with your application. If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.
If you have any questions, or any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the selection process then please contact Jenny George. We can also arrange informal chats with the current CEO Quen Geuter upon request.
Our vision is that everyone affected by collective violence can live fulfilled lives in a supportive and informed world.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Robertson Bell is exclusively partnering with Social Interest Group (SIG) to recruit an Interim Finance Director on a 9-month fixed-term contract. This is a pivotal senior leadership role within a dynamic, mission-driven organisation delivering life-changing support services across housing, mental health, addiction recovery, and complex needs.
With the Group’s new five-year strategy recently launched, this role will play a vital part in shaping and delivering the organisation’s financial approach to support its long-term ambitions. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with both the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board, the Interim Finance Director will provide visible, robust financial leadership while safeguarding the long-term financial sustainability of the Group.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Providing robust, strategic financial advice to the CEO, SLT, and Board, ensuring sound financial insight underpins all key decisions.
- Driving the development and implementation of short, medium, and long-term financial strategies aligned to the Group’s new five-year strategic plan.
- Ensuring effective management of corporate risks, working through the Director of Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit, and reporting to the Board as required.
- Acting as the SLT lead for contract oversight and procurement, ensuring appropriate financial governance, pricing models, and value-for-money outcomes.
- Providing clear leadership to the finance team, working closely with the Head of Finance (direct report), and supporting the ongoing development of a high-performing finance function.
- Taking ownership of finance system optimisation, budgeting, scenario planning, and overseeing both internal and external audits.
- Managing legal, insurance, and risk arrangements, including acting as the lead for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning.
- Supporting the implementation and delivery of SIG’s environmental strategy, embedding sustainable practices across the Group’s operations.
The successful candidate will bring:
- Proven experience in leading organisational change within the charity (ideally social care) or housing sectors, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
- Strong cashflow management expertise, ideally gained in environments with high staffing costs and low margins.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with and influence Boards and committees, with a clear articulation of financial risks and strategy.
- A balance of strategic vision and hands-on financial leadership, with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and fostering cross-functional engagement.
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
This is an exciting opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation and make a lasting impact at a critical time. Based at SIG’s Head Office in Highbury & Islington, the role offers the opportunity to lead a key finance function at the heart of an ambitious and growing Group.
Providing key support to impactful social investing.
Big Issue Invest - one of the UK's leading social impact investors is looking for a new Loan Administration Assistant to join the team.
We encourage and welcome applicants from all members of the community and particularly applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector – women in finance, people with disabilities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA, and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
The Loan Administration Assistant will provide key financial administration support to the wider Big Issue Invest Team. You will support the Accounts Manager with the administration and monitoring of both loan and fund portfolios, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely updates, assist with onboarding new clients and investments, including collecting and verifying KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation and supporting due diligence processes.
You will also provide key monitoring services such as maintaining and updating portfolio management systems, prepare routine correspondence, and respond to client queries, support the monitoring of existing investments, tracking key milestones, repayments, covenants, and impact metrics.
You will also work with the wider investment team, for example to assist the Investment Manager and Accounts Manager with Risk assessments and Performance assessments where required.
You will be a keen "numbers person" who is used to working in depth with Excel. You will have a background in a financial environment and/or a relevant degree or financial qualification. We would also consider a suitably qualified candidate who wishes to move into a social finance career. A strong understanding and history of confidentiality in a financial context is also essential.
There is a strong opportunity, for the right candidate, to progress into a career in Fund Accounting or Fund Management.
If this sounds like you and you are a supporter of our work then please see the attached Job Description for a fuller summary of responsibilities, skills, qualities and experience required for the role.
Big Issue Invest is part of the Big Issue Group which brings together media, investment and service initiatives under the one aim of creating solutions through enterprise, to unlock social and economic opportunity for the 14.5m people in the UK living in relative poverty to earn, learn and thrive.
The Big Issue Invest and Big Issue Group are strongly focused and striving towards equal opportunities and committed to promoting and enhancing diversity, equality and inclusion.
Salary and Benefits:
• Salary is in the range of £28,000 per annum.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays that grows incrementally service.
• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid working available
• Pension scheme
• Private Health care cover
• Enhanced Family benefits
• On-going learning and development
• Employee Assistance programme to support your health and wellbeing
• Blue Light Card Benefits scheme
Workplace details:
The role is based in the Big Issue Head Office in Finsbury Park, London, with hybrid working available – with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
Closing date – 06 July 2025 (23:59pm). Please note that we may shortlist and interview before the role closes so please apply asap.
Since 1991, The Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now The Big Issue Group consists of The Big Issue Company Ltd and Big Issue Invest Ltd (our social investment arm) and Big Issue Changing Lives Community Interest Company.
REF-222 282
We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Deputy Manager to join our Learning Disabilities service in Hertfordshire.
£38,148.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- Free DBS
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
- ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
- Cycle to work scheme
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
A Deputy Contract Manager is to support the Cluster Manager who is responsible for the effective management of all contracts within their designated patch, including line managing the relevant frontline staff. Experience with working with Severe Learning Disability, Profound Autism, and behaviours of distress needed.
What you'll do:
- Support the Cluster Manager to drive business planning activities within your contract, ensuring relevant and challenging objective setting and ongoing performance tracking, developing turn around action plans as may be necessary
- Support the Cluster Manager, using sound financial and accounting principles, manage contract budgets to deliver on corporate and local contract financial targets
- Successfully lead and motivate the team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
- Work to continuously improve staff competence, ensure ownership of all staff issues and speedy and effective conflict resolution
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement and inclusion
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification
Desirable:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
- We focus on Excellence and innovation.
- We are Caring and Compassionate.
- We are Inclusive and Trusted.
- We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full Job Description
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Service Manager to join our Mental Health service in Slough.
£41,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Our benefits include:
Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Contract Manager to oversee the successful delivery of our mental health services within the Slough area. This pivotal role is responsible for the operational and strategic management of all contracts in your designated patch, ensuring high-quality service delivery and positive outcomes for individuals with mental health and complex needs.
As a Contract Manager, you will lead and support a team of front-line staff, providing clear direction, performance oversight, and ongoing professional development. A key aspect of the role is fostering strong leadership and cultivating competence within your team to drive continuous improvement.
What you'll do:
Drive business planning activities within your contract, ensuring relevant and challenging objective setting and ongoing performance tracking, developing turn around action plans as may be necessary
Using sound financial and accounting principles, manage contract budgets to deliver on corporate and local contract financial targets
Successfully lead and motivate your team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
Work to continuously improve staff competence, ensure ownership of all staff issues and speedy and effective conflict resolution
Responsible for reporting all staff changes to HR and Payroll departments, as appropriate e.g. starters, leavers, additional hours etc.
Responsible for maintaining quarterly staff succession plans
Deliver effective, professional and commercially focused briefings and supervision meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting & communications flow up/down is effective
Responsible for managing and allocating customers to support staff (casework management)
For the full list, please see our website.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Ability to lead and motivate staff to deliver excellent services
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind
Excellent organisation skills
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
For the full list, please see our website.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience of managing contracts and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets
Experience of delivering to housing management performance targets
Experience of effectively managing and developing staff to ensure delivery of services performance targets within contract
Experience of successfully managing external partnerships to ensure successful delivery of services
Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other Business/Management Qualification
Desirable:
Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Do you want to help people in the Middle East free themselves from a life of poverty and injustice?
Since 1854, Embrace has been serving some of the most marginalised and excluded communities (of all faiths and none) in the Middle East. We support, enable and partner with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore dignity through: Education, Healthcare and Community Development programmes. Without our staff, this important work simply wouldn’t be possible.
We are looking for an outstanding HR professional to provide compassionate HR support to the whole organisation and play a pivotal role driving initiatives that improve employee experience, engagement and operational efficiency.
As Embrace’s People Advisor, you will play a pivotal role managing the full breadth of day-to-day HR matters and be a key contributor to creating an inclusive, diverse culture in which all staff can flourish and thrive in a hybrid working environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide day-to-day HR support and advice to managers and staff on a range of HR issues, including employee relations, performance management, and policy interpretation.
- Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring these reflect the Christian vision and values of Embrace the Middle East.
- Support recruitment processes, including drafting job descriptions, person specification, conducting interviews, and onboarding new staff.
- Manage Embrace’s HR digital platform and staff data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
- Coordinate training sessions and all staff coming together days.
- Contribute to the overall success of Embrace through championing HR initiatives that have a positive impact on the charity’s people and culture.
Skills, experience and professional qualifications required:
- CIPD qualified, level 5 or above
- Excellent understanding and application of UK employment law and best practice
- Experience of providing HR support for a remote and flexible working organisation
- Experience of working for a small to medium sized organisation in a HR stand-alone role
- Experience of managing a wide range of employee relations (e.g. disciplinary, grievance, performance improvement, dismissal, absence management), policy development and health & safety compliance
- Experience of managing staff recruitment, selection, onboarding and offboarding
- Experience of managing a cloud-based HR system, integrated with payroll, for the whole organisation
- Analytical skills to draw out useful information to inform reports and actions
- Ability to confidently and cogently influence and support managers at all levels
- Experience of contributing to the creation of a values-led, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture
- Experience managing and maintaining HR systems and reporting tools
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365, Excel, HR and payroll cloud-based systems
- Sympathy with the Christian ethos of the charity and commitment to serve Embrace’s faith inspired mission
Staff benefits at Embrace the Middle East:
- To support every member of staff to work as effectively as possible, Embrace offers remote and flexible working arrangements. This includes flexitime and home-working arrangements
- Flexitime - start work between 7:30am – 10:00am and finish between 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Our core collaborative working hours are between 10:00am to 3:00pm
- Pension - option to join from day 1. Maximum employer contribution of 10%
- Holiday - 32 days, including 8 bank holidays and a day off work for your birthday – rising to 33 days after 5 years' service and 34 days after 10 years' service, plus 3 days leave between Christmas and the New Year
- Life Assurance - 3x salary
- Access to retail discount portal
- Employee Assistant Programme (confidential counselling, legal and financial advice) - available 24 /7, 365 days a year
- Training and development programme for all employees
- Commitment to staff health & wellbeing
How to apply:
For further information and to apply, please visit our careers page.
Closing date: 27 June 2025.
Embrace the Middle East provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability. If you require any support during the application or interview process, please let us know in your online response via the link above. To monitor diversity in our recruitment practices you will be invited to complete an anonymous Equality, Diversity and Inclusion questionnaire as part of the application process.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position you need to have the right to work in the UK, either through nationality or relevant work visa.
The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and undertake a disclosure check as part of the Charity’s safer recruitment policy.
£35,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
The Senior Finance Officer (Purchase Ledger) maternity cover role will play a key part in the delivery of an efficient and effective payables service to the business and it's customers by ensuring invoices, expenses and regular payments are paid and accounted for correctly and promptly and in line with the purchase order process, policy and internal procedures.
This is a Fixed term contract for 12 months. This role is a Hybrid role and you will be required to be at the office 2 days a week.
What you'll do:
* Process Purchase orders and invoices onto the system, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and authorised as per policy and in line with purchase order procedures
* Process petty cash reimbursements in a timely manner
* Monitor the Purchase ledger mailbox, ensuring that queries and arising actions are dealt with, and invoices are registered on the system in a timely manner
* Act as Finance first point of contact on purchase order queries
* Prepare upload files for the weekly BACS payments as required
* Prepare ad-hoc manual payments as required
* Set up new supplier and system user accounts onto the purchase ledger system
* Process Purchasing card and Cash card applications
* Ensure the regular reconciliation of supplier statements
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage service-user involvement
* Excellent Communicator
* Approachable and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
What you'll bring:
Essential:
? Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage their own workload
? At least two years experience in a purchase ledger role
? Experience of working with a P2P system
Desirable:
? Experience of working in a Social Housing organisation
? Graduate or AAT qualified
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you excited to make a real difference in the local community? Our role of Foodbank Manager has overall responsibility for the operation of the foodbank, ensuring that we are able to meet the needs of clients facing food poverty crisis.
About Slough Foodbank
Slough Foodbank is a charity whose object is the prevention or relief of poverty in the United Kingdom, mainly in Slough and the surrounding area, in particular but not exclusively by providing emergency food supplies to individuals in need, as motivated by the principles of the Christian Faith.
Slough Foodbank believes that no one in the community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced, emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. In 2024, we gave out 12,147 food parcels. Sadly, this is almost double the number in given out in 2020. In addition to providing food and basic toiletries, we try to understand the situation of the people referred to us so that we can signpost them to other organisations where appropriate, in order to give a helping hand through a crisis.
Job purpose
We’re seeking someone who is called to lead through great teamwork, enabling us to continue serving our clients well, and fostering an environment of ‘can do’ and care. Our reach is culturally diverse and you’ll work with people who have varied experiences. You will have an eye for detail and be keen to see improvement across all areas of our work whilst recognising and embracing that the Foodbank is coordinated by a small team of employees and key volunteers who are supported by more than 100 volunteers. Are you the person we're looking for?
Main duties & Responsibilities
The manager has overall responsibility for the operation of the foodbank, ensuring that we are able to meet the needs of clients facing food poverty crisis. The role is wide-ranging and varied and responsibilities include:
· Primary contact for our parent organisation, Trussell
· Accountable to the Trustees, who have ultimate accountability for the Foodbank
· Volunteer and employee management
· Ensuring there are sufficient donations of food, toiletries, etc, and also financial donations
· Meeting clients’ needs through managing distribution of food parcels including oversight of the warehouse, distribution centres & signposting
· Recruiting and developing volunteers (and any approved employees)
· Building key external relationships with key referral agencies, local forums and networks
· PR & Communications – representing the foodbank externally, raising the profile of food poverty and lobbying for those in need
· Quality assurance & compliance
· Strategic leadership and process improvement
For more details, download the Manager Job Description in PDF.
Slough Foodbank is a faith-based charity but applicants of all faiths and none will be considered. The charity is motivated by Christian principles and has strong associations with local churches.
To help those in food poverty in Slough by providing food parcels and support, and to address the causes of food poverty.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate and curious about creating change in communities across the UK? We're looking for eight people to join our UK Portfolio Team as Portfolio Officers.
We have seven permanent roles available and one fixed term contract for 18 months.
At The National Lottery Community Fund, we are driven by our strategy, ‘It starts with community’ and its four community-led missions, as well as our equity-based approach to tackling poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.
The UK Portfolio supports the ambitions and potential of communities across the UK.We focus on scaling projects with a UK-wide benefit, through significant investments, which enable systems-level change for communities.Our funding is intended to complement the work of other country portfolios: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Portfolio Officers are at the core of what we do in the UK Portfolio and as we continue to develop in response to our strategy, we’re expanding our team. Our team is spread across the UK, and we're looking for people from a variety of locations within the UK.
This is a time of optimistic change and growth as we deliver our ambitious new strategy.
As a Portfolio Officer you will:
- Work closely with grant seekers to support them through our funding processes, assess their applications and write and present high quality assessment recommendations to our decision-making Panels.
- Manage grants using best practice, thematic expertise, and the experience of customers and stakeholders to improve our grant making and inform our decision making.
- Manage your own caseload, liaise with grant recipients, undertake project visits, identify, and manage risk and support organisations to deliver their projects and measure their impact.
- Ensure our grant management and assessment play an effective part in contributing to the Fund’s knowledge and learning as a grant maker.
- Use your critical thinking skills, curiosity, interest and understanding of our community-led mission areas to support and inform your approach to assessment and grant management.
- Be responsible for supporting people and communities across the UK, you will have a strong understanding of our vision, our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and our funding products.
- Work with stakeholders at different levels, represent the Fund at events, project visits and share learning from conversations, events, grant holder reports with the wider team so that we can maximise our impact.
- Work within the Fund’s policies and procedures and within the necessary legislation, in a way that is aligned with our values, visions and principles.
- At times, have opportunity to get involved in other work such as, helping to develop new funding products or contributing to cross Fund activities
- Support the effective running of team meetings and be responsible for ensuring our data is accurate and of high quality.
You’ll be joining a dynamic and welcoming geographically dispersed team, working with impactful and fascinating projects that are responding to and addressing a wide range of topics across the Fund’s four community-led missions.
We are looking for talented and proactive team players from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences who share our values and are passionate about making a difference through our funding.
Whether through lived or gained experience you will really understand the communities we work with. You could come to grant-making from a variety of backgrounds.
Whatever your background, the role would suit people who:
- are passionate about achieving social change and have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- have skills and experience in presentation and report writing and basic accounting and budget management.
- can apply their research, data gathering, insight and critical analysis skills to learn quickly about complex and nuanced issues.
- can synthesise complex information and present it to others in a clear and concise manner.
- can work flexibly at pace and to tight deadlines, using their initiative to manage their time working comfortably with competing priorities and deadlines.
- are adept at building and maintaining relationships with people from a range of backgrounds and job roles.
- are strong team players committed to sharing learning with their peers and the wider Fund to improve our processes and practices.
- are comfortable working with an online and geographically dispersed team.
- are comfortable learning and working with different systems and data.
You’ll report to one of our Portfolio Managers and work with other Portfolio Officers across different areas of the team.
The role requires occasional (once a month) travel across the UK to observe and critically analyse the work of applicants and grant holders.
Interview Dates: 14-17 July and 22-23 July
Location: UK Wide - We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidates. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: these are Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Newtown.
Please note that only up to two of these roles can be based in London.
Any questions about the recruitment process or if you’re interested in learning more about the role, we’ll be hosting two online briefings webinars on 16 June at 12:30pm and 20th June at 12:00pm.To reserve a spot, please contact recruitment (the email address can be found on the advert on our website).
On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below
Essential criteria
- Communication skills: Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills. Strong report writing skills to produce concise, written recommendations for assessment purposes to set deadlines, and with the ability to communicate complex ideas in an engaging and clear manner, tailored to different audiences.
- Analytical skills: Ability to absorb a wide range of information to make judgement-based decisions with confidence, offering challenge when appropriate and managing risk appropriately throughout the grant making lifecycle.
- Organisational skills: Ability to use your initiative and manage a complex caseload of assessments and grant management, dealing with competing priorities and deadlines and demonstrating strong organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Relational skills: Ability to build and nurture effective, collaborative relationships with colleagues, community organisations, customers and other external agencies.
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and the ability to apply this throughout the grant making lifecycle.
Desirable criteria
- Sector insight: Knowledge and understanding of communities and the voluntary sector in the UK, and the ability to spot trends and identify opportunities for our programmes at least across one of our four community-led missions.
- Continuous improvement: Ability to identify opportunities for learning and improvement across the team by taking a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Data and finance: The ability to understand and assess data and financial information including business plans and accounts, and present this in a way that it can be accessible for others.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about building safety and ready to lead from the front? This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact as the Building Safety Manager for YMCA Thames Gateway Group. In this role you'll have the exciting challenge of shaping and leading a team focused on responding to the increased importance of building safety and compliance. You'll oversee a diverse portfolio of 38 properties, ranging from hostels and self-supported accommodation to nurseries, youth centre, a gym, and a café. You will ensure the safety, compliance, and operational integrity of these sites, directly influencing the wellbeing of the communities and beneficiaries we serve. As part of this role, you will: Build and lead a team that responds to and manages safety and compliance issues across our properties. Influence change by embedding best practices in building safety and compliance. Be pivotal in ensuring a secure environment, meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining a community-focused approach. Join us at YMCA Thames Gateway Group and play a leading role in keeping our properties safe for everyone. This is your chance to shape the future of building safety within a mission-driven organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Consultancy work (Afghanistan Programme)
Terms of Reference for a Final Evaluation and Report
ToR
Consultancy work: Final Evaluation and Report
Commencement date
4 July 2025
Duration
c. 8 weeks (subject to change)
Accountable to
CAFOD Afghanistan team – Grace How and Kitty Chevallier
Overview: Conduct a Final Evaluation for a project entitled ‘Provision of humanitarian and livelihood support’, also known as ‘HELA’ (Humanitarian and Economic Livelihoods Assistance’). The 3-year project is funded by Misereor / Katholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe (KZE), with co-funding provided by CAFOD. It is implemented by two local partners in Afghanistan, in three provinces, between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2025.
CAFOD has been supporting local organisations in Afghanistan, including the two implementing partners for this project, since the 1980s to help tackle issues of poverty and injustice and to respond to humanitarian emergencies.
Background and Context
Project Brief: This project is a result of partnership and joint work between CAFOD and the consortium members. The project builds on CAFOD’s existing programming in Afghanistan which strengthens the capacity of at-risk households by diversifying their livelihood options. The project focuses on meeting basic needs as well as promoting inclusive development, with the objective of strengthening resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable. As the project approaches the final few months of implementation, CAFOD is seeking to engage an external consultant to conduct a participatory final evaluation for this project. This will evaluate how effectively the project has been implemented, its major impacts and lessons learned, and recommendations for future similar programming. It is expected that the final evaluation will have a particular focus on the consortium partners’ ways of working: the strength of their collaboration, the efficacy and suitability of monitoring and evaluation approaches, and the benefit of learning events and strategies used through the project.
CAFOD and our partners are working with the same target group throughout the duration of the project, not only providing humanitarian and livelihood support, but also raising awareness amongst participants of families' rights from an Islamic perspective. Over the past two decades, much work has been undertaken to empower Afghan households and enable them to exercise their agency. Partners are taking a variety of approaches to further these aims in the project.
Ultimately, the project aims to support and ensure that the rights of poor and vulnerable people in Bamyan, Kabul, and Kunduz provinces are upheld and they have increased agency in their social and economic development.
Directly, the project has been planned to achieve programme outcomes:
- The basic needs of targeted households are met.
- Targeted participants have improved resilience through diversified livelihoods.
- Targeted community leaders and members (male and female) are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to promote and uphold their rights from an Islamic perspective.
Project Target Group and Location: The project will reach a total of 350 participants in three provinces of Afghanistan (Bamyan, Kunduz and Kabul) with a combination of humanitarian assistance, livelihoods training and other activities.
Project Duration: September 2022 – August 2025 (36 months)
Scope of the Final Evaluation:
The purpose of this final evaluation is to assess the overall performance and objectives of the completed project, in relation to the specified objectives, logical framework, and work plans. The evaluation will examine the extent to which project outcomes have been achieved, the quality and sustainability of results, and the relevance and appropriateness of strategies employed and ways of working. This participatory evaluation will analyse not only what has been achieved, but how it was achieved, how it was measured, and what could have been improved. This will include an examination of accountability measures, and how participants and other stakeholders were engaged throughout the implementation process, including how participants were given the opportunity and encouraged to share feedback and help shape the design of the project. The consultant will make and explain recommendations for consideration in implementing future projects of a similar nature.
The evaluation should include a review of the project’s monitoring data, secondary documents, a workshop with staff, and some direct data collection from key stakeholders including targeted participants taking part in the livelihoods training activities, as well as their relatives and community members. Findings of the evaluation will be used to guide and improve future project design and implementation. They should be written up into a final evaluation report (no more than 30 pages) which will be made available to CAFOD, Misereor and both partners.
As well as assessing progress towards logical framework indicators, the evaluation should focus on capturing, documenting and assessing lessons learned to inform future project design and implementation.
The assessment will be conducted in close coordination with CAFOD’s Afghanistan team, including the Country Programme Representative, Programme Officer, and Programme Support Officer.
Objectives of the Final Evaluation:
- To assess the project and its effectiveness in meeting its three outcomes and supporting targeted Afghan households, through material assistance, livelihoods skill training and associated support, advocacy initiatives, and other activities.
- To evaluate the strength and appropriateness of the projects MEAL systems:
- To what extent did project monitoring and evaluation help track project progress and achievements?
- How effectively was participation and accountability built into project design and implementation, and partners’ ways of working with stakeholders?
- How effectively were learning opportunities used throughout the project (including peer learning and exchange visits, learning workshops, regular progress workshops, etc.)?
- To assess and review consortium functionality, partnership dynamics, and collaboration.
- To capture and assess key lessons learned from the project from various stakeholders including project staff, participants, civil society groups involved in the project, community leaders and other community members.
- To assess the sustainability and impact of project achievements, including:
- Changes in participants’ social and economic agency and participation
- Shifts in community attitudes and behaviours
- Capacity built among local partners and stakeholders.
- To produce a high-quality report, no longer than 30 pages, which will be shared with CAFOD, Misereor and implementing partners.
Deliverables and proposed deadlines:
- Develop a short inception report with proposed methodology, plans and tools for collecting data from stakeholders, for the final evaluation (1st and 2nd week of contract), to be discussed and agreed with CAFOD and partners.
- Gather data from relevant stakeholders (3rd and 4th week of contract)
- Submission of draft report (6th week of contract)
- Review and revision of report based on feedback (6th and 7th week of contract)
- Submission of final report (8th week of contract)
- Presentation of report to CAFOD and partners– date to be confirmed.
Methodology:
- The evaluation should adopt a participatory mixed-methods approach, beginning with a desk review before integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure that data collected is triangulated and can be communicated, explained and contextualised.
- It is expected that the consultant will combine surveys/questionnaires with structured interviews, FGDs and KIIs. Note that to enable the open and unrestricted sharing of opinions and information, the data can be anonymised where relevant and appropriate.
- Evaluation team members are encouraged to use innovative methods to collect and analyse data. The qualitative component will allow for more in-depth data gathering to gain more insightful findings from relevant target groups regarding their experience of the project and its impact.
- Data is expected to be gathered from key project stakeholders, including:
- Targeted participants (in vocational training, first aid training, and Local Leaders Committees).
- The midterm evaluation will be supported by two workshops: an initial developmental workshop in which the data collection methods will be discussed with CAFOD staff and representatives from partners to obtain feedback and input; and a feedback and validation workshop after submission of the draft report, to obtain input on findings and recommendations.
- The consultant(s) are expected to propose the most suitable method of sampling/randomisation and the sample size will be determined in collaboration with CAFOD and partners. Information shall be collected from across specified beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders.
- All data collected during the baseline study will be disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and location.
Ethical Considerations
The below ethical considerations will be adhered to during the midterm evaluation:
- The evaluation will be conducted by an independent and impartial external consultant.
- Quantitative data will be obtained from a randomly selected representative sample.
- Participation in the study will be voluntary, and individuals must be able to curtail their participation in the study at any time.
- The safety of participants and implementing partner staff will be paramount.
- Anonymity, confidentiality and safeguarding of study data (both during data collection and for data storage) will be guaranteed.
- There will be no risks and benefits for individual participants.
- The culture, norms and traditions of study populations will be respected and laws of the country upheld.
- Participation in the evaluation will involve no additional security or safety risks for participants, in light of the current context in Afghanistan.
- The content of the evaluation will be treated confidentially and only shared with CAFOD, partners and Misereor.
Required Competencies:
- A minimum master’s degree in social sciences or relevant field;
- Other training/certifications in thematic areas relevant to the project will be an asset (livelihoods, gender, behavioural change communication etc.);
- Other professional training on Research Methodology, Development Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation from recognised institutes/universities would be an asset;
- A proven track record of an ability to pragmatically apply in-depth knowledge and experiences of issues and practices in the fields of humanitarian, livelihoods and gender in Afghanistan;
- Strong computer and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical documents/ reports, conduct interviews as part of background research.
Demonstrable Skills and Experience:
- Record of publication of social research documents, evaluation reports, survey reports, study reports on livelihoods and rights issues is a strong asset;
- Experience of carrying out mixed-methods studies and evaluations and in producing high quality analytical reports (at least 2 recent reports should be submitted with the RFP);
- Strong background of statistical data analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages (in Stata or SPSS);
- Member of professional societies/forums (e.g. evaluation society) will be an asset;
- At least 6 years’ experience managing evaluations, baselines and/or assessments for community-based programmes, including since August 2021;
- Experience in delivering high quality assessments, research or evaluations for institutionally funded projects such as FCDO/DFID, EU or USAID;
- Experience working with and/or evaluating the work of national NGOs and CSOs in Afghanistan;
- A gender-balanced team (at all levels) is highly desired;
- Ability to adapt plans and approaches, sometimes at short notice;
- Fluency in English essential; ability to conduct interviews in Dari and Pashto essential.
CAFOD is committed to creating a safe environment for all project participants, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The consultant will be expected to follow these commitments and sign and adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following by 29 June 2025. Please see CAFOD website to email the documents requested below
- Updated CVs (lead consultant and associates if any)
- Technical proposal with proposed methodology and detailed work plan
- 2 examples of similar assessments, evaluations, research, analytical report writing in English
- Financial proposal: Up to a maximum of USD 14,000. This fee should include all consultancy costs, including data collection costs (travel, accommodation, food etc.) as well as all applicable VAT and Tax.
Submissions will be reviewed and scored according to a) the criteria and considerations listed in this Terms of Reference, b) the suitability of the project plan/method statement and c) value for money.
Management and Reporting Arrangements:
The recruitment and initial briefing to the consultant will be managed by CAFOD, in consultation with the project partners.
Both in-country implementing partners will provide logistical and administrative support and guidance, including supply of relevant documentation, and help with the organisation of meetings and interviews (the financial costs of this will be covered by the consultant). Additionally required costs such as refreshments for FGDs will be paid for by partners. The consultant will be responsible for working with partner staff to arrange interviews and field visits ensuring all relevant stakeholders are available at the place and time agreed; the consultant(s) will provide facilitation of workshops, FGDs, meetings and field visits.
Deliverables will be reviewed, appraised and accepted by members of CAFOD’s Afghanistan staff, in consultation with the relevant partner staff members.
Summary Timeline (subject to change):
19 – 29 June
Circulation of TORs and Invitation to Submit Quotations
29 June
Closing date for applications
2 July – 3 July
Interviews with short-listed consultants
4 July
Final consultant selection and contract signing
5 July – 4 August
Planning, document review and fieldwork
14 August
Submission of draft report to CAFOD
15 - 23 August
Review, feedback and revision of report
31 August
Presentation of report findings and recommendations to CAFOD, partners, and Misereor.
The selection consultant(s) will be expected to fully agree to comply with all relevant CAFOD policies during the contracted period including the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and provide references.
CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales tackling poverty and injustice across the world.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.